US Restaurant Tipping Guide
Tipping is a standard practice in the US service industry. Unless service is exceptionally poor, it is customary to tip based on the following standards.
1. Tipping Rates by Situation
Full-Service Restaurants
Calculated based on the subtotal (before tax).
- Standard Service: 18%
- Good Service: 20%
- Excellent Service: 22% or more
- Poor Service: 15%
Bars and Cafes
- Simple Drinks/Beer: $1 to $2 per drink
- Hand-crafted Cocktails: $2 to $3 per drink
Hotel Services
- Bellboy (Luggage): $2 to $5 per bag
- Housekeeping: $2 to $5 per night
- Valet Parking: $2 to $5 when your car is returned
2. Payment Methods and Etiquette
Filling Out the Receipt (Credit Card)
When paying by card, you must enter three items on the receipt:
- Subtotal: The cost of the meal.
- Tip (or Gratuity): The amount you wish to add.
- Total: The final sum of the subtotal and the tip.
Note: Do not leave the 'Total' line blank. Clearly write the final sum to prevent unauthorized changes.
Automatic Gratuity (Gratuity Included)
In tourist areas or for large groups (usually 6+), a tip may be pre-calculated as 'Gratuity Included' or a 'Service Charge'. In these cases, no additional tip is required.
3. Quick Calculation Tips
- Double the Tax: In major cities (NY, LA), sales tax is often around 8.8–9.5%. Doubling the tax amount gives you roughly 18–20%.
- Move the Decimal: Take the total, move the decimal one place to the left (10%), and double that amount to get a 20% tip.