how much do you tip when dining out??

Answer 1

15-20%, depending on service.

Answer 2

Keep in mind that tipping in a restaurant has become a part of the American culture. A major part of the server's income is derived from tips. Most restaurants whether low end or even the fanciest do not pay much more than the local minimum wage. Since most people base the tip on a percentage of the bill, the tips will be higher at a more expensive eatery.

Like most of these answers indicate, a usual tip is from 15 to 20 percent. Many restaurants, by the way, divide the tips among all the employess, servers, bus persons, cooks, dishwashers, etc, because they ALL have a lot to do with a good dining experience. Rmember, that if your server makes a mistake in your order, or the chef fails to do the dish properly, or the bus person does not refill your water fast enough, if you decide not to tip, then you are, in effect, punishing the entire staff.

If ALL of these things go wrong, and your entire dining experience is ruined, then, no you shouldn't tip at all. But before you leave, speak with the manager and tell them why you feel your meal was not worth tipping for.

Answer 3

It depends on the service. I was a waitress, oh, sorry- server, for 7 years. I will never forget one customer. He sat down and placed 10 dollars on the table. He told me that this was my tip. He then proceeded to explain that he would take away a dollar for every instance in which I failed to meet his dining needs.

Having been a server, I take tipping very seriously and I belive that anyone who dines out should as well. What many people do not know is that most servers get little more than tips as a wage.

If I feel my server was attentive, considerate, and friendly I tip well, usually 20%. If my server was bad-okay 15%. I rarely leave less than that.

Answer 4

I use to tip 15% and if the service was really good 20%. Now I tip 20% and beyond if the service was good. I have come to realize that your waitress or waiter also has to split there tip with the bus boys, bartenders etc... and they are getting paid more than the servers are! Servers are also making less than minimum wage so they depend on those tips as there salary. Also if you can"t afford a decent tip then most likely you shouldn't be eating out at a restaurant. There are plenty of other food places to eat at were you don't tip. Be kind remember not all servers are alike and they also have many tables at one time to serve...

Answer 5

A few years ago 10% was the rule of thumb. Now it's more like 15% minimum. Take into account not only service(from the server, but also host/hostess; not including kitchen staff)but also how large your party was, if you have kids, how long you sat around after finnishing your food just chatting. As far as service look for promt drink refills and empty dishes being cleared in a timely manner more than how long it took to get your food after ordering. If you have a large party or kids, it's good to leave a little extra. Also if you sit around for 20-30 min just chatting, leave some extra. That's time the server could have spent on another table working for another tip.

I've worked in the business and know the ins and outs, so I like to give 20% usually. But that's just a personal opinion.

Answer 6

15%-30% Based on service and the type of restaurant. The only time to leave less is when your server was rude or unkind towards you. Your tip is generally all they are taking home as far as pay goes. The $2.65/hour that they are paid by the restaurant is normally taken by taxes. This is their way of making a living and there are many decent people who wait on tables, some are supporting families from that wage. If you leave less than 15% and there was nothing wrong with your service, then you are a piece of trash that shouldnt eat out! You are stealing from that server! If you cant afford a tip, then stay home or go to mcdonalds.

Answer 7

I leave 20% plus depending on the service. Servers get anywhere from $2.35 and hour and up in Wisc. and it is a very hard job especially if you are not a natural at it. If my coffee cup is always full and my water glass refilled I will tip better. The biggie for me is for the server to take away dirty dishes and check back within 3 minutes to make sure everything is alright. Some folks do not tip good if the food took to long or wasn't as good as they think it should be, which is B.S.. your server has nothing to do with that and if she does a good job she should not be punished for something the $10.00 an hour kitchen people screw up.

Answer 8

Traditionally in the United States, 15% of the bill is the amount of the gratuity. But people tend to give higher amounts (20%) for outstanding service, and lower amounts (5%-10%) when they don't feel the service was adequate.

At a buffet, some people leave a "per plate" amount, that reflects the amount of times the wait staff would have to come clear your placesetting. Others in that situation, just leave a flat rate per person (typically 1 or 2 dollas a person at the table).

For larger parties, many restaurants will add the gratuity directly on to your bill, typically at 18% of the total bill. You may leave extra if you wish, for outstanding service.

Answer 9

At least 10-12%, usually 15%, seldom more than 20%. I also try to tip any individual who does something extra for me or does an extraordinary job. Even if it's only $1, the food runner or cook appreciate being recognized.

If in doubt, err on the side of generosity. A reputation as a cheap tipper will ensure that you get bad tables and poor service.

Answer 10

It depends on the service. Superior service (i.e. top 5% of the time) I'll give 20-23%. Above average service I'll give 18-20%. Average service is a tad over 16%. Below average service is 14-15% but I'll usually round down to the nearest dollar. For malicious service (i.e. I was intentionally mistreated) I'll give between 5-10%, but I've only done that once or twice in my life. I'll never not leave a tip.

Answer 11

Always tip 20% unless the server is absolutely horrendous, then 10-15% is acceptable. If you are at a fine dining establishment, then 25% is good. Remember, these people make about 2.13 and hour.