Don't Eat Out, Cheap-Ass

Maybe it's the area that I live in, or maybe it's a commonality now... but people seem to have become shitty tippers. I see, more often than not, tips that average in the 5% range. Of course, I am not eyeballing the next table's bill, but I can certainly rough up an estimate with a quick glance at their number, ordered items, and beverages. Especially if it is a restaurant that I frequent.

Recently, while picking up a 'to go' order at my favorite Mexican restaurant, I did get a gander at someone's bill (as they were standing next to me and slapped it onto the counter in plain view). The bill was for nearly $40. The tip? He left $1.38 (wrote it onto the charge slip). $1.38. That's like a 3.5 percent tip. What the hell? I eat at this place ALL the time and know that the service is wonderful. I have never had a single incidence of poor service or poor quality of food in all the times that I have dined at this restaurant. $1.38.

In my shock, I asked the cashier/waiter about the tip. He looked at me with such relief. He seemed so happy that someone actually noticed and cared. He went on to tell me that it is common, at least in his experience at that restaurant, to receive egregious tips. He, too, was incredulous and went on to say, "and the food is so inexpensive".

$1.38.

I understand that if the service is terrible... no tip. Complain to the manager. But when the service is great, tip accordingly. 20% is a nice tip for good service. If you are going to leave less than 15% for good service, don't go out. Stay home and eat a Totino's.

In addition, for those of you who like buffets, you still tip. No, not 20% - the general rule is $1 per glass. So, for you slow-learners, that means that if you sit down to your buffet style dinner and a server is refilling your beverage for you, you should leave a dollar for that service. That means that if there are 4 of you at the buffet, regardless of the number of drink refills you receive, you should leave $4. Got it? Good.

Now, let's get out there and act like thoughtful and informed diners.