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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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%