I agree, great post abcederia. I feel the same in that a tip should not be paying someone extra for doing their job. Service is part of going to a restraurant. A tip is a gratuity, a gift, not mandatory.

I went out tonight for dinner (I am travelling, as in happytravelling) and was shocked, SHOCKED, I tell you to see a service charge on the bill. Okay, it was only 10% and I still left a tip on the table, but the server hovered at a respectfull distance and was great. You don't have this kind of service in the US.

I would like clarification on something that was posted earlier which might influence many people. Someone claimed that they received less than minimum wage as a server. I did not think this was legal, but if so, could someone explain if this is true?