How do you tip at a restaurant?

I am a server by trade. In my restaurant, it is common coutesy to tip at least 15% at all times. There are things that are out of the servers control (food temperature, time in preparation, how busy the restaurant itself is...) I feel like as long as the server gets you what you need in a timely manner, he/she should get the 15%. Some Servers like 20% at dinner. I do tip that amount if the server is outstanding. (refills drinks without being asked, extra attention or thought, etc.) I think it is just rude to stiff someone or undertip though. You are going out to eat, you need to figure the tip into your budget

I usually base it on a percentage unless all I get is something to drink when I'm out with friends. If the waiter/waitress is good, they get a good tip. I am WAY more generous when the server is attentive and pleasant. My tip has nothing to do with how the food tastes. The server is in no way able to make a difference on my food except for the hotness/coldness of the food. I consider a good tip 30% or more. If the service is crazy good, I'll tip up to $20 for a meal that doesn't even cost $20

It is suggested one should tip 15% of the price of the bill. Some websites suggest 15-20%. However, there is no rule that you have to tip that much so it is really up to you. I tip based on the service. One time when service was really bad food came wrong, drinks were never refilled I tipped 5% but usually I am good for the 15%. However, most servers dislike 15%. If they don't do much though I don't see why I have to pay more. It is an individual decision but if you go somwhere a lot and never tip good you can be assured that they may tamper with your food. Servers make less than minimum wage and I know some who have done this so be careful but as long as you give 15% of the bill that is okay in most servers eyes.

If you are happy with the service then ettique says to tip 15 or 20% of your total bill without tax.

If the server is more attentive and pleasant I deffiatially tip more and all so if some about are order made it hard on them, such as children or a large party.

I consider a good tip to be 20%.

I tip better if the service is good and the server takes good care of us. It use to be considered a good tip to leave 15% of what the check is. An easy way to get close to 15% without thinking too hard about it is to take the sales tax which is usally 7 to 9 percent and double it and leave that amount for a tip if you are happy with the service....

I think you should base it on percentage of the bill. Maybe you can go by asset amount if the server was very attentive and really seemed like he/she worked very hard. I consider a good tip about..(average) $5.

I have been a waitress for 8 years and this is a tricky situation when it comes to tips. Do what you feel they derserve. Don't worry over percentages. If you have great service and were pleased give a better tip. If the server threw the food at you and dropped the check even I wouldn't give a great tip and I've seen everything! It all depends on you and your satisfaction.

I start at 15% but if the service was epecially good or bad it might vary. If a wait person treats me like Im special, I do the same when tipping. As I have gotten older, I try to think of the waitress as my own daughter and act like I'd want other customers to treat her. That doesnt mean I always over tip because I have high expectations of my daughter!!

Once I took a date to a restaurant for a nice meal and the waiter treated us like we were buying a $50 dinner. It was really entertaining as he asked ME what the lady would like!! We had a great time and he enjoyed waiting on us too, making it very memorable. So when we left, we made it memorable for him too!

I base it on the bill. 15% is normal, but I have my own system.

Really good service, love the server: 25%

Above average service: 20%

Average: 15% (of course!)

Below average, waited excessively long at least once: 10%

Horrible service, had to flag down my server every time I needed them: NOTHING!

During esp. busy nights, if my server is running around like mad, I make exceptions. It's hard to keep track of every customer on a busy Friday night, so I cut 'em some slack.

The proper way to tip at a restaurant is 20% of the original bill. If the server is above average, or if we happen to be overly demanding, I will throw an extra couple of dollars in just to show my appreciation for the extra effort that they put in, and it will also put a smile on your servers face!