Originally Posted by
catocony
Some restaurants will add a gratuity if it's more than 6-8 people in the party. The bill will clearly state this, and I believe it's also usually printed in the menu.
For people from non-tip countries, it's not so much that waiters are paid little by the restaurant, but that food prices are quite a bit cheaper because of tipping. It's not the worst system, as it does generally lead to better wait service. It certainly leads to lower menu prices.
For me, anywhere in the US, I generally tip 20% on the pre-tax amount. If you tip with the tax, then 15-18% is fine. Taxes are not a service charge but a tax from the state and/or local governments. It's variable even within a given state, with most towns and cities having a meals tax on top of state sales taxes.
I absolutely disagree. Food prices are not cheaper because of tipping. Food prices in America are cheaper because food is cheaper. Where else do you have dollar menus for fast food?
In terms of better service, that is questionable. Better than in Europe (Paris is notorious) but better than southeast Asia? Where they smile at you too, and seem to mean it?
I find that better service depends on where you are. Portland service is pretty miserable, as is Alaska. But in California it is better. Because of tipping? No, because customers expect not to be waiting all day for their order to be taken and food delivered.
I very rarely find a meals tax on top of a sales tax. There are state taxes, and county taxes, and city taxes, all of which depend on where you are. Some places don't have sales tax on certain items (clothing, for example) but I cannot recall the last place in the US I've been where there was a literal meals tax. There is often a hotel tax, but not a meal tax.