Counter workes such as McDonald's also make real minimum wage and sometimes $10 - 11 an hour. US wait staff typically are paid $2.13 an hour. Supposedly it's upped to minimum wage if they don't get tips to hit minimum wage, but that's pretty much a myth. They make what they make, and on some nights it really is $2.13 an hour.

I tip a minimum of 20% at every restaurant, $1 at Starbuck's, and nothing at McD's and other fast food joints.