Table Talk

By vince

October 24, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

You didn’t spell “waiter” correctly.

By Critic

October 24, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Off topic, but regarding your review of Hal’s, after checking out their online menu which includes prices, I don’t see how you can call it “reasonable compared to other steakhouses”. On topic, I can’t imagine a scenario that would warrant not leaving a tip. If service/food degrades to a certain point, then either I’ll leave, or it will become an issue between management and the server and the gratuity will be their problem.

By M

October 24, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Why are customers subsidizing a Restaurants payroll?

By Jeff

October 24, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

I worked for Dave an Busters back in the day, i admit, im not the best waiter by a long shot. However, I had one woman, spill her wine, no joke 4 times. Worse than her 3 kids. When I refused to fill up her last glass of wine (i had comped the first 3) She left no tip. Not only did i have to clean up the disaster her kids left, and all the wine she spilled, i also got in trouble with the manager for the Comps. I will always remember this womans face, (and name as she had been ID’d) I hope to see her alcoholic self, and mis behaved kids in the future!

By amy

October 24, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Absolutely it is ok not to tip. I’ve done it once and it was well deserved. We got drinks, then 45 minutes went by and nothing. We had to flag down the manager who got us refills, then finally our waitress shows up, and tells us our food will be out shortly. 45 minutes after this, My steak arrived burnt to a crisp, and my husband’s was raw. They comped (sp?) mine, cooked my husband’s longer, then gave us a coupon for a free desert and appetizer the next time we visited. The next time we visit? That’s a laugh-will be NEVER. I’ll never get that 2 plus hours back. I would understand if the restaurant were packed, but it was not even half full.

By pffft

October 24, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Yes it is appropriate to not leave a tip if the service is that bad. Tip is a reward for good service. Leaving a good tip and saying I didn’t appreciate your attitude is a joke. The reason for the wage/tip salary is to ensure good customer service and reputation of the establishment. Problem is bad servers are not smart enough to know if you stiffed them on the tip for poor service, or you are cheap. So I leave a quarter so they have no doubt I was insulting them for their insulting service. That way they know their poor attitude cost them an hour of their time and dents their wallet. Now I don’t ask for 5 star services at a 1 star establishment. I don’t need a bubbly, flirty talkative waiter/waitress. But don’t make me wait 30 min for a refill. You give me the minimum courtesy and I will tip well over the 20% no matter where I am eating. You act like I’m annoying you for having to bring my food to the table, you get a shiny new quarter. Poor customer service is an epidemic in this country. It has gotten way out of hand. Stop being a sheep by rewarding poor customer service.

By Hootie!!!

October 24, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

The tip goes up and down depending on the quality of the service. If the service stinks the tip will too!

By FedUp

October 24, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Yes, there are DEFINITE times you shouldn’t tip. (And I was once a waitress, so I know all about it.)

1) Your wait-person keeps ignoring you. 2) Your wait-person acts as if it’s a right to receive a tip. 3) Your food is exceeding late, cold, tasteless, etc. 4) You ask for water, condiments, etc. and are constantly ignored. 5) The wait-person is sick and coughs/sneezes around your food and your family.

These are just a few reasons. There are MANY, MANY more.

By clyde

October 24, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

In a restaurant I’m easy.I require someone to take my order,deliver my meal and fill my glass or cup as the situation warrants.I rarely ask for anything beyond these elementary needs.Should a wait person not do the above they don’t deserve a tip from me.You can give one if you want to but I don’t.

By Vcatron

October 24, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

I always leave a tip. If the problem is with the wait staff I have spoken to the waitperson and possably the manager. I do not blame the wait staff for poor food. I have worked in both the back & front of the house. The smallest tip I have ever left was 10% and have not returned to Steak & Ale (who are now out of business).

By Matt

October 24, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Service in Atlanta sucks, for the most part. If a tip is “expected” then service providers feel they don’t have to work for it. They’ll do as little as possible.

I believe it’s ok not to tip, but it should be followed up with a direct coversation with the management staff about the issues so they can correct the situation. A tip should be earned by perfoming a good/useful service. That’s severly lacking in Atlantas establishments.

By Matt

October 24, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Service in Atlanta sucks, for the most part. If a tip is “expected” then service providers feel they don’t have to work for it. They’ll do as little as possible.

I believe it’s ok not to tip, but it should be followed up with a direct coversation with the management staff about the issues so they can correct the situation. A tip should be earned by perfoming a good/useful service. That’s severly lacking in Atlanta’s establishments.

By Matt

October 24, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Service in Atlanta sucks, for the most part. If a tip is “expected” then service providers feel they don’t have to work for it. They’ll do as little as possible.

I believe it’s ok not to tip, but it should be followed up with a direct coversation with the management staff about the issues so they can correct the situation. A tip should be earned by perfoming a good/useful service. That’s severly lacking in Atlanta’s establishments.

By JATL

October 24, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

I’ve worked as a server in several restuarants and bars, and it takes A LOT of terrible service for me not to tip. That’s maybe happened once or twice. Usually initial bad service can be remedied with a comment to the server or manager, but if a wait person is surly, rude, and ignoring you -you shouldn’t have to tip. For those lousy tippers out there -servers get paid a little over $2 an hour, so they depend on your tips, but on the other hand -THEY KNOW THAT and should act accordingly!

By Earn your tips

October 24, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

The only time I would ever stiff a server on a tip is if my server stiffed me on service. Some waiters play the law of averages, certain “types” of people are known to tip better.

I’ve been in establishments and have seen other tables get excellent service. I understand that some people don’t understand the dynamics of tipping, but if you cast that rule on to everyone who fits that type, you’ll get stiffed everytime.

If I get adequate service, you are guaranted your 18-20% tip. If you treat me second class, your tip will reflect that.

By Bill

October 24, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

What about a restaurant that you have to walk up to the counter to order your food. They do bring your food out to you, but you have to pay up front before you get your food. Getting your drinks is on your own.

Of course, the credit card receipt I sign still has a place for gratuity. I put a 0 on that line and the total it out.

By donotflirtwithmydate!

October 24, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

As with most things in life, you take it with a grain of salt. Waiters are humans too and there will be mistakes. No prob. Let’s discuss it, fix it and move on. You will still get a good tip and a smile. But when a waiter is rude, doesn’t care or is just not attentive, or WHEN A WAITRESS THINKS IT’S OK TO BAT HER EYES AT MY BOYFRIEND, WHICH I SEE HAPPEN ALL THE TIME her tip is going down. Waitresses need to realize that the female decides the tip and it’s rude to flirt with someone’s man for money. HELLO! I’M SITTING HERE! I would never start an argument before my food is served or re-served since i wouldn’t know what they would do to it. They know if they’re doing a bad job- it’s not rocket science. In conclusion, if your waitress or waiter is rude enough, I think No Tip is appropriate. I’m paying for a nice evening and I’m not on their clock. When I’m at work I do my job. Waiting tables is hard- I’ll give em a break, but I’m not going to be crazy about it.

By Sheila

October 24, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

It irritates me when people go to a restaurant and have a person wait on you and then you get up and leave nothing.

By Black Woman In Clayco

October 24, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

I ALWAYS go to restaurants prepared to leave a 20% tip, I’ll leave more if the service is exemplerary.

If service is halfway decent, the wait staff will get a halfway decent tip. But if the service stinks, I’m not leaving a tip. I’m not explaining myself AND paying for the privilege.

Another thing I don’t like, particularly about ATLANTA area wait staff ITP - they will automatically keep your change without asking. I have never experienced this practice in any restaurant in any other state ANYWHERE

For example, if the bill is $4.25 and I give $5.00, they don’t bring back the change. Whenever that happens that is ALL that particular wait person gets. If you take it upon yourself to keep my change I have to assume that’s all you felt your work was worth.

Unless I tell you to keep the change, bring me my money and you’ll get much more IF you are doing your job.

By erik

October 24, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

I always tip. I don’t expect someone to wait on me for free, even if they do a poor job.

Frankly, I’ve very rarely had service so bad that I’d even consider it. I do tip somewhat less (12-15 instead of 18-20) when the service is particularly poor.

If the restaurant tolerates incompetency, I’m less likely to return.

By mark

October 24, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

I start at 20% and only the waiter has the opportunity to lower the tip……if it is absolutely terrible service, i will leave $1, that way there is no mistaking how I felt. Most waiters just don’t get it…..It’s all about the service and attitude (for the CUSTOMER). If you are having an off day, then your tips will reflect it. If you don’t like wating tables, then use your college education - your parents would appreciate it !!!!

By Mark

October 24, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

There have been about 2 occasions when the service was so bad, I actually left a penny just so they would “get it.” That’s worse than leaving nothing at all because they’ll know that you didn’t just forget…

By Blue Devil

October 24, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Every person who claims it’s ok not to tip has clearly never worked in the industry. You claim bad service, but really, how many times have you done a lousy job at your work because of a bad day and still expected to collect your full salary?

Waiters are people too, they have good and bad days, but still need to collect their tips every day. If you’re that unhappy with the service leave 10%, they’ll understand that but stiffing them completely is an a*******hole move.

By Sugar

October 24, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

A friend and I went to a local Mexican restaurant last Friday, and the service was HORRIBLE. We were the ONLY ones in the bar section, and a couple familes were in the main dining section. We ordered a pitcher of Margaritas, and it took 25 minutes to get that. I ordered a taco salad, and my friend order chicken Soup. We waited 45 minutes for our food, while people who came in after us had their full meals delivered. When we asked to see the manager, it took yet another 15 minutes to get him to the table. When we complained about the service, he said they were very busy. We replied, we were the only ones in the bar section, and ordered soup and salad, and had been waiting 45 minutes. He didn’t want to offer us anything, but we convinced him to comp our margaritas. We had top shelf tequilla (Patron) in the margaritas. Finally, he relented, once we told him if he comped our drinks, we would come back.

By So Over Waitstaff

October 24, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

If servers depend on my tips, then they better darned-sight EARN them. Tips are NOT a “right”. They are a direct reflection on the service you provide. Crummy service? Crummy or NO tip. I don’t care if you make $2 an hour. You knew that when you selected this career. Don’t expect me to reward you for treating me like I’m interrupting your evening. You are tipped according to the service I receive from you. (Hence the term SERVER.) So if you deny me that service, I deny you that tip. Simple enough for even the waitstaff to understand.

By KatyWatts

October 24, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

I have two college age kids who work at restaurants in different areas of Atlanta. My kids are not perfect by any stretch but they are hard workers and good waiters. I’ve seen them in action. I’ve also witnessed both of them bust their buns to wait on rude adults, crying children, snotty teenagers and picky retirees. And these people think nothing of leaving a 5% tip because the economy is tight! Wait staff typically make $2.13 an hour people! Not even minimum wage! If you have enough money to go out to eat, leave enough for at least a 15% tip. These kids have bills to pay or didn’t you know that?

By I know what you mean!

October 24, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Black Woman I know exactly what you mean. Every time I eat lunch in midtown Atlanta at work and say my bill is $8.73 … if I give a $10 bill they don’t bring back the change AND they expect another tip on top of that … WHAT??? I been to restaurants all over the place and only in Atlanta do they do this. Once a waitress chased me out to my car asking why I didn’t leave a tip … told her she took her tip when she didn’t bring my change … she didn’t like that answer lol but bet she didn’t do that again or maybe she did who knows.

By Zak

October 24, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

One should always leave a tip. If not, the waiter/waitress merely thinks you are rude and a cheapskate and just stiffed him/her. A tip is a reward for service. For lousy service, I leave a pittance, say a quarter, so he/she knows I tip, but the service was not worth anything. For exceptional service, I have been known to tip generously, say 20-25%. Normally, though, somewhere around 15% is the norm.

By Sam

October 24, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Alfredo’s. My husband and I had a great experience here on one occasion and returned because of it. Rudy, I believe (dark hair, everyone loves him?), treated us so horribly I have never returned. We weren’t given the chance to become one of his beloved regulars, and instead were treated to huffing and eyerolling, burnt bread and a finger in my face when I tried to ask him for that bread. All this while he fawned all over the table next to us. I have never been so furious at a restaurant in my life. I know everyone says this, but I am a 20% tipper as a rule, but got up and walked out, chased by the manager, and refused to return. My husband paid him for our apps,against my wishes, but they have never gotten another penny from me and never will. Way to go, Rudy! Oh, and did I mention the stinking mop bucket? It was delightful!

By A

October 24, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

My Friends and I were discussing this very topic at dinner the other night. The server kept disappearing so when we needed something else there was no one around to ask. Never got the refill on our tea until we got up and got the tea pitcher and poured our own glass. I think that even though service is awful you still give them something. If you leave nothing at all they will think you are just cheap but a small tip lets them know that you are not satisfied with their service. Needless to say, I left the tip and also mentioned to the manager on the way out the door that he needed to go find his staff because they all seemed to take a break together.

By donotflirtwithmydate!

October 24, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Blue Devil, I HAVE worked in the industry. If I do a bad job at my workplace, I will eventually get fired or lose a promotion. If I were blatantly rude to an important client I would probably get fired on the spot. If we all started tipping regardless of the service, then every waiter would feel entitled to forward their attitude and opinions onto my evening. I’m not spending money for them, I’m spending it for me. I say please and thank you, I don’t send out bad looks, and I don’t tip for rude service.

By Dog

October 24, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

If the waiter is an Obama supporter, it is perfectly acceptable to NOT tip…as long as you explain to him that, since he or she clearly has a job, you are going to redistribute his tip to someone who needs it more than he does. Then proceed to give his tip to the beggar sitting on the sidewalk outside the restaurant.

By BillB

October 24, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

It is OK to not leave a tip….to the waiter…If his/her service is terrible. However, it is now a common policy for the wait staff to “tip out” i.e. share the tips on a percentage basis to host/hostess, bus staff and other kitchen workers. We recently received such poor service at a restaurant in Atlanta, our complaint to the manager resulted in his “comping” our entire table of 8. I gave the sizeable tip to the manager, not to the waiter (who had already been removed from our table). I told the manager to distribute it as he saw fit to the other workers. Yes I know that most of us would prefer the restaurant to compensate all the help justly, adjusting prices to cover it. Unfortunately, it is not the way things are done. Other personnel were very polite - why should they be penalized?

By Blue Devil

October 24, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

People tend to think that if they’re not treated like royalty, then the service was….HORRIBLE! If you go to an Applebees in Lithonia, you’re not getting the same service as you would at Hal’s. Nor is the bill three figures.

By BillB

October 24, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

It is OK to not leave a tip….to the waiter…If his/her service is terrible. However, it is now a common policy for the wait staff to “tip out” i.e. share the tips on a percentage basis to host/hostess, bus staff and other kitchen workers. We recently received such poor service at a restaurant in Atlanta, our complaint to the manager resulted in his “comping” our entire table of 8. I gave the sizeable tip to the manager, not to the waiter (who had already been removed from our table). I told the manager to distribute it as he saw fit to the other workers. Yes I know that most of us would prefer the restaurant to compensate all the help justly, adjusting prices to cover it. Unfortunately, it is not the way things are done. Other personnel were very polite - why should they be penalized?

By Eric

October 24, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

It is NEVER ok to not leave a tip. And if you have ever worked in the restaurant industry, you would understand this. Waiting tables is not the hardest job in the world, but it is certainly not always the easiest. it can be very testing and these people are working hard to provide you the best service possible. People also need to not expect too much from certain restaurants. A fine dining place should have better service than your local sports bar. In the end if you have bad service and you are mad, leave your tip, leave the restaurant, and simply don’t ever return. It’s that easy, BUT YOU BETTER LEAVE A TIP.

By Server

October 24, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

I have been a server for many years, in many different states. For all of you people who claim to tip 18-20%, where have you been? From my expirence, the Atlanta area patrons are the worst tippers. When I lived (and worked) in the Washington D.C. area, as well as New England, my tips averaged AT LEAST 20%. When I recieved an 18% tip I would question my serivce and what I had done wrong. In the Atlanta area, I am excited to recieve 15%.

Also, I don’t know if people realized the $2.14 an hour we make generally goes to taxes giving us a $15 paycheck every two weeks, if we’re lucky. Also, out of that great 15% tip you leave, the server typically tips out 2-5% of that to people who help (i.e. bartenders, foodrunners, bussers, etc.) even when you leave no tip. That means if you leave no tip, the server looses money by serving your table. Please keep this in mind! And if you can’t afford to tip properly, don’t come out to eat! I’d rather make nothing than end up oweing money at the endof the night!

By Steve Jones

October 24, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Who edits this stuff before it is posted? “The water spills a drink on you and offers no apology. ” As far as the tip goes. If the service is bad,, if you had to ask for refill several times….DO NOT TIP.

By Speakeasy

October 24, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

i must say, i really don’t think that most of the people responding to this are diners. i’m a professional waiter. i love real diners. they come out, spend good money and deserve a great experiance. i will make certain guest feel like a king or queen, because that’s what they pay for. if youcome to my restaurant, don’t order wine, you and your girlfriend split a salad and split an entree, and take up my table forever, you are not gonna get good service, you know why? i want your a* to leave and never return. there are certain groups that we waiters know, as a majority (there are always surprises), are not going to tip well: Black Woman you fall into that catigory, why do they always need a straw, they are the only ones besides children, what do you all do with all those damn lemons, do you really want to make your on lemonade, indians, yeah i know….your vegitarian, but you don’t drink wine in india? super cheap. the dreaded foreigner - sure tipping is built into the check in your country….but your now in America smuck…pay me.there are others, trailer trash, ghetto trash. if you fall into one of these, then yeah you probably havn’t tipped. but a bit of advise don’t F*@k with people who bring you your food!

By TH

October 24, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

I always tip at restaurants. If the service was lousy then I won’t tip as much as I would for good/great service.

I will even tip on take out orders because the sale will show up on the person who rings up the order and they will be taxed on it.

By Rodney

October 24, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

I’m don’t think I’ve never NOT left a tip, but when it’s warranted I leave such a nominal amount (50c, etc.) that the point is made.

Fortunately for me, either I’m very forgiving about service or I’ve had relatively few issues with it, or maybe I dine at places where poor service isn’t an issue … I think the more you frequent chain or family-oriented restos, the higher your chances of poor service becomes.

Just my opinion - but then, that’s the point in posting isn’t it?

By Doug

October 24, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Just because a server depends on tips for income doesn’t mean he/she doesn’t have to earn it. To me, a server has to provide adequate service to earn a 15% tip. Anything exceptional earns 20% and less than great service degrades the amount. It’s rare that I leave nothing, except in cases where the service is beyond poor.

By Steve

October 24, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Despite what some of the waiters would like you to think, a tip is not compulsory. The tipping system is a way for a server to positively affect their income. If they provide good service, they make more money. The reason we have a 20% guideline for good service is so there is a standard measurement. If they do well, they can expect a tip around 20%. If they CHOOSE to do poorly, they can expect less than 20%.

Consider the service in Europe, where tips are not expected. The service sucks because there is no incentive to do their jobs well.

Most career jobs have “tips.” We call it commission, profit sharing, annual salary increase. These are all performance based financial incentives, just like a tip.

If you have any question as to what a “server” or “tip” is, please see below.

Courtesty of www.dictionary.com

server - noun 1. a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant) [syn: waiter]

tip3 –noun 1. a small present of money given directly to someone for performing a service or menial task; gratuity: He gave the waiter a dollar as a tip.

By Joseph

October 24, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

the server really has to be bad not to get a tip. Example: I was at a place for four hrs and only had my water glass refilled twice during that time. I also ordered a beer everytime the server came by the table during the four hour span. I had two beers. I would have left after three hours but it took him an hour to get my check.

By Tamika

October 24, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

I never Tip-

Its is ridiculoous that serevers think they should make $25 an hour to bring me food. they should be paid a fair hourly rate.

No TIPS from me EVER!!

By Speakeasy

October 24, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

if you are not gonna tip, please stay at home in your trailer and prey that a tornado doesn’t come and destroy your life.

By pffft

October 24, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

eric close your gaping port. id better leave a tip? i got a tip, that attitude is probally why you get poor tips, use your tips this weekend to go buy a new attitude. ill be ##^&^%^$ if i leave you a tip for being rude. you get stiffed enough you will either change your attitude or get another job. waaaa waaaa waaaa its a hard job. life is hard, get over it. my job is hard to. i dont do a good job, i get fired and dont get paid. why should a waiter get paid for being rude.

By Blue Devil

October 24, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Eric has clearly waited because he gets it. I waited off and on for 6 years. Now I work in the white collar business where I spend my lunches at the types of places I once worked. I expect someone to refill the drinks, and keep me posted on the status of my order if it’s slow….by the way, waiters don’t dictate the speed at which food is cooked.

By You're an idiot

October 24, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Speakeasy

If you’re questioning why a customer (black, white or red) is requesting a straw you deserve whatever sorry tip you get. You’re a WAITER, just do your job and the tip will follow.

THAT’S MY TIP TO YOU!!!!!

By Troglodyke

October 24, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Again, customers need to understand that it works both ways. You’ll get better service by remembering not to treat your pleasant server like a slave. It shouldn’t matter if you split food to keep the bill low. That should not make the server do less of a job.

But if you order something, and then change your mind before it comes, that’s your fault. You need to pay for it.

Sending food back because it is spoiled, or cooked improperly, is perfectly legitimate, and they should comp the dish or get you something else. If you eat that second dish, you should pay for it!

Also, if one diner’s food was not as requested, but everyone else’s was fine, why should the mgmt comp your whole bill? They should comp or replace the bad food, but if the service was decent and everyone else ate, why should they not pay for their food, and leave a tip?

My ex told me once of a table she waited on at a local steakhouse. Couple came in, he ordered a full rack of ribs. He couldn’t finish them and asked that half the price be comped. Give me a break! Take it home. You don’t get to pay half-price because you ordered too much food.

Yes, they were not Caucasian.

Good customer service, in any industry, goes both ways. The people who complain the most about getting poor service in multiple places need to look in the mirror and figure out why this always happens to them.

By donotflirtwithmydate!

October 24, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Speakeasy, It sounds like your rude customers are linked to your own bad karma and energy. Good luck with that. I suppose when you see an Indian person at your table now, they’re doomed from the beginning. Nice.

By You're an idiot

October 24, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Speakeasy

If you’re questioning why a customer (black, white or red) is requesting a straw you deserve whatever sorry tip you get. You’re a WAITER, just do your job and the tip will follow.

THAT’S MY TIP TO YOU!!!!!

By swolf

October 24, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

My tips always START at 20% and then go up or down from there according to the level of service I receive. More often than not, that tip goes up. There have only been one or two instances in my whole life (51 years)where the service was SO awful that I left no tip at all. Maybe that just means I’ve been lucky. But I do also beleive that the customer’s attitude and expectations can have a lot to do with that quality of service received.

By Sugar

October 24, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Dog 10:05 - That was hysterical. I LOVE it!!!!

By Scoutmamma

October 24, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

TIPS = To Insure Proper Service If a consumer has not received proper service, then it is entirely acceptable to “not tip”. If service is minimal, then tip accordingly. Servers are smart enough to know if they’ve provided (or not) proper service. I do disagree with the paltry hourly rate that servers receive. $2.10 an hour is absurd. It is not the consumers responsibility to supplement income for waitstaff employees.

By Cornholio

October 24, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Eric,are you threatening me?

By kitty

October 24, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Well, there are certain people who would not tip in any case. The word tips means… To Insure Prompt Service

I treat people I wait on the way I would like to be treated when eating out. I always give good service whether I think you will tip me or not. I never add 15% to any party of 6 or more. I let mey service speak for itself!!

By NoWay

October 24, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Eric, you are nuts. It is not too much to expect someone to take your order in a timely manner, bring your drinks and serve your food while warm. Otherwise, the only tip I will leave is a discussion with the manager about how bad is staff is and the fact that I will not return until it improves.

By Good Customer Service is an oxymoron

October 24, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Pffft,

I TOTALLY agree with you except I left a shiny new penny for bad service instead of a quarter.

By You're An Idiot

October 24, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Speakeasy

As a WAITER you do not need to question anything a customer requests unless it’s unreasonable, which clearly explains why you’re tips are probably pretty low. If I as the Customer choose to split a salad and entree with a friend, or request a straw or lemons that’s my perogative. Your job as the Waiter is to fulfill the request in a timely manner and with a smile. You sound like a racist.

You need to find a new profession that’s not so diverse.

THAT’S MY TIP TO YOU!!!

By kitty

October 24, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Well, there are certain people who would not tip in any case. The word tips means… To Insure Prompt Service

I treat people I wait on the way I would like to be treated when eating out. I always give good service whether I think you will tip me or not. I never add 15% to any party of 6 or more. I let mey service speak for itself!!

By kitty

October 24, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Well, there are certain people who would not tip in any case. The word tips means… To Insure Prompt Service

I treat people I wait on the way I would like to be treated when eating out. I always give good service whether I think you will tip me or not. I never add 15% to any party of 6 or more. I let mey service speak for itself!!

By pffft

October 24, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

stop making excuses folks. nobody is talking about poor food, slow food, busy resturaunt, etc. this is about poor service from a rude server. think of it as an investment. rude service = poor tip.

By You're An Idiot

October 24, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Speakeasy

As a WAITER you do not need to question anything a customer requests unless it’s unreasonable, which clearly explains why you’re tips are probably pretty low. If I as the Customer choose to split a salad and entree with a friend, or request a straw or lemons that’s my perogative. Your job as the Waiter is to fulfill the request in a timely manner and with a smile. You sound like a racist.

You need to find a new profession that’s not so diverse.

THAT’S MY TIP TO YOU!!!

By NoWay

October 24, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Eric, you are nuts. It is not too much to expect someone to take your order in a timely manner, bring your drinks and serve your food while warm. Otherwise, the only tip I will leave is a discussion with the manager about how bad is staff is and the fact that I will not return until it improves.

By kitty

October 24, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Tamika — LOL, thanks for proving the first part of my post. We make 2.13 an hour and have to tip the bar and bus boys. You cost us money to have to wait on you. Why don’t you STAY at home if you don’t think we are good enough to bring your food? Oh, learn to spell!

By Here's a tip!

October 24, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

It is definetly OK NOT to tip. For one thing I work extremely hard for the money I have, second; I didn’t have to come to your restaurant because I passed like a zillion others, and third for restaurants like Piccadilly,where I have to get my own food,drinks,desserts, and sit myself down, and then wave you down for a refill because I’m about to choke; you receive nothing. Most other restaurants here in Atlanta the service is simple and basic; no one goes out of their way to really serve and accomodate you; they are just “there”, nothing more, and for staff that are just there, your tip or lack thereof of a tip will reflect it. I have seen and known people who had a horrible experience at a restaurant, I’m talking rude staff and managers, food horrible like raw or burnt and these idiots still leave a tip;* Are you crazy*!!You are basically saying it’s ok for me to get food poisioning and for you to treat me like trash, oh and here’s your tip by the way, NOT!! Another tip to all the people that complain about your food; “DO NOT EVER EVER LET THEM TAKE YOUR FOOD TO THE BACK AND BRING YOU OUT A REPLACEMENT”” EVER!! I just complain to a manager,and don’t leave a tip, and NEVER come back to that restaurant and put my comments online so everyone will know what lousy service that particular restaurant has. The best service I had was where my waiter was extremely polite, attentive, and wow; he actually appeared like he loved his job; you better believe he got an awesome tip; more than 20% so it goes both ways; you give great service with a great attitude and get a great tip; if you provide lousy service, a bad attitude, ignore me, flirt with my man or husband; you don’t get jack, and you might just get your butt fired!!If you hate your job, by all means find something else to do instead of taking it out on all of us.

By Unsweetened Sugar

October 24, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Dog 10:05 - That was asinine. HATED IT!!!!

By I'll flirt if I want

October 24, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

hey “donotflirtwithmydate” I think you may need to re-evaluate for a second. As far as the “Waitresses need to realize that the female decides the tip” comment, wake up. I will decide what the tip is if I am paying the tab. When you get the bill, you decide. And for your last line”:”but I’m not going to be crazy about it.” I think your a little late, you insecure psycho.

By kitty

October 24, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Kitty: If you don’t like how you’re paid, why don’t you find a new job? You don’t deserve a tip, you earn a tip.

By Last Word

October 24, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

It’s never appropriate to not tip your service personnel. 10% is penalty enough. Foodservice wait staff work for tips, not their minuscule hourly wage. If you can’t afford the cost of the dinner plus the tip, you shouldn’t be eating out, period.

By Been There

October 24, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

I was in the service industry for years and was an excellent server/bartender/manager. You foolish people make me count my blessings that I’m stuck in my wonderful corporate America job that I was just complaining about earlier in the week. Thanks for the reminder. Oh yeah, and 90% of the time, you CAN tell what your tip will be when you take a look at your table. It’s a simple fact, folks. You know who you are - do try not to be offended.

By shane

October 24, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

You’ve got to be kidding me, right? You would actually sit there and tell a waiter what he or she is doing wrong, even if it’s the obvious, like being ignored/no refills, wrong food, cold food (that was supposed to be hot), or a generally bad attitude, etc?

I wonder how many gobs of spit, flakes of dandruff and who knows what else you’ve wound up eating at a restaurant where you felt like correcting a server’s bad behavior.

And yes, I have NOT tipped a server before, but only once in my life and it was because she ignored our table for 30 minutes at a time and it took almost an hour to get a bowl of soup with no explanation whatsoever - when I asked her to just not bother bringing the soup and to take it off my bill instead (this was after waiting for 45 minutes) she gave me a snotty look and said “NO - I can’t do that - you have to take the soup” instead of just doing what any normal server would’ve done which would be to apologize and not bring the soup and not bill me for it. I paid the bill, but left her nothing - and I certainly didn’t bother telling any managers or her about why I didn’t leave anything for her. if she can’t figure that one out, then me telling her’s not gonna suddenly help her figure it out.

Don’t tip for horrible or rude service - that just gets more horrible and rude service.

And just so ya know - I tip at least 20% or more on most occasions - so I’m not your standard thuggy #sshole who doesn’t tip as a general rule.

By Here's another tip"

October 24, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

I totally agree with “donnotflirtwithmydate”, first WOMEN do determine your tip, not our man; in fact my boyfriends always ask me “baby, how much should we leave for the tip”? Hmm, something to think about.. Next, I also agree if I was as rude and nasty to people at my job as half of these so-called servers,waiters and waitresses; I would be fired in a second!!

By MountainDawg

October 24, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

I’ve only stiffed a few times (when service was atrocious). I will only stiff if the server is not (at all) attentive or overtly rude. It’s very rare when a stiff is justified (IMO). For fair/average service, I’ll leave 15%, for sub-par/lacking service, I’ll leave 10% & for good service (20%+). For (also rare) outstanding service, I’ll throw down 25-35% (did so last night a Red Lobster).

By Nobama

October 24, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Dog - right on, bro! I won’t tip anyone wearing an Obama shirt or button. I own a food establishment and employ waitstaff and I implicitly told them at the start of the election season that my establishment is politically neutral and they are forbidden to wear any candidate buttons, shirts, etc. while at work, and they will not get into any heated discussions with customers regarding politics. I cannot afford to anger half my customers by giving the appearance of supporting one candidate or the other.

By Luis

October 24, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

TIP=to insure promptness

I tip according to service and try to always leave the tip in cash and point it out to the server.

Many restaurants will print out at the bottom of the check suggested tips according to percentage. The problem with this is that it is figured on the total of the check including tax. YOU DO NOT TIP ON TAX!!!!!

By Becky

October 24, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

I have worked food service & as someone else pointed out,your tip depends on how good my service is.. I can be flexible on some things..I’ve complained about my food once(that I can remember)..Went to a chain restaurant that had just opened in Douglasville & ordered my steak medium..When it got to the table, it was rare..It took them about 3 times to ever get it medium rare..We tipped the waiter, because he had done a great job on his end, the kitchen hadn’t done their job..

Basically , all that I ask is for the waiter/waitress at least let me know that they see me & that they’ll be right over..I can’t stand for the server to walk right by my table & not even act like they see me..I always tip, but I have been know to leave a penny if the service was that bad..

Something I was wondering about though..When we go out to eat(no matter where), I always stack our plates one on top of the other & clean up nay mess that we make..Basically all the server has to do, is remove the dishes from the table & wipe it off..Am I the only one that does this? I had a waitress b*tch once when we had done this about what a mess we had left..Not to mention that we had left her a really good tip..Needless to say, I walked back over to the table & picked my tip up & told her why I took it..She still didn’t get it..

By Jerry

October 24, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

How do you spell, “waiter”?

By Ron

October 24, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Here is what you do. Say you know you will spend about $100 for dinner, go ahead and put 2 5s, and 10 1s on the table. Let the wait staff know this is their tip and for every time you feel ignored money will be removed from the table.

Works every time.

By Barbara

October 24, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

I used to tip 20%, no matter what, as I know what it’s like to be a server. Now, I analyze what I’m going to do according to service. First, if the service is mediocre to good, they get the 20%. Secondly, if someone is really trying but they’re not the best server, I’ll still tip them 20%, especially if they try to correct something they have no control over. I’m not a demanding peron in the first place, so it takes a lot for me to have problems with servers. Having said that, it takes someone that is really bad with no personality for me to think twice. When I have to go that route, it’s 10%. Hopefully, they’ll learn the error of their ways. I have to agree on something, service here in Atlanta is NOT what it used to be. Younger people don’t care and aren’t trained properly. I DON’T like places where they don’t serve you, but have that tacky plastic cup out there for tips. Think Starbuck’s, Subway, etc. I even saw one at the local UPS store when I had Christmas gifts shipped. Can you believe that one? These people get paid to do their job, not live off of tips. What’s the real killer is when you DO leave a tip at Starbuck’s, and you don’t even get a “thank you”. That stopped me dead, right there, no more. I like my change as well as the next one, especially when I’m paying $4+ for a drink. These Subways have owners/managers back there ringing you up, so who gets that tip? It’s out of control.

By Charlie

October 24, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

TIPS - “To Insure Proper Service” - if the service isn’t proper than neither is my tip! However I do tip if the food is bad as the wait person has no control over that.

By I'm Hungry Now

October 24, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Waiters know that their income is tip-based, and therefore should be motivated to provide good service to increase their earnings. If they choose to offer poor service, why would the customer reward them for that? Bad service should recieve no tip. Good service, the standard tip of 18-20%. Great service, an exception tip exceeding 20%.

By Georgia Gal

October 24, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Server, by law, if you do not receive any tips or not enough to equal minimum wage for an hour, the restaurant you work for is required to make up the difference of minimum wage and your $2.13 hour.

FYI, my husband has managed a few restaurants, so he knows how stressfull it can get. But if you do not provide good service, you will get a very small or no tip from us. Only once has he not tipped, and another time he left only $1 since he had to get up and refill our teas himself. We will tip you if you serve us decently.

By Blame the Kitchen?

October 24, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

It’s important to remember what your server has control over. If you are unhappy with your meal (overcooked, undercooked, bad taste) it is up to you to ask the server to make it right. If you don’t, then you’ve taken away their chance to fix it. On the flip side, once you notify them, they MUST present your complaint to their manager. Remember, they didn’t cook it - but they are your communication line to the manager/kitchen. Something to think about…

By Luis

October 24, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Becky: Stacking dishes is a no-no under any circumstances including at home. It shows lack of manners.

I once attended a sales meeting at an upscale hotel with meeting facilities after which we were served dinner. The most disgusting part of the service was when the headwaiter set up a stand for a large tray next to the table I was at and had the wait staff gather plates from the tables and had them brought to him where he proceeded to scrape the plates’ off onto the middle of the tray until he had a mound of pig slop.

When at a full service restaurant, plates, silverware, glasses, etc. should be left at the table for the wait staff to collect. Dishes should not be stacked nor should the bus-person bring to the table a cart to collect items.

By Matt

October 24, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Why does everything have to turn political or racial? Some of you people are pathetic. Grow a pair.

By aliens

October 24, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

It’d be worse if the aliens put the sea cucumbers in your butt.

By Becca

October 24, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

I used to be a server, & under some circumstances I feel its okay Not to tip, I think it’s okay when a server is being obviously rude to a table, I once ordered an appetizer & I asked the waiter about it after I received it because the description was different. He proceeded to ask me why I ordered it if i didn’t want it & to tell me that I should have read. Well I’m not going to reward rude behavior with a tip, you know unless I just leave a quarter or something.

By Paige

October 24, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

I don’t get it. I do my job and don’t get a tip. Why should I tip them for doing their job? The only reason I tip is to get my wife to leave me alone. And I don’t care how much they make per hour. That was their CHOICE. Exactly why is it so appropriate to tip anyway?

By Nixon710

October 24, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Speakeasy - Professional waiter? As opposed to non-professional? With your typing skills I guess that’s the only profession you could go into.

By Barbara

October 24, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Another thing I find extremely rude is when a server removes other plates at the table before everyone is finished. I don’t inhale my food, thus I shouldn’t feel rushed to finish a good meal in order for them to turn the table quickly. I imagine management has taught them this, but I abhor the practice. It’s done in upscale restaurants, and I’ve actually mentioned it to management. I doubt they listened, but they need to. I get better service at the Waffle House, and those people get a MUCH higher percentage of a tip than anyone else, including Bone’s!

By DeDe

October 24, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

I was a Bartender around Atlanta for 18 years. I have worked in Blue Collar bars to fancy Country Clubs. I have seen it all. We do not go out to eat if we are counting our last dollars. But when we do go out, I do require respect, timely service, drinks kept filled and hot food. Also what ever condiments may go with my meal. A simple “is everything okay” a few times and I am set. But…if it is bad service, bad tip. My one and only trip to a Hooters with my husband is the reason it was my one and only trip. The waitress brought the pitcher of beer and one glass, for my husband. I had to go to the bar to get a glass. She took his food order and walked away. He had to call her back to give her my order. His food was hot, mine was cold. This time I went to the manager, who did not take me seriously. She brought the check to my Husband,, and I gleefully took the check and looked her in the eye and said “guess who is paying”. It is not hard to give good service. And if you screwed up, an apology goes a long way. And even if you get a bad tip for good service. Let it go, the patrons will spread the word of the good service and you will benefit from that. But I do agree, if someone deserved a bad tip, let them and the manager know why they got a bad tip. They need to learn.

By DeDe

October 24, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

I was a Bartender around Atlanta for 18 years. I have worked in Blue Collar bars to fancy Country Clubs. I have seen it all. We do not go out to eat if we are counting our last dollars. But when we do go out, I do require respect, timely service, drinks kept filled and hot food. Also what ever condiments may go with my meal. A simple “is everything okay” a few times and I am set. But…if it is bad service, bad tip. My one and only trip to a Hooters with my husband is the reason it was my one and only trip. The waitress brought the pitcher of beer and one glass, for my husband. I had to go to the bar to get a glass. She took his food order and walked away. He had to call her back to give her my order. His food was hot, mine was cold. This time I went to the manager, who did not take me seriously. She brought the check to my Husband,, and I gleefully took the check and looked her in the eye and said “guess who is paying”. It is not hard to give good service. And if you screwed up, an apology goes a long way. And even if you get a bad tip for good service. Let it go, the patrons will spread the word of the good service and you will benefit from that. But I do agree, if someone deserved a bad tip, let them and the manager know why they got a bad tip. They need to learn.

By 20 % of the total...duh, help me

October 24, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

again, for “here’s another tip”…”in fact my boyfriends always ask me “baby, how much should we leave for the tip”? Hmm, something to think about..” here’s something to think abot. Try dating a guy who knows simple math. You are not as wonderful and all knowing as you’d like to think, your men just don’t know how to add.

By DeDe

October 24, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

I was a Bartender around Atlanta for 18 years. I have worked in Blue Collar bars to fancy Country Clubs. I have seen it all. We do not go out to eat if we are counting our last dollars. But when we do go out, I do require respect, timely service, drinks kept filled and hot food. Also what ever condiments may go with my meal. A simple “is everything okay” a few times and I am set. But…if it is bad service, bad tip. My one and only trip to a Hooters with my husband is the reason it was my one and only trip. The waitress brought the pitcher of beer and one glass, for my husband. I had to go to the bar to get a glass. She took his food order and walked away. He had to call her back to give her my order. His food was hot, mine was cold. This time I went to the manager, who did not take me seriously. She brought the check to my Husband,, and I gleefully took the check and looked her in the eye and said “guess who is paying”. It is not hard to give good service. And if you screwed up, an apology goes a long way. And even if you get a bad tip for good service. Let it go, the patrons will spread the word of the good service and you will benefit from that. But I do agree, if someone deserved a bad tip, let them and the manager know why they got a bad tip. They need to learn.

By doinou

October 24, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

I’ve left a $5 tip for hot coffee and refills. I wouldn’t leave five cents for bad service.

By Rodney

October 24, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

For the record - “tip” is not an acronym. And if it were, it would be “tep” not “tip” as you would use “ensure” instead of “insure” (as in -to ensure proper/prompt service-).

By Gary

October 24, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Meredith, it’s people like you that condone bad service and keep it coming! There are definitely times you do not Tip! We were at Chili’s with our Son, Daughter in law, and her mother having lunch. The Glasses they served our drinks in wreaked of Bleach! Needless to say we didn’t touch them and when we brought it to our Waiters attention they brought out fresh drinks and 3 of the 5 glasses again stunk of bleach! (The explanation was the so called sanitizer they use to clean their glasses) I brought it to the managers attention and was treated like what the hell is your problem!! Not to mention that they were not busy at all, our waiter was only working 3 tables and we waited almost an hour for our order! When we got our food 2 of the orders had already started to get cold so gee wonder how long the order sat there before our server decided to bring it out! So guess what I didn’t leave on the tab….NO TIP! I’ll be damned if I’ll tip for that kind of service. I’m not about to compensate someone for treating us like that! So if you’re a dining critic how difficult of a job is it? If you don’t have common sense for a subject like this, I hate to think what a good restaurant might suffer through because of your confused pallet. Obviously you’re not the expert that the AJC thinks you are.

By Barbara

October 24, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

DeDe, that’s good story on Hooter’s. Females, especially, seem to think the guy is always paying, thus they get most of the attention. They don’t realize that females pay sometimes, as well. Sports bars are always interesting. Seems the testosterone-ridden guys walk in with a “I’m paying’ sign attached to them. I love my sports and really get irritated when all the guys around the bar get served more efficiently than myself. I also love to watch the guys trying to figure out who’s paying and how much of a tip they’re leaving. I already know, and will tip well just to show the idiot server where their money is coming from. Only then, do I get decent service.

By Teach me Something

October 24, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

For ther record…. Ensure means to do something to make sure or guarantee that something happens:

Insure means to guarantee something with insurance or other financial instruments:

So TIP is to INSURE, as you are using a “financial instrument” - your hard earned cash (or coins in some cases listed above).

Petty….but precise! ;-)

By Luis

October 24, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Rodney:

From Merriam-Webster dictionary:

insure = to make certain especially by taking necessary measures and precautions intransitive verb

synonyms; ensure, insure, assure, secure mean to make a thing or person sure. ensure , insure, and assure are interchangeable in many contexts where they indicate the making certain or inevitable of an outcome, but ensure may imply a virtual guarantee , while insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand , and assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person’s mind . secure implies action taken to guard against attack or loss .

By Rodney

October 24, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

How do you “insure” something after the fact? By your argument, tipping would be performed BEFORE the meal. You certainly can’t guarantee proper service after the fact - makes no sense.

So I guess I did teach you something - happy Friday to me. :)

By Rick

October 24, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Rodney is correct. Unless you are going to Allstate and buying an insurance policy for good service, the correct word is ENSURE.

By Luis

October 24, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Rodney: Why don’t you read again the paragraph on the synonyms ensure, insure, assure and secure? You might learn something.

By Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

October 24, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

In the rare instances where the waiter has not given me my change back, I deduct that amount when calculating their tip. I’m sorry, but that’s just plain RUDE not to give someone their change back.

On an episode of 3rd Rock From the Sun, John Lithgow’s character is dining out and when the waiter arrives he leaves a stack of 20 $1 bills and tells him that that’s his tip. He then goes on to substract $1 every time the waiter screws up. LOL!

By Sugar

October 24, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

I don’t think its bad manners to stack you plates at a restaurant. I do it, to get it out of my way. Once I have finished eating, I don’t want my plate sitting in front of me.

And I have no problem with the waiters removing empty plates while others are dining.

I do wish more restaurants has “bus boys”. I hate to see a waitress handle dirty dishes, then bring me my food.

By Becky

October 24, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Well, if stacking plates is a sign of bad manners, I guess I’ve had bad manners all of my life..If a server stacks plates to bring the food out, why does it matter that I stack them after we’ve eaten off of them? Sugar, I agree with you, it doesn’t bother me to have empty plates removed while I’m still eating, in fact I would rather they be removed, that way I don’t have to look at them..

By mica

October 24, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Dog - you’ve been reading too much craigslist. Arn’t you special??

By kitty

October 24, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Excuse me, I love my second job of waiting tables AND I know the difference in deserving a tip and earning a tip. Never said I did’nt like the job or how much I make an hour and never said I deserved a tip. Now go away……..

By Last Word

October 24, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Paige:

Go back to the trailer park from which you came.

By Grammar Expert

October 24, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Rodney is correct. Ensure, not insure. Sorry - nice try.

By Last Word

October 24, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Becky:

I’m afraid Luis is right:

It’s considered bad manners to stack your plates.

Sorry, your mother should’ve taught you that.

By TO GARY

October 24, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Gary, Your post is that of ignorance - congratulations. You described everything wrong with the restaurant, yet nothing wrong with the service. A bleach smell? A delay on your food? Two dishes starting to get cold? Would you have preferred those two come out before the rest? Do you know anything about dining etiquette? I agree that there was a problem, but the manager should have taken care of you. Instead you took it out on the wrong individual. Shame on you, Gary. Obviously, you’re no expert either. I hope you enjoy your future dining experiences. I’m sure your attitude gets you plenty of who-knows-what in your meal… and you’ll never know about it. Any server on this post will tell you… Yes! It happens! Keep it up non-tippers, we know you already. :)

By Atlanta TD

October 24, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Paige:

I bet you wonder why we pay taxes, too. Stick the the McD’s and Arby’s that you know best, maybe you’ll make manager one day.

By FormerServer

October 24, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

It takes a really obnoxious server to cause me to stiff him or her.

That being said, I do resent the fact that we’ve gotten to this point where customers are directly responsible for paying servers’ wages. Tips were meant to be a way for customers to reward exceptional service. Now they’re basically an unspoken surcharge—and it’s getting out of control. I think it’s only a matter of time before 30-40% tips will be the norm.

By Katie

October 24, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Servers are working people & as long as they do a good job, yes, they deserve to be tipped. I can’t stand some of these elitist attitudes about “choosing” to work as a waitperson, etc. Not everyone has the education & skills necessary for white-collar employment & blue-collar jobs DO need to be filled. I’d rather help support an honest working person then hand my hard-earned money (which I never have done)to a lazy bum who’ll only spend it on beer and/or crack. I’ve only NOT tipped (well, I left her two shiny pennies, to really drive the point home)once. I was having dinner out with a friend & her daughter. Now, her daughter had been badly burned in a car wreck. She’d lost all her hair, one of her eyes, her ears & nose & her face is basically one big mass of scar tissue. OK, the service itself was fine. The, as we were eating dessert, the 3 of us overheard several of the staff, including our waitress, making cruel remarks & laughing about my friend’s daughter. One thing I overheard our waitress saying was “I can’t believe some people have the nerve & ignorance to take a monster like that out in public. Who wants to look at effin’ (she used the cussword though) Freddy Kreuger when they’re eating? I almost puked my OWN guts up, having to wait on that freak!” My friends were deeply hurt. I know that girl is used to experiencing stares & whispers but this was blatant rudeness. When the check came, I grabbed it, said “I’LL take care of this” & made a big show of plopping down the 2 cents, accompanying it with a sugary-sweet smile & telling the waitress “And this is for your compassion to the young lady we’re dining with & I’ll be sure to tell the mangement.” I did, but not sure if it did any good. I’m sure there are some on this blog who hate disfigured people & feel the rude waitstaff were right & that anyone scarred does not “deserve” to be dealt with courteously

By Allen

October 24, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Well, I’m a fairly generous and consistent tipper, but … if service is deplorable and the server or management didn’t correct it, I leave a single dollar bill. I figure they can call someone who cares!

By When Not to Tip

October 24, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

I received an email about Obama’s tax and redistribution plan.

The story is about a guy who before entering a restaurant encounters a homeless man with a sign which read, “Vote for Obama. I need the money!” When he was seated, his waiter appeared sporting a “Vote for Obama” button. After his meal, he paid the tab, but instead of leaving a tip for the waiter, he went outside and gave $10.00 to the homeless man. He then went back into the restaurant and told the waiter that he was merely practicing the Obama tax plan. Taking the money the waiter earned and giving it to someone who needed it but didn’t earn it. The homeless man was thrilled, the waiter less so. Don’t know if the message sunk in with the waiter.

I’d probably not tip a waiter who expresses support for income redistribution. After all, I’d be giving him what he wants.

By Last Word

October 24, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

FormerServer:

I find it hard to believe that anyone who has worked in the foodservice industry would say such a thing. I think everyone should serve a brief stint. The world would be a less rude, haughty and pretentious place. The wait staff is there to serve you, not be your servant, and shlould not be treated like one. And for their kind consideration, should be generously compensated.

By Allen

October 24, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

I am a fairly generous and consistent tipper. However, if service is deplorable and it goes uncorrected, I leave a single dollar bill; perhaps they can call someone who cares.

By Allen

October 24, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

I am a fairly generous and consistent tipper. However, if service is deplorable and it goes uncorrected, I leave a single dollar bill; perhaps they can call someone who cares.

By Allen

October 24, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

I am a fairly generous and consistent tipper. However, if service is deplorable and it goes uncorrected, I leave a single dollar bill; perhaps they can call someone who cares.

By We Need Compassion

October 24, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Katie:

Kudos to you. Your post made me angry as if it were my friend and my friend’s daughter. Remember, people like your past server will undoubtedly get what they deserve. The thought of that person being in our public sickens me.

By Allen

October 24, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

I am a fairly generous and consistent tipper. However, if service is deplorable and it goes uncorrected, I leave a single dollar bill; perhaps they can call someone who cares.

By Last Word

October 24, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

When Not to Tip:

You’re a jackass!

By Davona

October 24, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Houstons has the absolute best service. I have never left there without tipping at least 20%. Most of the time, I tip very well. Yes, it IS based on service!

By Davona

October 24, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Houstons has the absolute best service. I have never left there without tipping at least 20%. Most of the time, I tip very well. Yes, it IS based on service!

By Meridith Ford

October 24, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Holy smokes! Okay, for starters — DOG: Congrats, dude, you’re the only person who brought up politics in a forum about TIPPING. Can we leave that stuff somewhere else? BILLB: Nice story. Thanks for sharing it. GARY: Please don’t start a blog post with “it’s people like me that …” you don’t know me. And finally TIP is NOT an acronym. It IS ENSURE and counter tipping is appropriate in the US — leave the change from your bill. If that’s too little, add a buck or two.

By Been There

October 24, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

I was a server for many years while in high school and college. Even then I felt and still feel that a tip is payment for good service. If I don’t have good service, then I feel absolutely no compunction to leave a tip. If a tip were mandatory, then the service had better be ABOVE par.

By FormerServer

October 24, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

To Last Word,

I waited tables for some of high school and throughout college. I relied on the money in college, so I understand the importance of tips.

My point is this: the responsibility for compensating servers should be up to their employers. I don’t appreciate feeling that if I don’t leave a certain amount of tip, no matter how unpleasant the dining experience was, then my server will basically not get paid for the time they spent waiting on my table. I don’t think it’s fair to put the burden directly on customers like that. If it were up to me, restaurants would charge more for the food, train and pay their servers much better, and then leave it to customers to give tips when the server did a great job—-as a reward.

Regardless, I understand that this is not the way things work today. I’m usually very patient and generous when I eat out—because I understand how hectic waiting on tables can be. I’ve only stiffed 1 server in my life—-that was after I discovered a piece of hairy gum in my coffee (after I drank it) and was then laughed at by my waitress. She got nothing.

By Last Word

October 24, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Feel better, Meridith?!!!!!

By Super Dad

October 24, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

If I’ve had a really bad waiter, I make a huge mess and leave no tip. If I had a really bad waiter and I’ve had a few drinks, I’ve been know to pee on the floor under the table.

By Joe

October 24, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Any comments on the rumor that African Americans don’t tip?

By JJ

October 24, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

This is exactly why I DON’T go to restaurants.

Stay home and cook a good healthy meal and you won’t have to worry about supporting someone else, or tipping inappropriately. You will save a ton of money.

By Last Word

October 24, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

FormerServer:

Point taken. However, working as a server and a bartnder in college was the best, easiest and fastest way for me to make spending money. The better job I did, the better the corresponding gratuity. At least that’s how it’s supposed to work. And I’ve had deplorable treatment: When asked which dressing I’d like on my salad, I asked if they had French, and my waitress responded by telling me I needed to got to Shoney’s! Needless to say I told her, “Well, honey, there went your tip!”

By kewl beans

October 24, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

My rule is to not dine-in if I don’t plan on tipping…I hate to see others not tipping especially with the wages waitresses/waiters/servers make…only in an extreme situation would I not tip, but hey I’m in another state…where the service is almost always exceptional and with a smile (no matter if it’s my first time there or not)

By Clay

October 24, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

If the server is wearing a political button that voids the tip!

By Meridith Ford

October 24, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

VInce: Thanks man! Made the change, see above.

By Reds

October 24, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

I’ve worked front of the house and back of the house in a middle of the road steakhouse. I will always tip at least 10%, but if I have an issue, i bring it up to the manager right then, AND then write to corporate. I’ve had my fair share of issues… went to Maggiano’s at Perimeter, had water spilled on me, and the waiter just laughed. Had about 3 other things happen, asked for the manager, no manager around. So I called up corporate and spoke to someone. I went to Maggianos on their dime the next 3 times. But, I will not likely go to that one again. There are time when I have wanted to leave NOTHING, but still will leave something. And yes, I get really ticked off if they don’t bring me my change. I’ve been a waitress. I know that it’s not easy, but I can tell the difference between incompetence, laziness, and being triple sat. I will always leave some wiggle room if the server is TRYING to take care of us.

By Last Word

October 24, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Atta-girl, Reds!

By TonyInMacon

October 24, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

I have a question for the wait staff responding… I always pay with my credit card, therefore the tip is included with the total bill. What do restaurants do with the tip on the bill? Do they give that to you at the end of the day, or do they add that to your paycheck? If it’s added to your paycheck, are taxes taken out from your tip money…?

By Citizen of the World

October 24, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I would never NOT tip.

If the server was surly or rude, I might only leave a 10 percent tip, complain to the manager and never return to that establishment again.

If the service was poor, I might only leave a 15 percent tip. Wait staff often have many other duties piled on them by management, plus, who knows, he or she might have gone back into the kitchen only to find there were no clean glasses or the cook just quit, or they just got slammed with a party of eight, or goodness knows what else. A lot is beyond their control and most are doing the best they can because they want to maximize their tip.

Most of the time I tip 20 - 20 percent.

By Katie

October 24, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

“We Need Compassion”, I immediately called my friend & read her your post. She said to send you a big cyber-hug. This happened about 6 months ago, & to this very day, I cannot believe that girl! Being a nasty, mean-spirited bigot is one thing but you’d think in this day & age where unemployment is rampant & people are doing their very best to keep their jobs…well, it boggles the mind!

By Texas Pete

October 24, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

I tip accordingly, but if the waitress is a cute chick, I demand the right to be able to give her a little smack on the @ss regardless of the service

By Last Word

October 24, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

TonyinMacon:

Credit card tips must be declared as income for tax purposes. A cash tip need not be.

By Dino

October 24, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Tipping should be the exception not the rule. Just pay servers a fair wage and no tip is necessary. Why is serving food the only business where you leave tips? How about teachers, workers in stores, etc. Why not tip them? Why not? Because that’s their job. If you have to work for a tip, and then complain about the tip, find another job that pays you a fair wage.

By JC

October 24, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

The tip should reflect the quality of service. Bad: 10% or below Average: approximately 15% Good: approximately 20% Exceptional: above 20% Do not reward bad service with a good tip, but do reward good service with a good tip. A good server should make more than a bad server at an establishment.

By Brydie

October 24, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

gra·tu·i·ty A favor or gift, usually in the form of money, given in return for service.

If I receive no real service, you receive no real tip. I served tables for quite a few years when I was younger so I know how important tips are, but they must be earned. If you don’t want to do the job, quit. When my husband and I were dating we went to a restaurant at an off time. We saw our server when we he brought us our menus/he got our drink order, when we ordered our food/he brought our drinks, and when he brought the check. He didn’t get us refills or bring out or food, and we were the only ones there. We left a 2 cent tip and our 2 cents worth.

By Last Word

October 24, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

TonyinMacon:

Maybe I wasn’t clear:

Tips on credit cards are either reimbursed at the end of the night (if the serviceperson is not carrying his/her own bank), or it is backed out of the gross amount rung up and the difference is surrendered by the waitron at close-out. Either way it is cumpulsory for the restaurant to decalre all credit card tip amounts as income, whereas if you pay for your meal with your card and tip with cash, you leave the option up to the serviceperson. And you might get kissed by your waitress!

By Stephanie

October 24, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

There have been several occations that I have not tipped. Heres what I go by.

My order is taken. Ok theres the introduction. My drink is brought by someone with a apron on. Strike 1 for the wait person. My meal is brought out of the kitchen by someone other then my wait person. Strike 2. I am then ignored through my meal with you only showing up to give me my bill. Well ok my bill already is included in the bill and you didnt do anything. I will not tip.

Oh yea and the people at Sonic, yes I want my change. You took two steps out the door, your young, you can handle it.

By Gary

October 24, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

By TO GARY

Next time you Critique a comment READ IT! first off, we told the waiter about the glasses and as I stated he brought back more of them that smelled and tasted badly! In other words the complaint went in one ear and out the other with no regard to what we said! When we explained it to the manager it again went on deaf ears! As for the cold food…YES I would have appreciated it if they would have brought out the 2 persons meals before letting them get cold! So would they!

Based on your attitude I’ll bet you have no longevity at an establishment as a wait person?? I’ll bet you just rake in the big bucks in tips too huh? Also you made the comment Non tippers beware. Anyone with common sense won’t go back to a restaurant with service that bad, why the hell would you want to keep going to a place that has crappy service? So go ahead and tell Non tippers beware and see how fast that place stays in business, especially with a few people on staff like yourself.

As for us visiting other places where the service is great, we do compensate the wait person(s) very generously, usually above 20%. That’s usually based on keeping the dirty dishes off the table, keeping the water glasses full and not stopping by every minute while we’re trying to eat, constantly asking if everything is okay.

Meredith

Correct I don’t know “you” but the personality type is always the same. You stated, ‘Fill in your own blank here, but I don’t feel that it’s ever appropriate to leave absolutely nothing — no matter how bad your service was.” In other words according to you no matter what it can’t be that bad and hey they deserve a tip for trying.

For trying what…. to ruin a gathering when people feel that maybe they can get together and enjoy a nice meal together. If people wanted to just get together they can do that at home. (which is what we do more than go out because good service in restaurants is few and far between) To pick a place to go and have dinner together is also picking a place that you feel you get a good value for your money. Because you trust that the food and the service are suppose to be good and therefore everyone will enjoy it and have that much more of a relaxed and quality good time. I think that’s what most people do expect and if you get cheated of that then you definitely don’t pay extra for it!

You feel they deserve a tip for that and that’s your opinion, as the saying goes Opinions are like you know what!

By Last Word

October 24, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Stephanie:

You are the guest everyone is talking about here.

You’re not dating the waiter, so if someone is helping him out on a busy night, don’t penalize him.

Oh, and the service personnel at Sonic deserve a tip for bringing you your meal regardles of their age!

By Kiki

October 24, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

HAVE ANY OF YOU WAITED TABLES?????

on an average waiters make $2.25/ hr. they are there for the tips. if you have poor or bad service…. control how much you give them, but at least 8%.

BETTER THAN LEAVING NOTHING…… speak to the server or manager and explain what problems you experienced; so, that they know how and what to correct.

by not tipping…. and not speaking to someone….. it looks (esp. in light of the economy) that you simply overspent and can not tip. it rarely sends the message as the server was rude, food was cold, to long of a wait, etc….. THAT INFORMATION CAN ONLY COME FROM YOU.

By To Gary

October 24, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Gary: Your colors continue to shine. Yep - I raked in the tips just fine in my serving days. BTW, No establishment will ever state “non-tippers beware”… it’s just understood in the service industry. Consider it a bit of free information… and give it a thought if you’re ever slightly rude to an undeserving individual. You never know where that ice in your drink as been! This is how the servers keep smiling after they’ve been stiffed…………. :)

By Kiki

October 24, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

HAVE ANY OF YOU WAITED TABLES?????

on an average waiters make $2.25/ hr. they are there for the tips. if you have poor or bad service…. control how much you give them, but at least 8%.

BETTER THAN LEAVING NOTHING…… speak to the server or manager and explain what problems you experienced; so, that they know how and what to correct.

by not tipping…. and not speaking to someone….. it looks (esp. in light of the economy) that you simply overspent and can not tip. it rarely sends the message as the server was rude, food was cold, to long of a wait, etc….. THAT INFORMATION CAN ONLY COME FROM YOU.

By Gary

October 24, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

To Gary

I only feel sorry for your family that will not know who you are after reading this and will maybe some day come to your house to eat a meal that you prepared with those nasty hands…Gross! You were probably one of the people caught on tape doing something to someones food as you seem to be an expert in the field.

I can tell you this if I ever caught someone doing that to my food they’d be going straight to the hospital from the restaurant and it wouldn’t be for food poisoning! bet your a* on it.

By OBVIOUSLY

October 24, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

I’ve waited tables for years, and as a black man, I can say this with no guilt: OBVIOUSLY THESE BLOGGERS ARE BLACK!!! Black people are notoriously bad tippers and every server groans when they see a black table. Sure, there are exceptions, but it’s always a pleasant surprise if you get 20%. People who don’t tip obviously have no empathy or have never had to work hard for anything in their lives!!

By school teacher

October 24, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

How great to read an AJC article by someone who gets it. Failure in America must never be acknowledged. Failure must always be rewarded. Otherwise, failure can negatively affect our feeling of self-worth. We must always feel good about ourselves no matter how badly we perform.

By ATLien

October 24, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Atanta in general doesn’t know how to tip. Service is crappy too. Chicken and the egg convo that can go on and on. 15% is standard, but to make up for those that don’t know how to tip, I usually leave 20%. WHAT I DON’T APPRECIATE is when they try to hide your tip - CAFE CIRCA’s “service charge” that’s automatically on the bill. Or better yet when they tip themselves with your card and you don’t realize it until you see your bank account. It’s being worked out so I’m not mentioning which restaurant, but it is going on!

By Jorge

October 24, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

*By pffft

October 24, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Yes it is appropriate to not leave a tip if the service is that bad. Tip is a reward for good service. Leaving a good tip and saying I didn’t appreciate your attitude is a joke. The reason for the wage/tip salary is to ensure good customer service and reputation of the establishment. Problem is bad servers are not smart enough to know if you stiffed them on the tip for poor service, or you are cheap. So I leave a quarter so they have no doubt I was insulting them for their insulting service. That way they know their poor attitude cost them an hour of their time and dents their wallet. Now I don’t ask for 5 star services at a 1 star establishment. I don’t need a bubbly, flirty talkative waiter/waitress. But don’t make me wait 30 min for a refill. You give me the minimum courtesy and I will tip well over the 20% no matter where I am eating. You act like I’m annoying you for having to bring my food to the table, you get a shiny new quarter. Poor customer service is an epidemic in this country. It has gotten way out of hand. Stop being a sheep by rewarding poor customer service.*

Nuff said. I am a devout follower of the shiny quarter policy.

By Daweeze

October 24, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

My understanding is that employers are required to make up the difference between a tipped employee’s hourly wage (at least $2.13) and minimum wage ($6.55), a difference of $4.42. So shouldn’t these waitstaffers still be making at least minimium wage per hour, regardless of how the public tips? If this isn’t happening to waitpersons out there, y’all need to start reporting your bosses to the Department of Labor for depriving you of your rights under our Equal Employment Opportunity laws…

By Thinkaboutit

October 24, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

I’ll tip when service is mediocre to good to excellent. Less than mediocre service? you’ll probably get less than 10%. Fortunately I’ve had very few experiences where I have not left a tip. Once I was having dinner with a friend at a chain restaurant. There were maybe 4 tables of people in the whole place. After eating we decided to order dessert. The waitress…nowhere to be seen for a good 15 minutes, THEN she went to a table and sat down with the customers (friends?). We even gave it a few more minutes. At this point we just wanted the check b/c we had evening plans. When she continued her relaxed conversation, we threw some money on the table and left. It probably covered 90+ % of the bill. We certainly weren’t going to leave anything that would require change. Only as we were walking out the door did she ask if she could get us anything. Yeah, you guys blindly tip if you’d like. Mine will ALWAYS be based on quality of service.

By avie

October 24, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Of course if you are known food critic and your meal is free anyways, you would say that.

By avie

October 24, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Of course if you are a known food critic and your meal is free anyways, you would say that.

By avie

October 24, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Of course if you are a known food critic and your meal is free anyways, you would say that.

But when you have to actually pay a lot of money for a nice dinner and the service sucks beyond normal, then not tipping can be justified.

By Lisa

October 24, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

I always tip, but sometimes it’s to an unexpected person. I had just moved back to Atlanta and was excited to take some friends who were visiting to my (at that time) favorite restaurant (that’s long gone from Colony Square). Our waiter rude and snarky about my order. He delivered the food and we NEVER saw him again. And, yes, I spoke with the manager. He was just as rude. They “were too busy” and hadn’t “anticipated our large table” (despite the reservation made over a week in advance). I tipped the guy who refilled our water glasses. He was the only person who was observant and courteous to us. He got a 20% tip on a $200+ bill. I should have asked, but I hope they didn’t have to “tip out”. He was the only one in the restaurant who deserved a tip from us. I never went back.

By Experienced

October 24, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Most servers make just $2.13 per hour in GA restaurants. They may make more per hour in fine dining restaurants if they are lucky. This is well below the minimum wage that even a beginning cook gets paid. Servers depend on tips to make a living and right now with our ecomony, that has become exceedly difficult. Servers are being asked to not only serve customers, but also clean tables, prep food, and other duties beyond the usual duties in the name keeping the place open. So, as you make a decision on whether or not to leave a tip, put yourself in that persons shoes and think. Would you work 8 to 12 hours a day for less than minumum wage? If your server gave poor service, you will get their attention quickly with a tip that is less than 10%. If your server was exceptionly good, giving above 30% gets their attention as well. Most restaurants have websites which you can leave comments on the service. Keep your receipt as this usually has info such as server name or number and time of day. Refusing to leave a tip tells the server that you are cheap and a bad customer. Servers do not realize they gave bad service if they are not told by the guest. If you don’t want to be vocal to the server, talk to the manager. Be calm and state your case. If you are angry and rude, even management will write you off as a bad customer. Be willing to give compliments and complaints. People need to know how they are performing. But, just as you need money, they too need to make a living and by not tipping, the server just views you the customer as cheap. The server will look at it as stolen labor.

By catlady

October 24, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

I always tip. A basic tip is for poor service (not taking care of me but having time to talk to friends, for example, promising repeatedly to bring condiments, etc). I give increasingly better tips based on the attentiveness, without being intrusive or trying to be my new BF, shown me and my family. I don’t grade the server on the quality of the food, and if I think the server has too many tables, I speak to the manager. I have seen some of the abuse some people heap on servers, and I have called over the manager to alert him.

My daughter worked as a server in college and it is a tough, thankless, menial job for $2,13 per hour. Some restaurants expect servers to be cleaners and other totally inappropriate things.

Shout out to the server, years ago, who overheard some drinking men making very sexual comments rather loudly about my 15 year old daughter eating with her sister nearby. He spoke to them, and ended up calling over the manager when they thought it was a big joke. He undoubtedly lost a tip, but he did the valiant thing. I called the manager when I found out to commend him. I hope that helped.

By Laura

October 27, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

It would take a lot for me to leave nothing at all. However, I did have an experience where we had a large enough party that the server knew she was going to get an automatic 18% added to the bill. So she proceeded to ignore us for the balance of the evening. We needed drink refills multiple times which either never came or were very delayed. Dishes were not cleared as they should have been. Was she busy elsewhere? Busy chatting with other servers. We were so irritated by her attitude that we spoke to management about it & said we would not pay the 18%. He immediately apologized and removed the automatic gratuity. We all then tipped her according to our preference (I believe I gave her 8-10%).

By Laura

October 27, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

It would take a lot for me to leave nothing at all. However, I did have an experience where we had a large enough party that the server knew she was going to get an automatic 18% added to the bill. So she proceeded to ignore us for the balance of the evening. We needed drink refills multiple times which either never came or were very delayed. Dishes were not cleared as they should have been. Was she busy elsewhere? Busy chatting with other servers. We were so irritated by her attitude that we spoke to management about it & said we would not pay the 18%. He immediately apologized and removed the automatic gratuity. We all then tipped her according to our preference (I believe I gave her 8-10%).

By Sarah

October 27, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

It is NEVER appropriate not to tip. You should always leave something. Servers make $2.13 an hour, and they should not be punished because the payroll system in American restaurants has been set up that way. Tips make up the majority of a servers income. Not to mention the fact that tips are often shared among the entire front of house staff. So, when you walked out without leaving a tip, you’re also punishing the 16-year-old busboy who had nothing to do with your slow service.

The next time you think about not tipping, consider what you’re angry about. Did you food take too long to come out of the kitchen? Guess what…usually not the server’s fault. Did she spill a drink on you? Whoops…accidents happen. Did your kid want mac ‘n cheese? Sorry, not on the menu. Instead of focusing on the mistakes, focus on whether your server tried to make it right. You can’t realistically expect that every time you go to a restaurant your dining experience will be perfect. Stuff happens. Servers make mistakes, kitchens are backed up, sometimes your steak isn’t cooked exactly right. Even if the only thing that was wrong with your experience was the server (like she wasn’t as attentive as she should have been), you should still leave a tip and complain to a manager. In my experience, most restaurants take customer service seriously. If someone complains about something that is truly the server’s fault, she will be reprimanded. Restaurant managers do realize that customers are what keeps them open.

By The Boss

October 27, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

First off..since when did 20% beome expected?? I look at every tipping opportunity as a mini performance review. I will tip 20% (or sometimes more) for “exceeds expectations”, but the rule for “meets expectations” should still be 15% IMHO.

Dining, especially at finer retaurants, is a complete experience that includes atmosphere, food quality and ,equally important, service. There are some people who are obviously not a good fit for the service industry and should choose some other line of work. I see no problem with letting them no this by leaving no tip. The sooner they realize this and move on the happier we’ll all be.

By Reality Is

October 27, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

It is OK NOT to leave a tip. As a former server I will not leave a tip for poor service. I had bad days while serving and caught attitudes with customers or gave poor service… guess what. I didn’t earn their tip. I even knew to be surprised when I got the from those people. No one owed me anything. however, when you give good service you should recieve a good tip. something that matched the service given.

By Justin

October 28, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

For tips, I say leave the amount deserved (and sometimes that’s zero). I have only left no tip twice. The most recent time I ordered a drink and received the wrong one (but it was ok, so I didn’t complain). When my food came, it tasted unusual to me. The manager happened to come by at that moment to ask if everything was ok. I said that my fish tasted unusual. He asked what I ordered (Grouper). He said that I had been given Tilapia (I’d never ordered this before, so I wasn’t familiar with it). The manager then said he’d have Grouper sent out to me. A minute later our waitress came out and asked “You wanted Grouper?” I said “Yes.” She said “Well, you ordered Tilapia, so that’s what I gave you.” I said “No, I ordered Grouper, I’ve never ordered Tilapia.” Another person at my table confirmed to her that I said “grouper” when I ordered. The waitress then said “No, you ordered Tilapia, but if you want to be difficult about it, I’ll bring you Grouper.” The waitress also never gave me a refill on water after I’d asked many times. She did not get a tip.

By D

October 28, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Like “By the Boss”, I am a bit surprised to see average tips quoted in the 18 to 20% range. Maybe it’s because we don’t go out as often, but I always heard appropriate tips for expected service was

If that’s changed, I’d like to know. Most servers work hard and deserve their tips.

Usually I tip the expected amount and then round up to the next dollar or so (leaving pennies is just annoying). When the service is better than expected, we will always leave more. When using coupons, we always tip on the original amount. We can see when a server is overworked or is having problems in the kitchen and understand that the circumstances may be beyond his or her control. A server must be absolutely hostile to get less than 10% and in such case, management will know before we leave. We also seek out management when the service was better than expected. We understand that tips make up the vast majority of a server’s income and are more likely to tip up than tip down. Even when restaurant prices go up (resulting in higher tips) we understand the cost of living for servers goes up too.

By Lord

January 18, 2009 3:34 AM | Link to this

Could you help me. When everyone is against you, it means that you are absolutely wrong— or absolutely right. I am from France and also now teach English, tell me whether I wrote the following sentence: “This internet business opportunity has unique training so that anyone can succeed at home online.”

THX :(, Lord.