How much should you tip your restaurant server?

Question

Does it matter where you're eating at?

Answer 1

I found this rather interesting:

1)Tip 15% of the overall bill, minus the tax, in most cases. Depending on the service, 15%-20% is the common range.
2)Tip an extra 5% (a total of 20%) if the restaurant is a highly rated establishment or if a large party is dining and the gratuity is not automatically added to the tab.
3)Add the gratuity to the overall bill, which includes alcohol but does not include tax.
4)Consider scribbling a note on your check if you wish to acknowledge someone on the staff who went out of his way for you.
5)Leave a lesser tip if you are unhappy with the service. A word with the server, in addition, is also appropriate.
Tips & Warnings:
If applicable, it's appropriate to give the coat-check attendant, the ladies' room attendant and the men's room attendant one dollar. The parking attendant should receive a a tip of two dollars. Other restaurant help, such as the traveling musician, may be tipped as seen fit.
The word "tip," which originated in England, was originally an acronym for the phrase "to insure promptness."

***Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I can't believe some people actually think it's ok to tip $2-5 on a large bill! It's not that hard to figure out 20%. 15% is no longer a decent tip. If the service is good and you know the waiter worked hard to make you happy- give them 20%. If you can't afford that- then don't eat out.

Answer 3

If their lousy at their job = 0%

If their barely average = 10 - 15%

Average service = 20%

Above average = 25% +

I've worked in a few restaurants, so I've got a pretty good idea of whats, what on the serving floor.

If I wanted to make good tips, I did my job at 100%, at all times. The customers didn't have to ask for refills, or more bread, etc. and I didn't leave them stranded, after I brought them their meal.

I made out very well in tips.

Answer 4

No it does not matter. 15% to 20%. Servers make 2.13 an hour. The only reason I would tip less is if they had a bad attitude. Servers get "stiffed" (no tip) so many times because it's something beyond their control.

Answer 5

I tip between 18 and 20% of the bill, no matter where I'm eating at. If it's a $5 bill at IHOP, I usually throw in $2.

Answer 6

It is now customary to tip a minimum of 20% of your total bill. Some restaurants add a gratituity for larger parties, so there's no need to tip in that case. In a buffet style restaurant, you should tip 5 - 10%. If you're in a really nice restaurant (fine dining), you should tip 20% or more.

Answer 7

15% of your bill is the norm, but I like to tip more if I've been a needy customer or if I really like the server, if they had a good personality. Our tea glass should never be empty, if it is, then the tip starts going down.

Answer 8

u should always leave a tip of at least 15% if u like their service or somethin u can give them more. u can just bring a small calculator with u or u can buy a tip card. It is the size of a playing card and it shows a range of prices u paid 4 dinner and it shows next 2 the price the customary tip u should give.

Answer 9

It all depends upon the service. Basically, the sever has three responsibilities.
1. Take my order
2. Bring the order to me
3. Keep my drink glass full.
Of the three, the only one the server can really screw up in No. 3. If my drink glass goes empty for longer than 2 mins, there is no tip.
However, if the server is nice, or at least trying (I understand, everyone has a bad day). And my drink isn't empty, or the server apologies with out me pointing out her mistake-$5.00, no matter what the bill is.

Answer 10

Depending on how good the waiter or waitress was, between 15 and 20% is good. Some people don't deserve that much though.