Are we having fun yet?

For an average lunch or inexpensive dinner for two, our bill is usually $30 to $40 and we regularly tip $10 (25% to 33%). The server is appreciative and remembers us... After a couple visits, we've noticed that the hostess sometimes seats us within her favorite servers area. Many times the server remembers and greets us by name. The additional $2 to $4 tip makes everyone happier and doesn't impact our wallet much.

I have a sort of "all or nothing" feeling about tipping. I have never subscribed that a tip is part of the cost of a meal. It is a reward for good service. If you are attentive, keep up with the drinks and make sure that the salad, soup & entree doesn't all arrive at the same time I almost always leave 20-30%. If they are really doing their job..they're working hard and deserve it.

If they just go thru the motions but nothing is screwed up I'll leave 15%.

BUT..If they go away, don't keep up with the drinks and don't time out the courses..they'll get no reward from me. I have no problem stiffing a server if they provide poor service.

My wife and I tend to always return to several of our favorite restaurants as we are creatures of habit.......accordingly we tip generously and generally find that the server remembers us and shows their appreciation on our future visits. Appreciation is generally shown through attentiveness, bring our drinks to table before we even order, etc.