Peter, here is what I do. If the service or the food is of such poor quality that I would not want to leave a tip, I ask to see the manager. I explain to the manager, face-to-face what my problem is. I take the attitude that the manager would want to know if the food or service is of poor quality and that I am actually doing them a favor by taking the time to inform them.

In most cases, the manager thanks me for bringing the problem to their attention. Occasionally, they might comp my entire bill, or give me a coupon for a future meal in hopes of bringing me back and proving to me the bad service or food was a one-time abberation.

In no case do I slink off into the night leaving no tip. I put on my big girl panties, inform management of the problem, then leave with my head held high.

This is actually rare. Sitting here, I can only think of a handful of times, in my 56 years, this has been necessary. My husband worked his way through college as a bus boy and take tipping very seriously.