My husband and I were talking about this at dinner last night. If you can afford to eat out, you should leave at least 20%, more if the meal is inexpensive, and service is good. If you have $40 to drop on a meal you should support the person serving you.

I am friends with several servers and bartenders and I can assure you that they work hard for their tips. Their hourly pay is very low and the rely on these tips to make their financial life possible. Good service makes the “getting out” experience so much better and my minumum is always 20% and many times higher than that based upon how high that bar of quality service was raised.

It depends on the service, the better the service the better tip. What I don’t like is restaurants that figure the tip for you and put it on the bill. When I usually leave cash, even if I do use a card. That way the server gets the whole tip. If they’re really honest they can out it on their 1040.

As a “service based” job, you depend on your tips. If you are not a bend over backwards type person who has thicker skin, this job is not for you. I will tip accordingly to the level of service. You must also take into account weather it was the kitchen’s fault for a problem. Don’t always take it out on the server. We don’t eat out much anymore with the high prices out there. I enjoy cooking gourmet meals at home for half the price of out.

Oh…20% or more, for good service.

As a server myself, I have to say 15-20% is the norm. However, it is understandable that sometimes a server does not deserve that. When I go out and the service is good I tip more than 20%. I know that a good tip can make a big difference for some people. Also know that servers remember good and bad tippers, and when and if you return to that restaurant you are usually served accordingly!

Sadly, I also see people leave $3 on a $35 bill, $5 on $50, when the service was great, that is NOT okay. Servers work for tips, as a student, tips are how I am able to support myself. If you cannot afford to tip for the service you were provided you SHOULD NOT go out to eat, simple as that ! Also remember somethings are out of servers’ control and you should not stiff them because of something the kitchen did wrong, while the serve makes nothing from the table the people in the kitchen still make their hourly wage.

$1 per beer, 20% at the resturant and 5 bucks for the lady who cut my hair. thats how i do it, your welcome St.Louis