noun
cover charge; table charge
A fee added to the bill at some restaurants and bars, often in place of or in addition to an appetizer charge (お通し).
この店はテーブルチャージが500円かかります。
This restaurant has a 500-yen cover charge.
テーブルチャージ込みで一人3000円だった。
It was 3,000 yen per person including the table charge.
Alternate spelling with a middle dot; less common in everyday use.
お通し is a small appetizer automatically served (and charged) at some Japanese-style bars, while テーブルチャージ is a flat seating fee common at Western-style bars and live houses.
チャージ料 is a broader term for any service or usage fee; テーブルチャージ specifically refers to a seating or table charge at dining/drinking establishments.
Loanword from English 'table charge'.