KH were you in Newport Beach recently?

[Jon Miller]

KH, why in the heck did you feel a need to respond? Particularly so vehemetly!

Plus...25% is a bit extravagant, isn't it? I mean, I can see that for exceptional service, but as a general rule?

It was a general rule for me until I left for Sweden.

JM

[Az]

What's the standard on this? I am always confused? it's 10-15% here, 10% around europe, and 0% in Germany, from I have seen...

[onodera]

It's 15% in the US and round up the bill here.

[Az]

round up the bill seems kind of vague. If I sit in a restaurant and drop 2850 Rubles it is quite clear that it means 3000 or so, however, what if the bill is 2400?

[Jon Miller]

It was a general rule for me until I left for Sweden.

JM

I should say, I started at 20% and rounded up. Often to some number like 30$.

JM

[Jon Miller]

I have had Swedish bartenders turn down tips.

JM

[MikeH]

In Sweden they charge you £10 for a f*cking beer, they can afford to pay the barstaff enough they don't need tips!

My brother wasn't allowed to take tips (working in a local government managed bar in England).

[Az]

In Sweden they charge you £10 for a f*cking beer, they can afford to pay the barstaff enough they don't need tips!

Alcohol taxes
Paying ~5EUR for a pint in Israel

[Dinner]

The local bew pub near my house sells a pint of the house brewed beer (which is actually pretty good) for $2 a pint regular price or for $1 during "Happy Hour" which is actually three hours long.

[Jon Miller]

In Sweden they charge you £10 for a f*cking beer, they can afford to pay the barstaff enough they don't need tips!

Yes, the problem in Sweden.

If you are a student you can go to special clubs where they charge you about 1/3 that.

JM

[regexcellent]

Christ, college students drink enough booze as is WITHOUT discounts.

One guy on my floor came back last night after having five shots of Everclear and two rum & cokes. He had a final exam at 8:00 AM this morning. I don't think he did so well.

[Lorizael]

Latest update says the story's not true.

[rah]

I've always tipped well, (maybe not as much as some) and I've always found that it's like karma. It keeps giving back to you. Besides the fantastic service you get where you're known, the freebies can out pace what you're actually tipping. That's not my purpose for tipping like I do, but it's a nice reward.

[Al B. Sure!]

Here's a tip for better service that should be obvious, but people don't do it... remember the waitress' name when she introduces herself and use it often.

[rah]

actually remembering their kids, spouse, pets names and bringing them up in conversation is even better. (yes, more for repeat service, and it does require a bit more effort and gets harder as I get older)