The $2.13 is a national minimum. Many cities and states have higher minimums. Most the servers in the restaurants that I go to get between $10-$30 an hour after tips. Otherwise, they wouldn't be there.

Just as Red Caps at the airport got minimum wage, and got 95% of their money on tips, servers make the majority of their money from tips. Sure they nothing from some, but 30% on others. I believe that the government figures they get 8-10% average on their tickets. Most get 15% or more if they're good.

The thing that I *do* like about the US system, is that you can easily show your displeasure with their service via the tip. Often in Europe I've had horrible service, and they don't care, since the service is already in the bill.