A Detroit-area woman recently shared her reaction to a restaurant menu on TikTok, pointing out the small price difference between a cocktail and a fried chicken entrée. The video, posted by a creator using the handle @onlysalafans, quickly drew attention for its commentary on dining costs.
The video opens with a close-up of a restaurant menu, focusing on the “COCKTAILS” section. An off-screen woman narrates her reaction to the listed prices. On-screen text accompanying the video reads, “This is the way of the world now I fear 😭,” setting the theme for her post.
The camera highlights several cocktail options and their prices, including “COOL FRONT | 18,” “OPEN WINDOWS | 19,” “DETROIT VICE | 21,” “TO THE NINES | 19,” “OUT OF THE WOODS | 19,” “DESERT ISLAND NEGRONI | 21,” and “ESPRESSO MARTINI | 19.” During this part of the video, the woman states, “This is mildly horrifying to me that a cocktail costs $1 less.”
The camera then pans to the “MAINS” section of the menu, revealing entrée prices. Items shown include “PINE HALL BURGER | 27,” “BLACKENED SALMON | 28,” “MAURICE SALAD | 24,” “BONELESS FRIED CHICKEN | 22,” “BISTRO STEAK | 39,” and “BUTTERFLIED TROUT | 33.” The woman completes her thought by saying, “than an entrée of fried chicken.” She then adds, “Pineapple.” The menu shows the “DETROIT VICE” cocktail at $21 and the “BONELESS FRIED CHICKEN” at $22.
The video concludes by panning up to show the restaurant’s name, “PineHall,” displayed on a sign through a window. The on-screen caption “This is the way of the world now I fear 😭” remains visible during this final shot.
Video highlights a $1 difference between a cocktail and a fried chicken entrée
The creator’s video specifically compares the price of one cocktail to one main course item. The menu shows the “DETROIT VICE” cocktail listed at $21. It also shows the “BONELESS FRIED CHICKEN” listed at $22. The creator points out that the cocktail is priced one dollar less than the fried chicken.
Other cocktails on the menu range from $18 to $21. Other main course items on the menu range from $22 to $39. The creator’s narration focuses on the comparison between the $21 cocktail and the $22 chicken.
The video was posted without a written caption. However, the on-screen text “This is the way of the world now I fear 😭” was displayed throughout the clip. The creator did not state the name of the restaurant in her narration, but the video shows a sign for “PineHall.”
The video has sparked discussion in the comments section about restaurant pricing. Several commenters shared their own perspectives on the cost of dining out and drinks. One commenter wrote, “You’re not paying for the alcohol, you’re paying for the experience…of being ripped off.”
Another comment noted, “And a Mocktail is $1 less than that.” A third comment stated, “This is why people don’t drink anymore. It’s so damn expensive.” A fourth comment added, “Then want a tip😭.” The high cost of cocktails is a common complaint, as one woman recently got free drinks with one bold question.
Other commenters focused on different menu items. One wrote, “my pet peeve is when the APPETIZERS are $17-$22. it’s not a meal ???” Another comment said, “And then they have the audacity to say Gen Z doesn’t WANT to drink.” Unexpected fees and charges on restaurant bills have also drawn attention, such as when a woman in Hawaii was charged a kitchen appreciation fee.
The video from @onlysalafans shows a specific price comparison on a specific restaurant menu. The creator’s stated reaction was that the small gap in price was “mildly horrifying.” The video and its comments reflect ongoing conversations about the cost of food and beverages at restaurants.
