tipping question (to buy, restaurants, costs)

[amandamichigan]

Hi I am new to the area and before my husband and I go out, we were wondering what the average tipping rate is here for typical restaurants. We dont want to over / under when going out thanks!

[Verio]

Originally Posted by amandamichigan

Hi I am new to the area and before my husband and I go out, we were wondering what the average tipping rate is here for typical restaurants. We dont want to over / under when going out thanks!

While I have a very conservative view of tipping, it's about normal with the rest of the country. I tip 15% and either go up or down from there based upon service.

[ged_782]

I've noticed a number of restaurants here add an automatic 15% gratuity to the check for large parties (usually six or more people). So I guess 15% would be considered "average".

In my family, we usually tip about 20% for good service.

[TaDsMom]

20% if the service was good but 15% if not. If it was totally bad we give 10% and give the benefit of the doubt that the waitress is new. You don't want to give too much and make her/him think that they can give bad service and still make an ok tip. But reward nicely if they were good and you can request to have that same waitress the next time you visit! Have fun!

[sapphire]

Be prepared to see a tip jar EVERYWHERE you go. The kid at Starbucks wants a buck or two for handing your latte over through the drive-thru window. And he deserves it, by golly. Want an ice cream cone, that already costs about $7? Just make it an even 10!

We're 20%-ers at restaurants. Not at Starbucks, though.

[Verio]

Originally Posted by sapphire

Be prepared to see a tip jar EVERYWHERE you go. The kid at Starbucks wants a buck or two for handing your latte over through the drive-thru window. And he deserves it, by golly. Want an ice cream cone, that already costs about $7? Just make it an even 10!

We're 20%-ers at restaurants. Not at Starbucks, though.

Ugh this is so true... at the Taqueria that I order breakfast at in the morning, the lady used to think she can keep my 30 cents or so. I gave her an odd look the first time she didn't hand me my change back, lol. They don't do it anymore though.

[nmnita]

REgardless to where we are, we usually tip 15 to 18%. I will not tip the guy, at the counter that gives me my Starbucks, or my Burger King.

NIta

[apal]

15-20%, unless it's at starbucks or a to-go order.

[TexasRedneck]

Guess I'm too old....I tip @ 10% base. Good service gets 15% (pretty easy), great service gets 20% (fairly often) - and can go up from there. Now, you fail the basics (such as refilling a drink, or really screwing up an order) and you'll get a penny. Doesn't happen often, but it DOES happen. Some wait staff has zero idea of how to take care of a customer - like when I'm looking for a drink refill, and our waitress/waiter is too busy chatting w/friends or coworkers.

[BamaSailor]

Whatever YOU think it should be. Its a little something extra for a service that you appreciated. Its not a price to buy a service or an item.