When it comes to tipping at restaurants and bars, the general rule of thumb is to leave at least 10% of the pre-tax bill, even if the service was poor. However, if you received good service, it is recommended to leave a tip of 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. Rachael Frank, a restaurant waitress, confirms that 20% is the standard amount for tipping at restaurants. In some cases, the suggested tipping amounts of 18, 20 and 22 percent appear on the bottom of the check to help guide customers.
If the service was exceptional, it's OK to leave a tip of more than 20% after taxes. Consider tipping 10 to 15 percent, or at least a few dollars.
