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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/trav-us-restaurant-tip-15-20

At a US sit-down restaurant, what tip is expected for satisfactory service?

About 15% of the bill before tax, and about 20% for great service.

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  1. About 15% of the bill before tax ✔
  2. About 5% of the bill
  3. Nothing, service is always included

Why: In the US, servers count on tips as part of their pay. UCLA's Dashew Center says 15% before tax is expected for satisfactory service and about 20% for great service.

Huh, didn't know that: For groups of six or more, many US restaurants add 15% to 18% to the bill automatically, so check before tipping again.

The dad joke
Customer: Are you supposed to tip the waiters here? Waiter: Why, yes. Customer: Then tip me, I've been waiting here for two hours.
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References

Answer: About 15% of the bill before tax. In the US, servers count on tips as part of their pay. UCLA's Dashew Center says 15% before tax is expected for satisfactory service and about 20% for great service.

  1. UCLA Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars: Tipping internationalcenter.ucla.edu/resources/tipping
    In general, a tip of 15% of the bill (before tax) is expected for satisfactory service.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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