The Fine Art of Tipping – Part 3
June 6, 2009 by Shelly Marie
Filed under CL Director Diary, CL ExCLusives!, Etiquette
Thanks to all for giving such positive feedback on this series! To continue (in the great College Lifestyles fashion), let’s talk about the importance of tipping others.
Do we tip a host (or someone who seats your group)?
Not necessarily. The exception is if you are a frequent patron to the restaurant and the host/hostess remembers your favorite table.
How about the bartender? (not just for the 21 and over crowd).
While waiting for a table at a crowded restaurant, and you chose to order a drink (with or without spirits), tip the bartender $1 per drink.
If you eat your meal at the bar, follow the 15% rule.
What about a hibachi chef?
It is such a great time to attend a sushi/hibachi style eatery. (The last time I went while I was on travel in Savannah!) While not required, it is nice to extend a ‘side tip’ given directly to the chef.
I attended an event where someone parked my car (valet).
Ah, I was introduced to a valet by the great movie Ferris Beuller! The rule of thumb is $1 in a smaller cit and $2 in larger cities. Pay when the car is returned to you.
I am at a piano bar or at a restaurant/event where a jazz ensemble is playing. Do I tip?
This is a great excuse to watch my favorite movie of all time, Casablanca. 
In Casablanca, Rick request Sam (piano player) to play ‘As Time Goes By,’ (he and Isla’s song). Per each time played, Rick tips Sam. (I guess you all know that I am a complete softy for a gentleman with manners). The rule of thumb – when asking a jazz band or piano player to play a song, tip appropriately ($1 or more). It is considered thoughtful to tip $2 when leaving the bar/restaurant.
Great information, Shelly! Also, TIP your TO-GO servers! I worked at Outback Steakhouse as a take-away server (takes orders over the phone, packs them up, then brings the orders out to your car) and I made almost as much as servers in tips because we had a great clientele! However, some people who weren’t familiar with this service didn’t tip at all, feeling that it was like tipping at the McDonalds drive-thru.
As clarification for those who feel the same way: take-away services at restaurants such as Applebees, Outback, Chili’s, etc. is very attentive. In most cases the person who takes your order over the phone is the same person who packs up the food in the kitchen and brings it out to your car (not unlike a server taking your order, putting it on a tray and bringing it to your table, right?). Moreover, these employees are paid the same as the waitstaff ($2.15 an hour!). In these cases, 15% and up is acceptable.
Oh – I agree! To-Go is very popular now, and tips are just as important.