How much to tip for a buffet at a Dinner Theater?

[Anonymous]

I went to Toby's Dinner Theater recently and was surprised that they recommended leaving a 15%-20% tip based on the price of the ticket (~$60) and any extras purchased. The dinner is a (mediocre) buffet, so the waiter really only brought me a glass of water. A busboy removed empty plates. I had no extra dessert or drink, so I didn't receive a check at the end of the night. Would you really leave 15%? So $10 for a buffet meal? I don't usually tip for a buffet, or at least don't tip more than $1-2.

[Anonymous]

I thought the buffet was good. I thought the production we saw was amazing.

The waiters are the actors and work really hard. So I tipped heavily b/c I'd like to continue to see shows with good actors.

[Anonymous]

Would you work as a waitress for $1-$2 per table per night? Give the 15-20%.

[Anonymous]

Yes, buffet there is blah. You are paying for the show. If they had separate waiters, the ticket prices would be higher. tip the customary 15%.

[Anonymous]

The top is included in the price of meal.

[Anonymous]

You are supposed to tip at buffets, OP.

[Anonymous]

The question is how does one tip? If 15-20% is the norm for dinner where one has service, what is the rationale for the same tip when it is a buffet and the service being offered is minimal?

What is the tip fora take-out meal?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The question is how does one tip? If 15-20% is the norm for dinner where one has service, what is the rationale for the same tip when it is a buffet and the service being offered is minimal?

What is the tip fora take-out meal?

Dinner Theatre is different from a standard buffet. The actors are the wait staff that's why they suggest heavy tipping.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The question is how does one tip? If 15-20% is the norm for dinner where one has service, what is the rationale for the same tip when it is a buffet and the service being offered is minimal?

What is the tip fora take-out meal?

I don't tip for take-out unless it's at a restaurant with sit-down service; then I do 5%

15% for dinner theater seems really high

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The top is included in the price of meal.

At Toby's, it isn't, unless you were part of a group of 15 or more and booked through the group sales office (in which case, the "pe-tip" isa little under 10% of the ticket price).