Tipping at a restaurant where the food is expensive, but the service is just normal

[okeydokey]

If I order a meal that costs 10.00 and that is the clearly stated price on the menu then why am I expected to add 20% to that cost? this argument makes no sense! Life is about choices, you choose to wait tables then you are agreeing to be paid whatever the restuarant sets as it's hourly wage. Remember if it weren't for the customers they would not need anyone in the restaurant. The Europeans do this right, staff is part of the cost of doing business. Thankfully, the customer is not expected to pay for the staff!

That may be true in Germany but not in the US. You know ahead of time how it is in the US. If you are going to use a US restaurant then you need to get with with US program. I promise to do the same the next time I am in Germany,

 

[tomthebarncat]

That may be true in Germany but not in the US. You know ahead of time how it is in the US. If you are going to use a US restaurant then you need to get with with US program. I promise to do the same the next time I am in Germany,

When and if I ever live in the states again, eating out will be a rarity, as I do not patronize chain restaurants or fast food, but I will tip accordingly. Please come to Germany, this country is clean and quiet and the food is wonderful and so is the wine I love living here...and so does my dog!

 

[sydneysmom]

No, you are an expat who has decided that your adopted country's tradition is an acceptable excuse to dismiss a longstanding norm in your former culture.

Waitstaff in Europe are considered professionals and are treated with respect by both their employers and their customers. They make a good living wage and the sweetener you leave them is a polite way to indicate that the service has been impeccable. While I would certainly like to see the respect accorded the profession here in the US, the wheels of change grind slowly.

I'm sorry you have so little respect for the country in which you were raised and most likely educated. While it's obvious that you are most pleased with your new country's traditions and culture, you might well remember that we are partners in the world despite our differences. Your response is no less rude than the "ugly Americans" you so gleefully cite.

JMHO.

I totally agree with you on this one. Another thing i find interesting, if America SO much embarrasses you, why join in on conversations initiated in the United States? does it make you feel so superior to bash the United States or are you so incredibly insecure and pathetic that by bashing the nation that raised you, you feel so much more important and worldly ? If so, then congratulations and I wish you a wonderful life. Go back under the rock from which you crawled and leave our Nation alone. The conversation is regarding tipping, not bashing the United States. But, by your answers to other's comments, you've also proven that you thrive on trying to smash people and make others miserable. Take your misery elsewhere.

As for bashing my county, I take incredible offense to it. You don't like the US ? It's good you left then. Don't spread your garbage here.