serving in california (hotels, home, minimum wage)

[sq.cubb]

I've posted before about moving to the California area, but in this thread I'm wondering if I can get some more information about serving in the state, as I know it's a completely different game and am wondering if it will still provide a livable wage.

Currently I work at Red Lobster in Michigan, where you get a wage at $2.65/hour plus tips, which vary. Check average is around $50, where you can expect about around 20% for the tip, give or take depending on the day. Working a weekend day on a double, I can expect to take home around $250. This information is for comparison. Just so you know, I do pay back a portion of this come tax time.

I am wondering how comparable this is to a similar check averages and/or restaurant setting and what type of customer I can expect. I realize people are people everywhere, but, like in Ohio, they are known for tipping terribly no matter the check size. Also, I am wondering how California's minimum wage of $7.50/hour plus tips affects take home or anticipated gratuity average. I realize this will vary based on the location I settle in, but input I can receive on more profitable places to work let me know (I know in some places restaurants attached to hotels are known for best profit, and sometimes are the worst places to make money).


tl;dr Tell me about your experiences being a server in California.

Thanks!