Behind every great meal is a team making it happen. Tipping well isn't just kind—it's essential. Here's how to do it right.
This Is the Only Way to Make Sure Restaurant Servers Actually Get Your Tips
Published on Apr. 25, 2025
If you’ve ever nervously hovered over the tip line on a bill wondering what’s right, you’re not alone. I’ve worked in restaurants across LA and Chicago, where tipping isn’t just a nicety, it’s a livelihood. And while the rules may feel fuzzy, the best way to tip is simple: Tip in cash if you can, and tip like someone’s rent depends on it—because it probably does.
Cash vs. Card Tipping
Let’s make it easy: When dining at a full-service restaurant, tip 20%. That’s the standard. That’s the rule. No need to overthink it. If the service was excellent, tip more, and if someone made your night, let your tip reflect that. Cash is still king, yes, but credit card tips are absolutely welcome. They’re typically paid out on your server’s paycheck, which means they’re taxed and tracked, while cash usually goes right into their pocket at the end of the shift.
A lot of folks don’t realize that hospitality workers aren’t always guaranteed full minimum wage. In many states, the tipped minimum wage is much lower, as low as $2.13 an hour in some places. Employers are supposed to make up the difference if tips don’t bring workers to the standard minimum wage, but enforcement can be spotty, and wages can still fall short. Your tip isn’t just a thank-you—it helps servers pay bills.
Tip Pooling
Every restaurant is different. Some use tip pooling, others don’t—but in almost every case, servers tip out a percentage to bussers, runners, bartenders and even hosts. That great service you experienced? It was a group effort. Tip pooling formalizes what most servers already do: Share the wealth with the team that helped deliver the experience.
If your meal isn’t up to snuff, don’t go quiet and stiff the tip—say something. Give your server a chance to make it right. Most of us would rather fix the problem than lose your trust. If it’s a more significant issue, ask to speak with a manager. Good communication benefits everyone, from you, the guest, to the team taking care of you.
Many rules of etiquette come and go, but tipping well is always in style.
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