I think I'm a little bit biased... I'm really bad about over-tipping, especially after a couple drinks. Generally, for bad service at a restaurant, I will tip exactly 15%. If the server is extremely busy and I can tell that they're working hard, I'll give them a few extra bucks for the effort. Great service gets 25% or higher.
I think that at a bar, tipping $1 per drink is okay. $2 per drink is better. I usually start a tab wherever I go, and will typically tip 20-30% depending on how well I was treated.
Yeah, I think it's fine to tip decently if you can tell it's not the server's fault, or they're new, or the place is just packed and they're stretched thin. But if they're asses, forget it. The one that stands out the most in my mind was this dickhole at Chi-Chi's in Greenwood. Justin and I went there, and I'm sure this guy looked at us and thought we were teenagers that wouldn't tip, so he didn't make the effort to do anything. No refills, not friendly, took forever to get silverware, etc. Well, dude became a self-fulfilling prophecy, because dude got a 10 cent tip.
Steph (formerly Gelo Steph) said that she gives the bartender a huge tip on the first drink and that ensures they'll be back for the next rounds, where she gives them $1 or $2 per drink after that. I thought that seemed like a good policy, but then again, I'm not a bartender.
i don't tip on takeout, unless i'm getting a big order. rarely at starbucks or on my frozen yogurt or at my once-a-week salad shop.
but dinner/drinks? ALWAYS. especially if i use a credit card. whether its a restaurant or a bar, i try to leave it in cash because that's easier for the waitstaff. but if i can't, i usually leave more on the card. i was told $1 per drink, but if the service is good you'll do more.
i think new yorkers in general are pretty decent tippers. especially with crap like bottle service -- mandatory 20% gratuity on bills ranging from $350 - $2,000!
Rob always tips at Starbucks, but I think that's because he used to work there. He also tips at Baskin Robbins.
We had bottle service at Lulu's, but no one ever took advantage of it. I didn't know there was a mandatory 20% gratuity in New York... is that only for parties of 8 or more?
nope, ANY time you order a bottle it's a mandatory 20%. doesn't matter how many people are there. and at some bars, if you use a credit card they put a mandatory tip on it. parties of six or more usually get the mandatory treatment too. or after 8:30PM at some restaurants. ah, i love this city. :)
Comments 6
I think that at a bar, tipping $1 per drink is okay. $2 per drink is better. I usually start a tab wherever I go, and will typically tip 20-30% depending on how well I was treated.
If I don't have the money to tip, I don't go out.
Reply
Steph (formerly Gelo Steph) said that she gives the bartender a huge tip on the first drink and that ensures they'll be back for the next rounds, where she gives them $1 or $2 per drink after that. I thought that seemed like a good policy, but then again, I'm not a bartender.
Reply
but dinner/drinks? ALWAYS. especially if i use a credit card. whether its a restaurant or a bar, i try to leave it in cash because that's easier for the waitstaff. but if i can't, i usually leave more on the card. i was told $1 per drink, but if the service is good you'll do more.
i think new yorkers in general are pretty decent tippers. especially with crap like bottle service -- mandatory 20% gratuity on bills ranging from $350 - $2,000!
Reply
We had bottle service at Lulu's, but no one ever took advantage of it. I didn't know there was a mandatory 20% gratuity in New York... is that only for parties of 8 or more?
Reply
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment