Tips On How To Tip At Restaurants & Bars When Traveling In America

The Do’s And Don’ts And The Unwritten Rules Of Tipping

By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger

When my friend from Oz was visiting me in California, she was confused about how, where and how much to tip when we went out to eat and drink. Which was quite often, I must say.

She was about as confused as I was trying to figure out the coins when I went to Australia – unlike in America, the smaller coins are worth more than the bigger ones – and then when I saw this post on the Travel Community Facebook group page, I was compelled to write a story on the do’s and don’ts and the unwritten rules of tipping in America.

What’s the minimum? I read 15% – 20%. I hate having a lot of smaller bills or cash on hand. Is it ok to add the tip to my credit card? I read that servers don’t like that.

I understand that we should tip when served in a restaurant but it’s not necessary at a Starbucks. What about when you get drinks at a bar? Or when you’re at a buffet restaurant?

This is all so confusing and I don’t want to be that asshole that doesn’t tip.

The Basic Rules About Tipping In America

Basically, 15% is standard for a sit-down restaurant. If you go to a Starbucks or a walk-up place like a deli, toss the loose change into the tip bar. In bars, the general rule is a dollar a drink. But if you get a mixed drink, tip a little more the first time because you’ll get a stronger drink the next time. Many servers make minimum wage and survive on tips. However, if you get rude or bad service, know that you are not obligated at all to tip. Conversely, if someone is really good – say they recommend a dish that is out of the world – tip 20% or even more.

Tipping on a credit card is fine and widely accepted anywhere in America. The only exceptions are if you get a great server and really want to tip him or her big, it looks bad to their boss to put it all on a credit card, so lay down some cash. Also, with a cash tip, the server can just stuff it in their pocket (this way, they also don’t have to share it with other servers – keep reading for more on this) and so they do actually prefer dollars in their hands. But with so many Americans using credit cards, go ahead and leave your tip on it.

Tipping In Restaurants

As mentioned above, tipping is not a requirement. You are under no obligation to do it, but since it is part of the American culture, it is generally considered customary to leave a tip.

The amount can vary widely but also as mentioned above, 15% is a safe barometer while 20% is considered good. But frankly, anything more than 10% is really up to the server and not you. Here’s what you need to know:

• 15% is for standard, I-got-my-food-and-things-were-fine service. Nothing outstanding, nothing to complain about, either.

• 20% is for something above normal, such as the server told you about a special that’s maybe not on the menu, they informed you it’s last call to order with a Happy Hour about to expire, or they were just really friendly. Or heck, maybe you just liked the place, the person serving you and the food.

• More than 20% is for higher-end establishments or if the server was outstanding. One of my criteria is asking for a food recommendation and if what they suggest indeed turns out to be special, then I will likely exceed 20% on the tip. I also look at how often the server comes around to full up the drink glasses, to ask if we need anything, etc. Finally I tip on attitude – a good one anyway. That’s service, folks, and it deserves to be rewarded.

• 10% or less is for indifferent or crappy service. I just mentioned attitude. If I get a bad one, then the person is lucky to get 10%. If the food is cold, if the server disappears or just doesn’t want to be there, then reflect your dissatisfaction with a small tip. Or none at all. I’ve known people to try and send a message to the server about bad service by leaving a $1 tip, but I’m not sure that gets the point across to them. I just don’t go back to those places.

The amount you leave also depends on the type of establishment your in; at an upscale restaurant you’re going to tip more – at least 20% – than at a casual place where 15% is more of the standard. See below about tipping in fast food chains.

Tipping While Sitting At The Bar In A Restaurant

If I’m alone, I’ll always opt for sitting at the bar rather than a table off to myself. It’s way more social. The same tipping standards apply here even though you are working with a bartender and not a waiter or waitress: 15% is normal, 20% good.

Actually if. the bartender just kind of tosses a menu at you and walks away, then I’ll make a quick exit after eating and only tip 10% – or less. If the place is rocking and I know I’m going to be there for a while, I’ll hand him or her my credit card. When you give a credit card to a bartender, you’re giving them an unofficial sign that you’re going to be there for a while and order several drinks, thus increasing the tip in their mind.  However, if you do have several drinks, then it’s often cheaper to leave a tip on a card rather than tipping separately for each drink.

Tipping At Walk-Up Counters (Delis, Coffee Shops, Etc.) & Take-Outs

At these places with no waiters or waitresses, you will likely see a tip jar on the counter where you pay. This is where you put in your loose change. Say the bill is $3.50; pop the 50 cents of change into the tip jar. If you ordered food and a drink and like the service, make it $1-2; know that part of your tip also goes to the person making your food. The same applies if you are getting take-out from a quick-service restaurant.

Tipping At Fast Food Chains

There is no need to worry about tipping at places like McDonald’s or other fast food chains in America.

Tipping In Bars

This is the most difficult concept to grasp about tipping in America because it varies so much. In fact, as I am writing this, I realize it deserves a separate post. But I don’t want to leave you hanging so here’s the scoop:

• Tip $1 for beer or wine, $1.50 for a cocktail. The reason for this is that it takes more effort – thus, more work – to make a mixed drink than to pour a beer or glass of wine.

• I always like to tip more than the above on the first round. That way you get the bartender’s attention (“hey, I can make some good money off this customer!”) and you’ll get better service and likely stiffer drinks. You may even get comped a round. This is especially recommended in a busy bar when it’s hard to get the bartender’s attention.

• Tipping in bars, like restaurants, is dictated by the type of establishment you’re in; tip more in a high-end place than in, say, a dive bar.

• Tip more if you’re going to frequent a bar or be in it all night. This will ensure better service from the bartenders.

• Good-looking bartenders – girls in particular – get more money in tips. That’s the nature of the beast. Some dress in low-cut tops and flirt to encourage bigger tips.

• Always make sure the bartender sees your tip. At some places, bartenders often split their tips at the end of their shifts, so if you left a nice tip for one bartender, be aware that another one may scoop it up and put it in the jar. In this case, hand your bartender the tip money as he or she comes around your way.

Tipping At Hotels, Valets, Ride Shares & Cabs

There are other places where tipping is considered good etiquette in America. One is at hotels. At nice ones, a bellhop will take your bags up to your room and “show” you your room. The standard tip is $1 per bag…Valets generally get $2-5; watch them and see if they are hustling to get cars (many of them sprint to provide quicker service) or are taking their time. Remember, you likely paid extra to have them park and get your car for you…Cab rides are based on the distance and fare, but use 10% as a guide. Ride shares are a little different because you tip after the ride and not directly to your driver. Like a cab, base it on the distance and use the 10% “rule.”

If you are in Las Vegas and a hotel staffer gets you a cab, you tip him (or her) $1-2.

#tippinginamerica
#travel
#travelblog
#travelblogger