Anonymous
Post 08/07/2024 21:31     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

I fell for this once OP and double tipped. It is really deceptive. Also, if employees know they automatically get 20%, they can and do ignore you.
Anonymous
Post 08/07/2024 12:35     Subject: Re:DC restaurant service fee

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
I don’t see what’s wrong with a 20% service fee if it goes to the server.


I do. It's a hidden fee that should be included in the cost of the food. And, unlike a regular tip, it can't be (easily) varied based upon the quality of the service. I hate tipping, it's a terrible system, but it is the one that we have. Expecting a regular tip is fine, but adding bogus non-negotiable fees is not. I don't go to hotels that have "destination fees" or "resort fees" either, for the same reason. It's dishonest.

And 20% is on the high end of tips. Every etiquette guide that I have read suggests that 15-20% is normal, assuming decent service. I have no idea why anyone would tip 20% for "average" service. That is crazy.


Where the guides from the 80s%? 20% has been the standard for decades now


No. 15% really is normal. 20% should be for outstanding service. And I'm a millennial.
Anonymous
Post 08/07/2024 12:34     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

Anonymous wrote:My understanding is that the service fee is shared among all employees. If you want more $ to go to the server, add a tip which goes directly to them.


Nope. 20% total. Do not care how it is split. You ain't getting a dime more.
Anonymous
Post 08/07/2024 11:13     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

My understanding is that the service fee is shared among all employees. If you want more $ to go to the server, add a tip which goes directly to them.
Anonymous
Post 08/07/2024 10:19     Subject: Re:DC restaurant service fee

Where the guides from the 80s%? 20% has been the standard for decades now


According to what reputable source? And why would it increase? Food prices have increased with (and probably faster than) inflation.
Anonymous
Post 08/07/2024 09:57     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:No tip and don’t go back. Next time ask before you order and leave if they charge fees

Why?

I don’t see what’s wrong with a 20% service fee if it goes to the server.


20% is very high. Only for exceptional service.


lol what? 20% is standard.


No... places are pressing for it to be standard, but no.
Anonymous
Post 08/06/2024 15:29     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

Haven't seen one in DC for a long time. You must eat out a lot of or near Spring Valley. Service fee is the tip if it's that 18-20%. If it's 3%, it's he covid left over one they haven't removed yet.
Anonymous
Post 08/06/2024 15:25     Subject: Re:DC restaurant service fee

Anonymous wrote:
I don’t see what’s wrong with a 20% service fee if it goes to the server.


I do. It's a hidden fee that should be included in the cost of the food. And, unlike a regular tip, it can't be (easily) varied based upon the quality of the service. I hate tipping, it's a terrible system, but it is the one that we have. Expecting a regular tip is fine, but adding bogus non-negotiable fees is not. I don't go to hotels that have "destination fees" or "resort fees" either, for the same reason. It's dishonest.

And 20% is on the high end of tips. Every etiquette guide that I have read suggests that 15-20% is normal, assuming decent service. I have no idea why anyone would tip 20% for "average" service. That is crazy.


Where the guides from the 80s%? 20% has been the standard for decades now
Anonymous
Post 08/06/2024 15:10     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

I tip on top. Stop being so damn cheap.
Anonymous
Post 08/06/2024 07:33     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

I don't tip if there is a service fee.

I also tend to not go back to that restaurant.
Anonymous
Post 08/06/2024 07:27     Subject: Re:DC restaurant service fee

I don’t see what’s wrong with a 20% service fee if it goes to the server.


I do. It's a hidden fee that should be included in the cost of the food. And, unlike a regular tip, it can't be (easily) varied based upon the quality of the service. I hate tipping, it's a terrible system, but it is the one that we have. Expecting a regular tip is fine, but adding bogus non-negotiable fees is not. I don't go to hotels that have "destination fees" or "resort fees" either, for the same reason. It's dishonest.

And 20% is on the high end of tips. Every etiquette guide that I have read suggests that 15-20% is normal, assuming decent service. I have no idea why anyone would tip 20% for "average" service. That is crazy.
Anonymous
Post 08/02/2024 08:37     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:No tip and don’t go back. Next time ask before you order and leave if they charge fees

Why?

I don’t see what’s wrong with a 20% service fee if it goes to the server.


20% is very high. Only for exceptional service.

I’m the cheapest person I know and I’ve been tipping 20% for years. Not if the service fee is included though, but that used to be limited to parties of 6+.
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2024 21:19     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

No tip if there's a service fee. And definitely would not go back if it wasn't disclosed up front.
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2024 21:14     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:No tip and don’t go back. Next time ask before you order and leave if they charge fees

Why?

I don’t see what’s wrong with a 20% service fee if it goes to the server.


I prefer to leave cash tips.
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2024 21:11     Subject: DC restaurant service fee

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:No tip and don’t go back. Next time ask before you order and leave if they charge fees

Why?

I don’t see what’s wrong with a 20% service fee if it goes to the server.


20% is very high. Only for exceptional service.


It’s standard tip amount