Q&A for How to Tip Your Server at a Restaurant

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Should I still tip the bartender if I only had a few drinks?

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Expert Answer

When tipping at a restaurant, especially with bar tabs, ensure you tip the bartender separately. A standard practice is around $20, adjusted based on the number of drinks. Tip in cash to account for potential transfer of drinks to the overall check, impacting the server's tip. Some places have servers tipping the bartender about 15% at the end of the night to accommodate the inflated check average. However, tipping practices can vary, so inquire directly with your server or bartender for clarification.

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Question

How much should the "additional tip" be for a restaurant bill that includes a gratuity in its charges?

Community Answer

If a gratuity is added to your bill, it is unnecessary to leave additional tip. If the service was exceptional, you may add an extra tip that fits with your budget.

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Question

Is it okay to hand the tip to the waiter?

Community Answer

Yes, it is, because it seems polite, and they get a chance to really appreciate you. Leaving it on the table might result in people stealing it.

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Question

If gratuties are included in bill, how much extra should you give?

Community Answer

You don't need to give more if gratuities are included in the bill. However, some people will go up to 25-30% for great service. Most gratuities are probably 15-18 percent. Ask the amount of the included gratuity, and add the different between that and the percentage you want to give.

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Question

Should we still tip 20% on expensive drinks in a party of 4?

Community Answer

Yes. Most servers pool some of their tips with the bartenders that made their drinks. A lot of restaurants also make the servers tip out around 4% of their overall sales, to be divided between the busters, bartenders, food runners, etc. Beverages are included in the server's sales.

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Question

If there was an initial miscommunication about the tipping, can the customer come back and give an additional tip later?

Community Answer

Yes, you can go back within the next day and give the tip directly to the front register, explaining what had happened. Go back with the proper tip amount, especially if you had a good experience. The staff will be so appreciative.

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Question

If you don't really have a lot of money, but you want to leave a tip (say 10%) on a meal that cost $22, is the tip being rude? And if so, is there a way to let the server know the service was good even though the tip might not suggest it?

Joseph_85

Top Answerer

The best way is to come up with a set amount you can afford to pay before you go to the restaurant. Ideally, make this more than the expected percentage, and spend little enough that you can afford to pay the full tip. 10% is not considered acceptable, and you will be resented for it, regardless of your good intentions. In U.S. restaurants, tips are not simply a 'bonus' - they are the waiters' actual wages. Restaurant owners pay employees less than the minimum wage on the grounds that they can make up the rest in tips, and tips are very much what servers rely on for their income. It's a messed up system, but it's not the employees' fault.

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Question

How can I increase tips?

Community Answer

To increase tips as a waiter, make sure to check up on your customers frequently. It may be hard if you are busy, but inform them that you are busy and they might understand. Also, make sure that, no matter how long of a day you've had, you still have a great, welcoming attitude.

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Question

Do I include the taxes in the total amount for tipping?

David Rodriguez

Community Answer

No, taxes are a collection by the state not in any way related to the services. I would exclude it altogether as it has nothing to do with the product or service rendered.

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Question

A customer gave a 10% tip on the bill, but then gave me a handshake enclosed with a $10.00 tip. Should I take it for myself personally or put it in the tip box to be shared?

Joseph_85

Top Answerer

Tell your boss about how the tip was given to you and let your boss decide. You may be allowed to keep it on top of what you get out of the tip box, but the policy may be otherwise. It's not worth risking your job if you break the rules over $10.

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Question

Does everyone in a group have to tip, or is it just one person?

Community Answer

It depends on the group you're with, what the group is at the restaurant for, and who's picking up the bill. Discuss with your group if you're unsure.

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Question

If your bill is $57 with tax, and you want to leave a 20% tip on $53, what is the total amount you should leave?

Community Answer

Leave the tip on the total amount of $57 because generally you should count the tax. However, if you're insistent on leaving the tip on $53, then move the decimal one place to the left, for $5.30. That's 10 percent. Now multiply that by two to get 20 percent or $10.60.

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Question

What is the etiquette on tipping when a stranger pays for your meal? Do they tip or do I?

Community Answer

Offer to pay the tip as a courtesy. You are not obligated in any way, however, so don't stress about it if they take care of the whole thing.

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Question

I typically pay with cash, and do not get coin change. Does this impact how I tip my server?

Community Answer

No, it should not. The tip should be based only on the exact price of the meal, not how much you paid.

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Question

Do I double the sales tax for a tip when eating out?

Community Answer

You tip 15 to 20 percent of the total bill. Do not double the sales tax; sometimes that can be a dismally low and inadequate amount to tip.

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Question

Should I tip when buying a restaurant gift card?

Community Answer

It is up to you, but it is not necessary. However, being well mannered, it might be nice to do so. All the same, it is just a matter of preference.

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Question

Should I tip even if the service is very bad?

Community Answer

It is a good practice if you do. If the server wasn't very nice, it'll make them rethink their attitude since you've tipped them despite their behavior.

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Question

Do I tip on the total bill, including the tax?

Community Answer

It's your choice, but it's best to leave it on the whole meal, including tax.

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Question

What is a proper age to start tipping? Are teenagers expected to tip?

Community Answer

Teenagers can be the most demanding customers and often do not tip. If you are going out to eat at a restaurant, you should tip based on the practices of where you are, regardless of age. If you cannot afford a 15 to 20 percent tip in the U.S., consider staying home and just not spending any of the money at all, or ordering in a way so that you can afford to leave a tip.

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Question

Do I calculate the tip on the final amount, minus the sales tax?

Community Answer

Yes; the tip should be calculated on the amount of the final total before taxes.

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Question

How much should you tip at a restaurant if your friend is a server there?

Community Answer

Just do 30%. I'm sure they will be cool with that. I am a bartender and server; I have friends come in all the time and I'm happy with 30%

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