How To Know How Much To Tip in Restaurants and Bars

Tip your server 15 to 20 percent of the bill before tax – less if your service was unsatisfactory. If a sommelier helped you choose wine, tip them 10 percent of the cost of the wine or $20, whichever is less. No need to tip at a buffet unless a server brought you something, in which case 10 percent of the bill is sufficient.

Don’t try to bribe the maitre d’ in the hopes of getting a table without a reservation or cutting the line; it’s considered bad manners, especially if you’re obvious about it. But you can slip them a little something to try to ensure good service. And it’s perfectly fine to reward the host with a $10 or $20 “green handshake” on your way out.

Give $1 per coat to the coatroom attendant unless there’s a fee, in which case there’s no need to tip. Tip the restroom attendant at least 50 cents for each visit.

If in a bar, tip the bartender or cocktail server $1 per drink or 15 percent of the tab, whichever is less. Tip a bit more if the bartender had to make drinks involving blenders or shakers. And tip even if it’s an open bar.

When traveling outside the U.S., check what is customary before dining out. Some countries automatically add a service charge to restaurant bills; others expect far less than the 15 to 20 percent that is the norm in the U.S. And in a few places, like Japan, a tip is downright insulting!