20% Service charge at Miami Beach restaurants

[Anonymous]

I am staying in Miami Beach this week with my family. Every restaurant here charges a 20% service charge.

When I pay on digital card reader, it asks another 5%, 10% or 15% tip on top of the service charge. I feel bad to hit “no tip” in front of the server, but am I supposed to tip extra? How much would you tip?

[Anonymous]

Surprised you are surprised- many DC restaurants are doing the same.

[Anonymous]

They should all just add it and cut off the tip line. Everyone hates tipping, just charge everyone the same.

[Anonymous]

So no tip when there is a service charge?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So no tip when there is a service charge?

I’m not tipping on top of 20%.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So no tip when there is a service charge?

Correct

[Anonymous]

I would just put zero if they already add 20% tip aka service charge. Server should not be surprised.

[Anonymous]

I was in Miami recently and asked the server/bartender if she was going to get it. She said yes. So no more tipping in Miami!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was in Miami recently and asked the server/bartender if she was going to get it. She said yes. So no more tipping in Miami!

It's been this way in Miami for at least 20 years. They get too many international customers who don't know you're supposed to tip in the US they just put it on there automatically. You're not expected to tip on top of the 20%.

[Anonymous]

Miami has had it for years. They get so many foreign born tourists.
I have seen a tip, gratuity, and service charge all on one check in Miami.

[Anonymous]

Then they shouldn’t ask for another tip. They say well don’t tip if you don’t want to but they put you in an awkward position.

[Anonymous]

I would tip 0, and I'd avoid restaurants charging a "service fee."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would tip 0, and I'd avoid restaurants charging a "service fee."

Then you won’t eat at a restaurant in Miami Beach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was in Miami recently and asked the server/bartender if she was going to get it. She said yes. So no more tipping in Miami!

It's been this way in Miami for at least 20 years. They get too many international customers who don't know you're supposed to tip in the US they just put it on there automatically. You're not expected to tip on top of the 20%.

This!

[Anonymous]

I love this way of doing things, because it means the wait staff doesn't have to schmooze. They get their tip anyway. Such a relief not to have to deal with the banter. We can communicate on a more equal level.