How much do you tip?

[lecach]

How much do you tip when you go out to a table service restaurant? DH and I and everyone we know and dine with tip 15% unless the service is exceptional - then we'll tip more. But I notice a lot of people on here tip a lot more than that. Does it maybe have to do with geographic location?

 

[jrydberg]

With me, it depends on the restaurant. At a more expensive restaurant, I'll tip 15%, more for excellent service. At a cheaper restaurant, I'll likely tip a higher percentage since the bill is considerably less to begin with.

 

[vacanut]

I tip between 15-20% depending on service.

 

[BillSears]

I'm not certain but did you mean for the last one to be 20% or more? I chose other because I tend to tip 20% plus.

 

[AllyandJack]

I always follow the 2 for every 10 rule unless service was particularly good or bad, then I adjust up or down.

I'm not that great with math, so it's easier that way.

 

[Minnesota!]

I agree with BillSears. 20% is my MINIMUM.

 

[coliebird]

I tip 20% and I usually round it up so it comes out to be slightly more.

 

[snoopy]

20% unless the service is either really bad or really good.

 

[mom2boys]

20% is the standard minimum in my area. Since our state tax is 5%, we simply multiply the tax by 4. If the service is really good, we will tip a bit more. If it stinks we will lower the tip to 15%.

 

[powellrj]

I'm not certain but did you mean for the last one to be 20% or more? I chose other because I tend to tip 20% plus.

I agree. I usually leave a little more than 20% unless the service has been awful.

 

[ktglads]

I double the tax. Easiest way to tip. Its about 16.5% now, but much easier than trying to figure out any other percentage. I will give less if the service is horrible, but that has only happened a handful of times (like disappearing for the entire meal, no refills on drinks, missing half the meal, etc.)

 

[Tigger_Magic]

I tip 15% minimum; more if the service warrants it.

 

[Free4Life11]

I usually do about 20% but always round up.

Also, I tip more if the waitress is exceptionally cute. And if she's hot, she get's even more

 

[Cebhfhionn]

I'm not certain but did you mean for the last one to be 20% or more? I chose other because I tend to tip 20% plus.

Me too! Only I chose other because unless the server really irritates me and gives horrible service they always get at least 20%.

Having been a waitress for quite a few years myself, I really appreciate how hard the job is and how much the tips are appreciated(by most, anyway.)

 

[aprincessmom]

It depends on the service. Average service gets 15%. Good service is 20%. There have been a few times where the service has been just superb and I've left a fairly substantial tip (almost half the bill).

As a former waitress, I know how hard it is to get everything firing on all cylinders...you are at the mercy of the kitchen most every night, the service staff (bus and hostesses) and the customer at all times so good service can hard to provide. When I get it, I know what it takes to get it and I reward the waitress/waiter appropriately. Also, I know that the more service help there is (bus boys/girls, hostess, bartender, etc.), the more your tips get diluted. When I waitressed, the standard was 5% of your total to the bus boys, 5% to the hostess, 10% to the bartender, and 10% to the sommelier. So off the top I lost 30% of my tips to others in the restaurant. Another reason that I'm a bit more generous than the majority.

 

[puffkin]

I generally try to tip 20% for good service. The waitress/waiter guarantees themselves a 20% tip if they bring me a drink refill without my needing to ask. That is one of my main criteria.

If service is awful, I leave 10%. If it is passable, but subpar, I leave 15%. If it is excellent I leave slightly more than 20%.

 

[zurgswife]

Usually 20% or more...unless the service is really bad then it varies...

 

[parrothead365]

It really depends on the server. If they tried hard and were polite I will always tip at least 20%(before taxes). These folks work hard for their money. But if they just sling the food in front of you or forget you even exsist, then it drops to 10-5%. I will not ever stiff a server.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I use 15% as a base and go from there. Good service, regular refills, friendly and good attitude even if they're busy, the tip will be more. Poor service, unseen for long periods, bad attitude, the tip goes down.

 

[Tea Please]

I'm not certain but did you mean for the last one to be 20% or more? I chose other because I tend to tip 20% plus.

Me too