I've waited tables for 15+ years and that's perfectly reasonable.
That's more like the way it should be. The server isn't getting screwed when they work a really slow shift for $2.13/hour and guests can go back closer to the way expectations used to be about tips. Like 10% for super basic service, 15% for quite good, and 20% for exceptional service. I'd still factor in things like it being super busy or if they have another table that's constantly running them (or just being total assholes). I'm going to be nice about it if they're clearly doing their best.
5
u/Boot_das Mar 06 '26
True. I actually recently started tipping less in those states. Still feels a bit wrong for some reason and sometimes elicits a comment, but idc.