Etiquette for you Diners out there

[buddhaspray]

How to Behave in a Restaurant

Let me start by saying that I'm a good server. Not the best, I could name better. But I do a damn good job 9 out of 10 times. I know this because I generally bring home 25% in tips which amounts upwards to $1500 a month. I get complimented often and I try to take care of people as well as I would want to be. I'm

Comments

[ivorylineslead]

THANK YOU. i would say exactly the same. and i only got $2.13/hr. i love those people who pay for their entire meal in free coupons and tip you less than 10%... fuckers.

now i'm a dishwasher in the dining hall on monday nights, and i could write a book about how disgusting people are when they don't have to clean up their own mess. i could've after steak 'n shake, too. christ, i go out with stephen now and i won't let him tear his straw wrapper into tiny pieces and leave it on the table because someone has to clean that up, and at steak 'n shake, that would be me. i was the table-bussing champion.

♥

[buddhaspray]

i know what you mean, ugh. bussing tables sucks teh ass. i usually bus my own because it gives you a quicker turn around which = more tables. and the things people do - spilling shit all over because they think its funny, leaving nasty cigarette butts everywhere. ugh.

*love*

[gingerannef]

Is the standard tipping rate 18%? I always thought it was 15%...I usually tip 20% and round up though. I think I forgot to tip a guy once at Mel's Diner (I still can't remember if I did) and I was mortified the rest of the day and beyond because I thought he might think I was a jerk.

[buddhaspray]

in the last few years it's become more standard to tip 18-20% because the cost of living goes up whilst our measly wage stays down. but there's not a single server out there who's going to balk at 15%. believe me, we're definitely happy with anything over 10. most people don't understand that the IRS expects us to make at least 10 percent of our sales in tips. the restaurant we work for expects us to make and claim 15. we get taxed on the food you guys buy which is why the tip rate goes up. but yes, anyhow, 15 is nothing to scoff at. just at most fancier restaurants (the ones that include gratuity for parties and such) will charge 18 automatically.

and as for that guy - if he knows that's not your par for the course, he probably didn't give it two thoughts. i think everyone knows you're a sweet heart. :D

[gingerannef]

I went to a ritzy bar for my 21st and tipped 20%, I think...$2 for each drink since they were $10 each. I keep feeling like maybe that wasn't enough though. I can't believe you guys don't even get paid minimum wage because they expect people to tip you enough, that's ridiculous. It sounds like you are doing a super awesome job though.

Aww thanks. :)

[blxxdywhxre]

I'd applaud, but you're so far away, you'd probably not hear it. Oh, I'd be standing too. ^ ^

[buddhaspray]

i'd bow.

[pontelon]

Kudos. I should write something up about going to retail places...because people are socially retarded about that as well as eating at a resturant.

Hope you are doing great. Bye!

[buddhaspray]

it was mostly me venting in response to some really badly behaved people. but i know what you mean - i've seen some crazy rude encounters at walmart and such.

love you!

[__iamthescene__]

this one time we had a waiter at denny's, Sid, and he was so awesome we left him something ridiculous like $25.

[buddhaspray]

you probably made his week.

:D