Tipping on Counter Service

Regional Dining Discussions Boston, New England
1

This might be better suited to a general board, but I wanted to post it here so I can gauge responses based on known users. I have run into a few instances lately when I am unsure about a tipping situation and always seem to zig when I should zag. The first 2 were at places at with which I was previously unfamiliar

  • Scenario 1: Ordered from the counter at a casual breakfast/lunch spot. The screen came up and I hit 20% without thinking. The gave me a buzzer with which I went up to collect the food when it rang. I went up to get us waters, silverware, etc., and bussed the table when we were done. Obviously 20% way too much in this case. The question is if I should have tipped anything at all.

  • Scenario 2: The next day we were at a casual dinner spot. You stood in line to order food and drinks (including from the bar). You gave your table number at check out. Remembering the previous day I only tipped about 10% of the bill. There was a bit more actual service at this place. They brought the food to the table and bussed the table. I had to get up to refill our waters and woulld have had to wait in line again if I wanted another drink. . Was the 10% appropriate?

  • Scenario 3: We ordered take out pizza from Flatbread. I noticed a non disclosed 3% service charge upon checking out, which was listed as a gratuity. Normally I may have tipped a bit more, but the hidden charges irk me. The final check out screen defaulted to the normal options (25%, 20%, 15%), which are absurd for pizza IMO. After hitting ‘no tip’ as I was planning to leave a few more $ in cash, I was the presented with a paper bill to sign with another tip area.

I worked as a waiter and bartender for a long time and my default tip at a full service restaurant starts at 20% of the total (including tax and alcohol) and goes up from there unless the service is blantantly rude or lacking. However, the evolution of tip culture is tiring to me. I had a tip default screen spun around at me at a convenience store the other day! Still, it is always challenging for me to hit ‘no tip’. I’m training myself though.

3 Likes
2

Xx

3

1)10%

2)20%

3)15% (if it is table service, otherwise 10%)

2 Likes
4

Same, pretty much. I hesitated to chime in, since only Boston posters known to the OP were asked to respond.

5

#3 was for a take away pizza ordered online

6

certainly not

7

In that case for online orders picking up we normally add 10% tip

1 Like
8

My policy is 20% after tax regardless of counter or table service. It ain’t gonna make or break us but it might mean a lot to the staff. And I always do it in cash when I can.

3 Likes