Do you often not go to a restaurant because you don't have enough money to tip the server?

Question

Sometimes I would like to go eat some places I like, but won't because I just have enough money to buy a dish and can't afford to leave a tip. And it makes me ashamed not being able to even leave a small tip. So I pass.

Answer 1

You sound like me! There have been times that I want to go out and eat, and I know I don't have enough money to leave a decent tip, so I go fast food too. And I'm a waitress!!

Guess we could eat cheap and leave a tip, but the cheap things are not what we want!!!

Answer 2

Not often, but I applaud you for not going anyway and stiffing your server on the tip he or she earned.

It's hard work, and they rely on tips. It's definitely not all right to tip poorly or not at all because you're short on money.

Answer 3

No, I always have enough money to tip the waitress generously . . . or else I wouldn't go.

Answer 4

Not much, but I think it's good how you avoid being in that situation. That's all the waiters/waitresses have and it's unfair to tip them cheap.

Answer 5

I would never go to a restaurant if I could not afford to tip the server appropriately. They make less than minimum wage and depend on tips. Imagine if you couldn't afford your electric bill, you couldn't still receive electricity and say, "Sorry, I can't afford to give you money!"

Instead of going to places like McDonald's, you should go to other counter-service places like Panera, Quizno's, Baja Fresh etc. where you are not required to tip.

Answer 6

I wish there were more people like you in the world.

Answer 7

Having worker as a server, I applaud you for having a conscience.  You can always order to-go or go to a place that is not full-service.

I can't understand why, unless the service was really poor, someone would stiff a server.  I don't care what part of the world you're from or what your ethnic background is; in America, it is customary to tip at least 10% for fair service, 15% for good service,  and 18%+ for excellent service.  

Dining in a full service restaurant and not having enough to tip is NO excuse for leaving a poor tip (or even none at all).  That server just wasted time and energy on a deadbeat when he/she could have waited on guests who will take care of said server when the check comes.

I do the same thing; if I'm short on cash and it looks like I won't have enough to tip, I just drive on to someplace like Subway or something else not full-service.  And as for buffet restaurants, I don't stop there if I'm short unless I know that I'm going to get absolutely EVERYTHING myself.

Thanks for posting this question.

Answer 8

most restaurants have their meals to go. you can call ahead and pick them up. then you don't have to tip and you can eat at home.