With grocery and food prices remaining high, it's no surprise that more people are opting to cook and eat at home. Dining out has become an occasional splurge, but for some restaurants, customers feel the price tag just doesn’t match the experience. Online tutor marketplace Preply analyzed 57,245 Google reviews across over 10,000 restaurants, using keyword analysis to identify spots deemed the worst value for money. Based on Preply's findings, here are 7 restaurants that diners have called a total rip-off.
Horn Barbecue In Oakland, CA
According to a 2022 profile in SFGate, Horn Barbecue has faced significant financial challenges and struggles with staff morale. Customers haven’t held back their criticism in Google reviews either. One reviewer, Miguel Angel Gil, shared his disappointment:
"I guess I got lucky that I didn't have to wait in a long line the day I went, but I'm never going back to this place. All the reviews about the food being mid while the prices are sky high are true. I ordered a sandwich with a couple sides and probably the worst cornbread I've ever had in my life, spending over $100. That's crazy expensive for just one person. Definitely felt like I got robbed. The food looks great—that's where they get you—but it tastes 5 out of 10, and the prices are a straight-up robbery."
Ocean 27 In Virginia Beach, VA
Ocean 27 has received mixed reviews on Yelp, with many customers expressing disappointment over the high prices and hidden fees. Jonathan C. shared his experience:
"We paid $73 for two people, and it was definitely not worth the meal we got. Cheap food tastes cheap, but it’s massively expensive. Gratuity at the time was 18% included. Be mindful when paying."
Brittany R. echoed similar sentiments, saying:
"The food was decent, but the bill was insane! They will charge you gratuity no matter how many people, take your credit card as soon as you sit, and add taxes, resort fees, etc. A bill that should've been around $70 ended up being $98.76!"
Docks on the Harbor In Baltimore, MD
Docks on the Harbor faced harsh reviews before unexpectedly closing its doors in December 2024, just over a year after opening in May 2023. An attorney for the restaurant shared a statement with WMAR-2 News, saying,
"We are deeply saddened by the closure of Docks on the Harbor, an independent small business that faced insurmountable challenges in a difficult market. The closure reflects the financial realities of running a small business in an increasingly challenging environment."
The brief lifespan of the restaurant highlights the tough conditions many small businesses face today.
Ocean House Waterfront Seafood In Virginia Beach, VA
Overpriced seafood restaurants seem to be a recurring theme in Preply's findings. Google reviewer Heather Keefer shared her experience, stating:
"Waitress was very nice. The crab dip was great. Everything else was terrible. They add a tip to your bill automatically. With the tip they added, it was $182 for 4 of us, and it was not worth it! That price was for crab dip, hushpuppies, 2 fried shrimp dinners, a cheeseburger, and kids' tenders. No alcohol. Fries were cold and old. Shrimp was chewy."
For many diners, the steep prices and subpar food leave them feeling shortchanged.
The Lookout at the Pyramid In Memphis, TN
The Lookout at the Pyramid in Memphis, TN, has drawn criticism for poor service and steep prices, despite its focus on southern-inspired comfort dishes. Reviewer Thomas C. expressed his frustration, writing:
"Not Recommend Way Overpriced They forgot all my steak toppings & gave me mashed potatoes instead of a baked potato. I let the busser know that the family restroom was out of paper towels, and he acted annoyed, just replying, 'The janitor will be around.' I thought it was strange that he didn’t inform his manager. For a $250 meal for four people, I would expect better service."
For many diners, the combination of high costs and disappointing service has left them unimpressed.
Ramen Shop In Oakland, CA
Customers of Ramen Shop seem to agree that while the food is decent, it doesn't justify the high prices. Reviewer Max B. shared his experience:
"$25+ for ramen, and it tasted average at best. The appetizers also tasted just okay and were very small portions. The servers were very nice, but the service itself took a while, and our appetizers came out before our drinks. Finally, there’s a hidden 4% fee on the check for their workers’ healthcare. I’m happy to pay that as long as it’s disclosed clearly on the menu, but it wasn’t, which felt like a shady way to squeeze extra money out of customers. With the extra 4% factored in, it’s really $26 for mediocre-at-best ramen."
For many diners, the combination of underwhelming food, slow service, and unexpected fees left a bad taste in their mouths.
Zazil In San Jose, CA
Diners at Zazil Cocina Mexicana in San Jose, CA, have taken to Reddit to describe the food as "bland" and "overpriced." Reviewer Javier Gutierrez shared his disappointment:
"The atmosphere was great, but the problem… the food. I had the enchiladas suizas, and I swear the sauce tasted like it came out of a can. I don’t mind canned sauces, but not when the tab is over $100. The only thing we liked was the guacamole—you can’t really get that wrong. We also tried one of the fish dishes, which wasn’t very good either. I knew we should’ve just gone a little further into San Jose to hit up a taco stand."
For many, the lackluster flavors and high prices overshadow the appealing ambiance.