[Z3guy]

^ if you don't want to spend money on a nice dinner with wine and cocktails you should just stay home then. Do you think restaurants and bars just decided to gouge you? I would say 80% of restaurants make the owner a salary and less than 5% overall profit from gross sales. Sure cocktails were under $10 before, but have you seen real estate prices? Most restaurants renew their leases every 5yrs. Most businesses have seen their rent double over the past 5yrs. Construction costs are up dramatically, food costs are up, labour costs are up (hard to hire any kitchen help under $15hr). Also, most leases are triple net, hence it is the renter than has the pay the property tax. Business property tax downtown has gone up over 50% over the past 3 years.

Going out for dinner is about a great experience, sure it might cost more, but I would rather go out less and really enjoy myself instead of worrying about every cost when you are going out.