Tipping- the never ending story ;)

[Freyja]

Do you usually tip the same % in table service restaurants and at buffets?

I usually tip 20% at TS restaurants but have to admit I sometimes find that to be quite much in buffet restaurants where I go get my food, salad, desert etc. and the waiter only brings me drinks (usually no refills at our table). Depends on the service/attitude of the waiter though.

 

[ducklite]

It depends on what the server does and their attitude, but usually I leave 20% at buffets and 20% or more at full service places.

Anne

 

[lovindonald]

I usually do 20% at a regular restaurant but at buffets, I do about 15%. You are tipping for service and if you are doing most of the work, you don't need to tip as much. We have a buffet place here where you even get your own drinks. They have people who pick up the dirty dishes only. I still tip there but only about 10% since they aren't doing anything for the meal other than the dishes.

 

[dougsmom98]

I leave 20% for both. When I have gone to a buffet, the server is often the same one that clears the plates and that is a lot of work for them.

 

[4eyedbuzzard]

I tip less at buffets.

 

[swilshire]

I tip 20% for decent table service, a little more if it's exceptional. I tip 10% for the usual buffet fill a water glass and drop off an extra plate. If the service is good, I might go to 15%.

Sheila

 

[Disneydreamer5]

I have been waitressing since high school off and on as needed.
I have to say honestly , there is no right or wrong on this subject.
20% is excellent stanard to go by for sit down service and as for buffet I would have to say it all depends on what your server does. If all they do is bring you a glass of something to drink and nothing else why in the world would you give them a huge tip? That just silly.
Now if they are filling your glass often, clearing plates over and over and coming over often to check on you to see if you need anything, then I would say tip them alittle more.
Remember the old saying when eating out.......
always be kind to the people who are handling your food!

 

[wayneg]

They have to do more work at a buffet for us. At a sit down meal I will have 2 courses, all nice and easy for them. At a buffet I will not pile lots of food on a plate and can easily go thru 6-8 plates and dishes in a meal. I only have one refill either place. I think buffet tables are left a lot messier to clear away, another thing is Buffets tend to be a little cheaper, especially offsite so the the amount you leave is lower. 15-20% anywhere for us.