If you eat at a restaurant in the United States, you are expected to tip the server. It’s not always required, but most people consider it a normal part of dining out.
Some customers don’t like tipping and believe that restaurants should pay their staff more. However, if servers received higher wages, menu prices would likely go up. An 18% tip or more is usually considered a good tip. Some people tip less, while others don’t tip at all. Of course, this can depend on the quality of service.
Recently, a server on TikTok shared a viral rant about bad tipping habits. He was frustrated with people who tip less than 20%, calling them “lousy tippers.” He gave an example of someone leaving a $5 tip on a $200 bill and said it was unacceptable. To help customers, he even explained how to calculate a proper tip.
His video got mixed reactions. Some viewers agreed with him, saying tipping is important to support service workers. Others thought he went too far. One person said they always leave a good tip, but the way he spoke made them uncomfortable.
Some people also pushed back against tipping culture, arguing that servers should not feel entitled to extra money. They pointed out that inflation affects everyone, and not all customers can afford to tip 20% or more.
Tipping in the U.S. has always been a debated topic, and this discussion is unlikely to end soon. Servers rely on tips, but customers also want fair pricing and the choice to tip based on service quality. The conversation continues, with strong opinions on both sides.