How much tip in NYC restaurants and diners?

Question

I come from Europe where service is already included in the price you pay, where servers get a full pay for their job and where a tip is given only for a service that was exceptionnaly good. So, I have very few insights on how much I should tip and in what circumstances. I know the rule for the drinks in the bars: 1 drink = 1 $ tip. I know the rule in the restaurants: tip = 2 x the tax. But I'm not sure if this applies to every kind of restaurant. For instance, do you tip in the diners? And if no, how can I indentify a restaurant in which tip is required before the waiter yells at me out of rage...

Answer 1

The $1/drink rule is pretty common. The low end of the tipping scale is at about 15%, 18% is more common, 20% is a good tip. Tip more if you feel the service was above and beyond. And, yes, this is in all types of establishments whether a high end restaurant or a diner. No need to tip for fast food/lunch carts, etc.

Also, remember that 2x the tax isn't always a good rule. Some cities have a 7% tax, which is only a 14% tip. I always tip 20%, so take the subtotal, move the decimal to figure out 10% and double it.

Example:

Sub-total - $48.00

10% is $4.80, so I double that = $9.60 (I would round this up to $10 if paying cash) giving a 20% tip.

Have a great time!

Answer 2

The tip is left when you pay your check.
In inexpensive/moderate restaurants (diners and coffee shops included) a 15% tip is fine (just double the tax on your bill and round it off - if you double the tax, it comes to about 16%. In a more expensive restaurant, I leave at least 20% - 25% for outstanding service. No tip is necessary in a self-service restaurant like Burger King (unless it's a buffet and the dirty dishes have to keep being removed - check the bill for those - they often include the tip. Also, many restaurant include the tip for a parties more than six - they have to post a sign to make you aware of that).
No waiter is going to yell at you - we don't leave a tip until the meal is completely finished and the check has arrived.

Answer 3

At a bar, it's $1 per drink.

At a restaurant where you are served at a table, the standard tip is 15-20% of the total of a check. This goes for diners to the fanciest restaurant. (15% is for satisfactory service, 20% for service that was better than satisfactory - you were pleased.)

The only restaurant you don't tip in in the US is fast food, ie you order and pay at the counter, take your food to the table and clean up after yourself.

Answer 4

It is common across the US to tip 15% for average service or 20% for excellent service. Tip is expected at any eating establishment where you have a waiter/waitress. Same tip scale goes for bartenders if you go to the bar or $1 a drink is a good rule too. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

For restaurants in NYC I'd go with 20% at least. For the diners maybe 15% and don't leave coins. Servers hate a pile of change.

Answer 6

Olive Garden??? Seriously? I hope that was a sarcastic answer. If you are looking for an inexpensive Italian place with a diverse range of pastas, cheap, decent house wine, try Il Corallo Trattoria in Soho at 172 Prince St. Most pastas are under $13, my favorite being the farfalle di spiaggia (lobster, cream, avocado, etc.)

Answer 7

I always tip 15% of the bill, no matter where. Sometimes more depending on the service. Or less, if the service was awful

Answer 8

when you get your bill, just double the tax amt. on the bottom of the bill, tax rate is 8.75% x 2 = about 18% thats fine ! leave it at the table with your check, or pay at the cashier (Diner) and leave the tip on the table when you leave, don't put any money in the tip cups at Dunkin Donutes, they don't get tipped for handing you a cup of coffee.

Answer 9

Depending on service 15-20% of th bill.

Answer 10

15% of the entire bill is average. If you liked your server, give 20 or more. Have fun!