Do you leave a tip at a buffet with partial table service?

Question

We ate at a Sizzler salad/soup buffet the other night. But there is a waitress who will bring clean plates, refill drinks, etc.

You order at the cash register, and get all of the food yourself. Do you still leave her a tip if she does a good job? And what percentage tip do you leave? I am assuming it would be a bit lower than a full sit down establishment? Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, she is still doing stuff for you. she is refilling your drink and checking on you. From a formers server perspective - the refilling the glass is one of the most important aspects (in my opinion)  if a guest has nothing to drink and has hot food (spicy)  they can't eat the meal until they get something to drink!

Also at a buffet, plates can add up and they clear your table so you can be more comfortable.

Definitely still leave tip :) Maybe not as much as sit-down meal at the local pizzeria for the same price, but a fair amount.

Answer 2

You had a server who brought you drinks, cleared plates, etc.....you leave tip....at buffets, I judge level of service.....a minimum of $2 per peron or 10 - 15% of total check.....Many times they also bring napkins, straws, condiments, get you SPECIAL orders from kitchen (dietary reason) I then tip more.  WHy are americans so cheap.....

Answer 3

I used to work at a buffet restaurant. And while there is less work involved than in a "real" restaurant, the servers still make less than what you call "minimum wage". It used to be 2.13 but I heard somewhere that it went up to 3.13. But still, that's not enough to live on. And remember, most servers are students and single mothers. So tip genorously and help your fellow mankind. lol

Answer 4

No.

Answer 5

ALWAYS leave tips,this is how people in the service industry make a living,take out,buffets,dining,etc....

Answer 6

only a couple bucks

Answer 7

Yes, leave something on the table, but not the customary 15%.

Answer 8

Offcourse, you should leave a tip.

Answer 9

you can if they've showed you good service, but i don't think it's mandatory to leave a tip at a buffet rest

Answer 10

yes. I leave 5$. she is, like you said, cleaning the table, refilling your drink and bringing you clean plates. Its just a kind thing to do as well.

Answer 11

Of course you leave a tip. 10% would be appropriate.

Answer 12

yes i leave a partial tip with partial table service.

Answer 13

I ALWAYS leave a tip unless the Service is HORRBILE. Then I leave then 2 cents.

Answer 14

I think you should only tip at a buffet if there is a waiter or waitress who refills your drinks, and does things like that.

Answer 15

Yea sizzler is a tough situation, I think I usually just end up giving a dollar or 2 per person, or 15% anyway, whichever seems more reasonable, the waitress is usually nice and friendly anyway.

Answer 16

Yes, I leave a couple of dollars as long as my drink was full and the plates were cleared.