Originally Posted by
RockoHorse
This is kind of a side note, but I had to share because these tipping threads get to me...
Recently we rented a restaurant for a reception. The service was amazing. The restaurant is known for it's food and service, but really it is one of these places that is above and beyond. The restaurant is not the cheapest place, but given that I've had pretty good service at cheap restaurants and pretty bad service at expensive restaurants I think that fact is unimportant.
The tip was included in the bill, at 15% before taxes.
If 15% before tax is what a restaurant with amazing service expects, why do people expect more?
My experience has been that the actual amount of those included gratuities that the server actually gets is a lot less. Oftentimes these tips are pooled and split. On group functions where I am the host, I ALWAYS, ALWAYS give a supplemental cash tip to the staff.
For example, at my club, I've thrown several parties ranging from 10 to 60 people. I give a supplemental cash tip to all the servers and car valets that park cars for me and my guests. Generally in the $50 range. So on a big event the cash tips are several hundred bucks. Yes, I am considered overly generous, but I also note that the level of service I get at any place I frequent regularly has been very, very high. Also, I can afford it. I'm sure I would not be throwing these parties or going to places that require tipping as much if I could not afford it. I consider the tip to be a full part of the expense and plan accordingly. If I can afford the meal, but not a generous tip, then I don't go.
Also, per the other conversation on this thread, my minimum cash tip in most situations (not counting starbucks and the like), for things like bellman, waiters, car valets is $5. So I carry a bunch of $5 bills around for tipping.