Tipping Tips

You know you should tip your waiter/waitress. But how much should you leave?

Some people claim that 10% is adequate. Others claim that 20% is standard. But I suspect that most of us learned to tip 15%, and to give more for exceptional service!

The amounts listed are based on averages, when possible.

Bartender: $1/drink (or 15% of total bill). Pre-tip for better service.
Delivery person (including pizza): 10%, $2 minimum
Takeout: No tip required unless something special is done
Waiter/Waitress:15% for adequate service, 20% for exceptional service. For poor service, leave 10% or less. It’s okay to leave nothing for exceptionally poor service, but only if you’re sure it’s the waiter’s fault.

Silverware Etiquette

Always use your silverware from the outside in. So if you have two forks, the outside fork is for salad and the fork closest to the plate is for your main course. The silverware will be removed as you finish each course. There may be a third fork outside the salad fork for appetizers. Usually no more than three utensils are placed on each side of the place setting. If a fourth utensil is needed, it is placed above the plate and is usually for dessert and/or for coffee to be served with dessert. (When you are seated, don't play with your utensils or make them a topic of conversation.)