How to Know How Much to Tip in Restaurants and Bars

Don't get indigestion trying to figure out who to tip the next time you dine out. Rely on these guidelines from etiquette experts.

Step 1: Know the general rule
Remember that tipping is voluntary –you are under no obligation to reward bad service. On the other hand, don't forget that many workers rely on tips to supplement low hourly wages, so don't stiff someone for no reason.

Step 2: Take care of your server
Tip your server 15 to 20 percent of the bill before tax – less if your service was unsatisfactory. If a sommelier helped you choose wine, tip them 10 percent of the cost of the wine or $20, whichever is less. No need to tip at a buffet unless a server brought you something, in which case 10 percent of the bill is sufficient.

Tip
Don't penalize your server for problems with your meal caused by the kitchen. Voice your concerns to the restaurant manager instead.

Step 3:
Don't try to bribe the maitre d' in the hopes of getting a table without a reservation or cutting the line; it's considered bad manners, especially if you're obvious about it. But you can slip them a little something to try to ensure good service. And it's perfectly fine to reward the host with a $10 or $20 "green handshake" on your way out.

Tip
The trick to greasing a palm is to pass a folded bill, with the denomination visible, out of the sight of other patrons.

Step 4: Tip the attendants
Give $1 per coat to the coatroom attendant unless there's a fee, in which case there's no need to tip. Tip the restroom attendant at least 50 cents for each visit.

Step 5: Take care of your bartender
If in a bar, tip the bartender or cocktail server $1 per drink or 15 percent of the tab, whichever is less. Tip a bit more if the bartender had to make drinks involving blenders or shakers. And tip even if it's an open bar.

Step 6: When in Rome…
When traveling outside the U.S., check what is customary before dining out. Some countries automatically add a service charge to restaurant bills; others expect far less than the 15 to 20 percent that is the norm in the U.S. And in a few places, like Japan, a tip is downright insulting!

Did You Know?
One theory on the origin of tipping is that the word "tip" is an acronym for the phrase, "to insure promptness," and comes from the 18th-century practice of leaving a few coins on a restaurant table before placing an order.

[Kanru]

Tipping is stupid. It should be the job of employers to pay thier employees enough. I'm a teacher and I dont get tipped even though I'm providing a service just like a masseuse or barber. Why do some service providers get special treatment while others don't? Also arent you paying for the service of a massage? Are you also tipping for the same service? Do I have the prerogative to not do as good of a job teaching if my students don't give me extra money?
BTW tipping for cracking open a beer doesn't deserve $1. You're already paying for the seat at the bar with the inflated price.

[tidusfantasy]

this is so useful..thanks for making this video

[Tihbialdunav]

@ewanfraser, since you are giving advice here, you should know a credit card tip often doesn't reach the server. Many restaurant owners withhold apercentage of it, and so does the government. Always tip in cash.

[GREGORYABUTLER]

I have friends who work in the hospitality business, so I know that if you put the tip on the table in cash, they'll definitely get it, but if you put it on your credit card, the boss might end up stealing it!

[nickpalumbo]

Very informative thank you. Hello from 2024

[ShadowsDML]

In my country we don't have that habbit we olny tip if the service was completely awesome

[JustoBlondo]

I usually tip two dollars or whatever amount to make it even. Ex: $12.75, I tip $2.25 or $3.25 if they are excellent. Is that good? I'm never sure what is "20%" lol

[clerickolter]

I always tip 8% of the check without taxes and the price at the normal menue price if using a coupon to the penny, I keep light change so I give them exactly 8%.

[Ackster]

When I'm at a bar, I tip based on a combination of quality of service and difficulty of the drink. The cost of the drink itself doesn't enter into it. Opening a beer or pouring a shot isn't more difficult or time consuming if you order top shelf.

If I order a beer, and the bartender reaches into the cooler directly in front of me, pulls a beer out, opens it and sets it in front of me, that is NOT worth a dollar tip. And I don't care if they charge 5 bucks a beer.

[Mark-qghm]

Step 1: Subtract the tax from the bill. You shouldn't tip on the money you give government
Step 2: Subtract the wine from the bill. The waiter doesn't get tipped on the service the sommelier provides
Step 3: Round down to the nearest $10 of what is remaining
Step 4: Multiply by 0. Tipping is for suckers

And there you have it!

[akin]

Japan sounds nice right about now. This is coming from a guy that regularly tips 20%!

[dunnodatruth]

Why TF are we tipping on total amount? After all, about six months ago thatb$75 meal would have gotten approx. $15 tip. Today, because of Brandon, that total is at least $110 and would get a $22 tip (approx.). The service didn't change, however.

[danilprimmer]

In London Resturant owners take the service charge, so service is not Tip

[Tihbialdunav]

@GREGORYABUTLER, the owner has to declare all credit card tips on your SSN, so 35% of them go to IRS, which means you owe the money you made come tax season. Yes, credit card tips are terrible: a server gets punished every time.

[missnaomi]

@EurekaTrustson42 No.. In America servers get paid about $2.13 per hour in most states, although some states allow wages up to $5... But that is taxed, and it's used to tax your tips... What's the point? The point is my check for 40hrs worth of work is about $80 after taxes, and half of that I never see as it goes straight to insurance... If nobody tipped me I would pretty much have to live off of $40 per week... That doesn't even cover the cost of the gas I use to get to work.

[fosterslover]

@EurekaTrustson42
If you have some complaint about your food, take it up with the cook, not your well-meaning server. You have to understand that most waiters/waitresses don't get payed an hourly minimum wage because they're expected to cover the difference in tips. You don't have to reward bad service, but by not tipping at all, you're denying some hard-working people a livable wage. Sorry for the belated reply, but it annoyed me that this was voted the top comment.

[GREGORYABUTLER]

0:42 "...if a SOMALIAN helped you choose a wine" - funny, that guy doesn't look Somalian!

[clerickolter]

I suggest tip exactly 10% to the penny on the check, that is for me fair. If servers need more that is up to the boss.

[GREGORYABUTLER]

And even if the boss doesn't take it - the IRS will, as you pointed out!

[Tihbialdunav]

20% is the standart in USA, less means service was bad.