Tipping Etiquette for Every Restaurant Type

Not every restaurant deserves the same tip percentage. The level of service varies wildly between a Michelin-starred tasting menu and a self-serve taco stand. Here is a definitive breakdown.

Fine Dining (20-25%)

At upscale restaurants, your server manages a complex multi-course experience. They explain dishes, pair wines, manage timing between courses, and provide attentive tableside service. The standard tip starts at 20% and goes up to 25% or more for exceptional experiences.

Extra considerations: If the sommelier provides extensive wine service, an additional $10-20 on top of your meal tip is a thoughtful gesture. For private dining or tasting menus, 20-22% of the total is standard.

Casual Sit-Down (18-20%)

Your typical neighborhood restaurant — sit down, order from a menu, get table service. The standard 18-20% applies. Your server takes your order, brings food, refills drinks, and checks on your table.

Fast Casual (0-15%)

Counter-service restaurants where you order at a register, get a number, and your food is brought to you (or you pick it up). Chipotle, Panera, Sweetgreen — that tier.

Tipping is optional here. These workers typically earn a higher base wage than tipped servers. If you do tip, $1-2 or 10-15% is generous. Do not feel pressured by the tablet tip screen.

Buffets (10-15%)

You serve yourself the food, but someone still clears your plates, refills drinks, and maintains your table. Tip 10-15% of the bill. See our detailed buffet tipping guide for more.

Bars (Per-Drink or Tab-Based)

• Simple drinks (draft beer, glass of wine): $1-2 per drink
• Cocktails: $2-3 per drink or 18-20% of each drink
• Running a tab: 18-20% when you close out

See the full bar tipping guide for more scenarios.

Coffee Shops (Optional, $1-2)

For drip coffee: optional, $0.50-1 is kind. For complex specialty drinks (lattes, blended drinks): $1-2 or 15-20%. See our coffee shop tipping guide.

Food Trucks (10-15%)

Food trucks operate with minimal overhead and small crews. Tipping 10-15% or rounding up is appreciated. Many food trucks now have tablet-based POS systems with tip prompts.

Delivery (15-20%, $3-5 minimum)

Your delivery driver brings food to your door using their own vehicle. Tip 15-20% with a $3-5 minimum. More for long distances, large orders, or bad weather. See the delivery tip calculator.

Takeout (10-15%)

Someone prepared and packaged your food. 10-15% is the modern standard for takeout, especially for complex orders. Quick pickups of simple orders: tipping is at your discretion.

Catering (15-20%)

For catered events, tip 15-20% of the total. If the catering company includes a service charge, check whether it goes to the staff (ask!) — if not, an additional cash tip for the on-site team is appreciated.

The Bottom Line

The more personal service involved, the higher the tip should be. A server who manages your entire dining experience for an hour deserves more than a counter worker who hands you a bag. Both deserve fair compensation — the difference is in how much of that compensation comes from tips versus their base wage.

Use our tip calculator to get the right amount for any situation.