|
I’ve never thought about it before. I always tip around 20% and probably wouldn’t increase that just due to the holidays.
|
Originally Posted by CDTraveler
(Post 29190167)
I'd rather see a restaurant pay reasonable compensation, be it time and half or whatever the industry norm might be, for holidays, than have an expectation that customers will significantly increase tips because of the holiday because not every customer can or will throw in that extra $10 or $20.
Originally Posted by braslvr
(Post 29190739)
Absolutely on Valentines Day. Can't remember noticing it on other holidays.(in the US)
|
Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 29192236)
That would be great, but I think the transition would cause the issues you described in your post. Americans are uncomfortable not tipping at a restaurant. In Europe, they tip or over-tip, because it feels awkward not to. I have to imagine there would be a large number of people that would tip anyway (unless servers are required not to accept it), and cause some of the same expectations on tipping.
Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 29192236)
I'm doing NYE at a restaurant this year. I can tell you that here in Chicago, almost every above-average restaurant has special Christmas Eve and NYE menus, and almost without exception, they cost more than if you ordered off the regular menu. In fact, I made a decision against one restaurant simply because it was so clear -- the items on the special menu were the same as the regular menu, even down to the exact description, making it easy to compare. What would have cost $70/person on the regular menu was $99 on the NYE menu. Maybe I'll go on the 30th instead! :)
|
Originally Posted by CDTraveler
(Post 29190167)
Interesting how you say being generous "has served me well" - have you considered what happens after you leave that restaurant?
The customer who has that server after you and leaves a 20% tip, which is high standard these days, may leave behind a negative impression on the server, which may carry over in their work. The sad fact is that one extravagant gesture sets an expectation of how future customers will tip for same service. I'd rather see a restaurant pay reasonable compensation, be it time and half or whatever the industry norm might be, for holidays, than have an expectation that customers will significantly increase tips because of the holiday because not every customer that can or will throw in that extra $10 or $20. Corresponding with that, has anybody else noticed how holiday menus are often pricier than for the same dishes on non-holidays? ime, I tend to enjoy my meals/dinners/dates/whatevers, and I typically throw extra cash to the service employees involved. I feel I’ve enjoyed better repeat-visits, because these ppl are at work and remember good tips. Plus, as someone who worked for tips in a previous life, I can’t image going out for a reasonably expensive dinner and then not taking care of the server. I mean... could I go out to eat on a holiday and tip 15-20%? Sure.... I could... but I’d feel like a complete jerkbag. I put a lot of value on my dinners and drinks and relaxation time, and I make damn sure to take care of the bartender or waiter. |
My usual tip is 20 per cent of the pre-tax amount dropping to 10 if unhappy rising to 30 if ecstatic with the service. I might bump it up to 25 per cent for the holidays at a regular haunt but don't feel an obligation or need to. I do not top up a service charge unless the circumstances are exceptional.
|
NYC: 18-20%
|
Originally Posted by davie355
(Post 29088037)
With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up I would like to ask whether the standard tip amount in United States restaurants needs to be increased on these days.
(And since there's no agreement on it, anywhere in the 15-20% range is fine, and on either before or after-tax amount as your habit/conscience and sense of the appropriate dictates. Personally, I double the tax -- 9%-9.75% depending on which suburb around here and maybe round up to the next even $1 or nearest $5-10 if it's a really big bill.) It's certainly gracious to tip more around the holidays, and given how many fewer restaurants are open and how often the ones that are are over-busy, it's gracious to give servers some slack for what would otherwise be less than stellar service. Also: I heard some restaurants have prix fixe and/or auto-gratuity on these days. If auto-gratuity is included, is a further tip needed? (I saw a post somewhere from a self-professed ex-waiter that said yes, but that struck me as ridiculous--but maybe I am off base.) I've never seen auto-gratuity specific to the holiday (just party sizes, and at a few restaurants in NYC, automatic on late-night hours -- either way it should be posted on the menu.) If auto-gratuity is included, that is in lieu of a tip, although if it's less than you'd otherwise tip you can usually kick in a little extra.
Originally Posted by CDTraveler
(Post 29190167)
The sad fact is that one extravagant gesture sets an expectation of how future customers will tip for same service.
Originally Posted by braslvr
(Post 29190739)
Absolutely on Valentines Day. Can't remember noticing it on other holidays.(in the US)
|
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 3:41 pm. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.