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