The first and foremost question to ask when considering how much to leave your waiter is this: On a scale of one to five, what kind of service did I receive? You can begin by assessing, in general, how you felt about the flow of your meal. It is a waiter's job to assure you have a smooth flow to your meal, and that your food comes to you in an orderly manner. The best waiter is not flamboyant or entertaining; rather, he or she silently and skillfully goes about the duties of clearing your table, filling your water or wine, bringing your food to the table, and otherwise responding promptly to any other requests you have. Ideally, you won't have to ask for anything, but if you do, a good waiter brings it to you within a reasonable time.

Complaints

If you find something wrong with your food, be sure to inform your waiter immediately. Whatever you do, don't silently endure a meal you don't like, then complain at the end and stiff your waiter. Give your server an opportunity to correct the problem, and nine times out of ten, they will! Naturally, tip according to how well your waiter deals with any problems that arise.

Tip Amount

Many people are unsure of exactly how much tip to leave for their waiter. Generally, the assumption goes that 15% of your total bill is the proper tip amount. In the case of a good waiter, this assumption is correct. If your water glass was always filled, if your bread or other condiments were always replenished, and if the waiter actively checked your table for food quality and assured you were enjoying your food, then 15% is the minimum proper amount to leave.

Remember, waiters earn their livelihood almost entirely from gratuities. They are people, just like you, who are paying their bills and living in the world with all the same costs you incur. And, at the end of the night, most waiters have to tip somebody else, and this obviously cuts into what they take home. When preparing to dine out, it is important to take this into account before hand, because a waiter's wage is essentially meaningless. It is the tips they are after, and as such, a good waiter strives to give good service in his or her own best interests, as well as yours.

In some cases, it is appropriate to tip more than 15%. Take into consideration the kind of restaurant you are visiting: the ambiance, the décor, the music if there is any, the style and quality of service, and of course, the food. In most fine dining establishments, 20% of the total bill is an expected and appropriate tip. In places like these, the standard of service is generally higher than other restaurants, and the waiters are generally more experienced and better trained, not to mention the chefs cooking your food. Remember, take this into account before you dine out.

Also, in restaurants where you receive table-side service, such as a Caesar salad or flambé made right at your table by your server, consider tipping in accordance with the extra work your server has done to make your dining experience enjoyable and memorable.

Leaving a Tip

When it comes time to leave a gratuity, remember to use the general assessment of one to five star service. If you received five star service, give a five star tip! Likewise, if you can honestly say you received poor service, it is acceptable to tip poorly, if at all. But have no doubt: when a good waiter who has given great service receives anything less than a 15% gratuity, it is absolutely insulting; and anybody who tips that way is not likely to be very welcome again.

If you tip your waiter well, it gives him or her that much extra incentive to work hard for you next time you visit that restaurant. You had better believe that they will remember the face of someone who leaves them a handy tip! Finally, remember that as a customer you are partly responsible for the kind of service you receive. Work with your waiter, be open minded, and be positive. This makes it far more likely that you will receive good service, and enjoy your meal. Happy tipping!