How to Tip Your Waiter or Waitress

Learning to tip a server is one of the most important things to learn. For me, tipping is based upon the server's proficiency and attitude. Here are some tips on evaluating their service.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Just need to pay attention.

1. Does the server greet you and is friendly? This is always a big one for me because the last thing I want is someone who is having a bad day. A happy server means better service.
2. Does the server know the menu and the dishes if you have questions or do they have to run back to the kitchen to check? Servers sometimes need to be sales people, too, so they really need to know the product they are selling.
3. When the food is ready, does the server remember who ordered what meal, especially in a large group, or do they have to ask who ordered what? This one is really a toss up because the server may be new. Experienced and great servers have some kind of technique where they some how remember who ordered what dish.
4. As your water glass begins to fall below the halfway mark, is your server attentive and promptly refills your water without asking? Sometimes, it's the little things that count. One thing you will want to consider is whether the area where you are eating is in a drought situation. I've known of restaurants that won't automatically bring out water if that's the environment they are in. However, if you ask, they will bring you a glass of water.
5. Do you have to ask for the check or is the check brought too soon? If the check comes too soon, you may feel rushed and uncomfortable. If it's too late then you have to sit around and wait. A good server will ask if you are ready for your check.

Tips & Warnings

• Typically, tipping is expected to be around 15-20 percent. It can be more if service was spectacular. Also, remember to separate your food from the server. The server has no control over the quality of the food that is delivered. If the food is bad, talk to the manager, don't take it out on the server. If you frequent a restaurant and like your server, don't be afraid to ask to be seated in their area. If you were a gracious guest and they were a gracious server, you'll have a wonderful dining relationship.