Tipping culture has expanded dramatically — and so has tip fatigue. Touchscreen prompts at coffee counters suggesting 30% have made many people genuinely unsure what's expected, what's generous, and what's insulting. Here's a clear, current guide by situation.
Restaurants (Sit-Down)
15% is acceptable for adequate service. 18–20% is standard for good service. 22–25%+ for exceptional service. Tip on the pre-tax total if you prefer — that's the original convention. Never tip on the total if a service charge is already included (check the bill).
Quick Service, Coffee, Takeout
No formal obligation, but tipping is appreciated. $1–2 for a barista who makes a complex drink, nothing for drip coffee or simple counter service is widely accepted. Tipping on counter-service apps that default to 20–25% for someone handing you a bag is a personal choice — that's what the skip button is for.
Delivery
15–20% for restaurant delivery, minimum $3–5 on small orders. Delivery apps take a large cut that rarely reaches drivers well, so tipping matters more here than it did when delivery was handled by the restaurant itself. Tip before delivery — some apps allocate tips to driver pay before showing available orders to drivers.
💡 Tip in cash when possible. Card tips can be subject to processing delays and, depending on the employer, withholding practices. Cash tips go directly to the worker instantly.
Other Service Situations
- Hair salon / barbershop: 20% is standard; 25% for great work or a regular stylist
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): $2–3 minimum, 15–20% for longer rides or excellent service
- Hotel housekeeping: $2–5/night, left daily (different staff may clean each day)
- Hotel bellhop/valet: $2–5 per bag or per retrieval
- Spa/massage: 18–20% is standard
- Pizza delivery: $3–5 minimum; more in bad weather
When It's Fine Not to Tip
Counter service with no table service, self-checkout, buying retail goods, fast food restaurants with no table service, professionals with set fees (doctors, lawyers, contractors). When someone owns the business they work in, tipping is optional — though appreciated.