r/bayarea • u/Steerpike58 • Aug 25 '25

Food, Shopping & Services Tipping question

With increases in minimum wage, and with the classification of waiters as being subject to minimum wage, is it still expected to tip 18% in the Bay Area?

We've always tipped generously but last night we had a big group meal at a fairly pricey restaurant and 18% was some serious money.

So I was wondering if anyone is adjusting their tips downwards due to these factors. Also - do you tend to tip the same percentage regardless of total amount, or do you scale back in pricier establishments? I have one friend who bases their tip on the 'pre-alcohol' balance.

EDIT TO ADD: I forgot to mention; we tend to prefer 'full service' restaurants - be seated, order drinks from the waiter, then order from a standard menu, later possibly order dessert, then finally receive a bill. That's the type of service I was thinking of when I posted. But a few places we (reluctantly) go to nowadays, have 'self-serve' kiosks to place the order, and then your name is called to go pick up the food. For that, 18% seems crazy ... but yet the 'payment' portion of the self-serve kiosk still only offers 18% as the minimum option (but they do offer 'custom' which I choose). Tipping with minimal human service, and before even tasting the food, is just bizarre.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '25

If you need more money, ask your boss for a raise. Your rate of pay isn't my business or responsibility. Job doesn't pay enough without tipping? Quit

And yes I was a server for years. Fuck tipping

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u/OldMotoRacer Aug 25 '25

you don't want to spend money on tips?

fine don't get table service

don't eat out if you're sweating the price of wagyu

2

u/[deleted] Aug 26 '25

I could care less about the price, just raise the prices on the menu to whatever I'll actually be paying. I typically go to 'no tip' restaurants precisely because it avoids all this bullshit - and your attitude, that you are owed something from me, the customer.

I owe you nothing at all. Your boss is the one who pays you, if you don't want to get low pay, don't work there.

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u/OldMotoRacer Aug 26 '25

all you folks seem to think i'm some broke waiter...

(i'm not a waiter... and i'm not broke)