Gratuity

When you eat a restaurant, it's easy to overlook the fact that the server running around with your food is working pretty damn hard to ensure you have an enjoyable eating experience. They seem a little rushed? It's probably because they are. Are they being a little rude? Maybe they had a really bad customer give them a hard time just before they got to your table. They forget an item on your order? People make mistakes, and the world seems to go on just fine.

There's nothing more annoying than a stingy tipper. Believe me, many people around me are really tight with their tip. They justify it with excuse after excuse, but it really is just that they're cheap. Let's say you pick up a tab for two that came out to a reasonable $40 after tax. I personally would leave, at a minimum, $50 total. It's a healthy 25% tip, it makes the server immensely happier, and I leave with the satisfaction of knowing that they will remember me when I return (and that the favor will be returned to me). Too many people would sit there, calculate out the 15%, and leave that $6 instead. Better yet, they'll round down to $45. Aside from making you look like the cheapest motherfucker to walk into the restaurant that night, you really only save $4-5. Is it really worth it? If you can't afford to throw in a few more dollars on top of your meal, why not stick to Burger King the next time you feel like going out?

I'll gladly leave a 30%, 40%, even 50% tip on a meal, especially if it's a quick bite for just myself. For that small premium, I get to walk out feeling good, not embarrassed and eager to get away ASAP. I also get to return and be greeted by a server who remembers me, not pray and hope she isn't working at the time.

Take it from a guy who worked at a restaurant for three years in college: 15% is the absolute bare minimum you should ever leave at a restaurant. 20% is not "excessive", it's standard. Leave a bad tip, and the servers will remember you, and you will be treated worse when you return. Really, the savings isn't worth it. Don't be fucking cheap.