Tipping Guide: Easy Rules for Restaurants, Bars, Delivery & More

Ever stare at the bill and wonder if you’re leaving the right amount? You’re not alone. Tipping can feel like a guessing game, especially when you’re juggling a dinner party, a quick coffee, or a food delivery. This guide cuts the confusion down to a few clear rules you can use anywhere.

Restaurant Basics: The 15‑20% Rule

Most U.S. restaurants expect a tip that reflects the service quality. A good baseline is 15 % of the pre‑tax total for standard service. If the server went the extra mile—refilling drinks without asking, handling dietary requests, or fixing a mistake—bump it up to 18 % or even 20 %. If you’re at a fancy place with a large party, the check often includes an automatic gratuity (usually 18‑20 %). Check the bill first; you don’t want to double tip.

Bars, Cafés, & Quick Service

For a bar tab, $1‑$2 per drink is a safe bet. If you order a pricey cocktail, aim for 15 % of the total. Coffee shops usually don’t expect a tip, but rounding up to the nearest dollar or leaving a few coins is appreciated, especially if the barista made a custom drink. Delivery drivers, rideshare drivers, and take‑out staff also fall under the “quick service” umbrella. A $2‑$5 tip for a typical food delivery works well, or 10‑15 % of the order if the cart is big. If the driver braved bad weather, add a couple of extra dollars.

Now, let’s talk a few special cases that often cause head‑scratching.

Buffets: Even though you serve yourself, staff still clear plates and keep things tidy. A 10 % tip is standard, or $1‑$2 per person if the group is small.

Hotels: Housekeeping usually gets $2‑$5 per night, left in the room each morning. Bellhops earn $1‑$2 per bag, and concierge staff can get $5‑$10 for special arrangements.

Self‑service kiosks: When you order from a touch screen, a 10 % tip is enough if you want to recognize the behind‑the‑scenes staff.

Remember, tip expectations differ by country. In most of Europe, service is included in the price, so a small rounding up is sufficient. In Japan, tipping can even be seen as rude. Always check local customs before you travel.

One more tip (no pun intended): keep a small envelope or a digital note on your phone for on‑the‑go tipping. It saves you from scrambling for change when the moment arrives.

Bottom line? Use the 15‑20 % rule as your compass, adjust for service quality, and remember the special cases. With these simple guidelines, you’ll never feel awkward about the bill again.