Eating out, and some wonder

That's the thing.  Here, you don't know, and it may vary by restaurant if it's shared by the entire staff, or the server gets it.  Cash on the table, you would hope the server gets it.  But, without knowing each situation or outright asking it's a guessing game in trying to reward excellent service.

Europeans for the most part are "no tip". I guess it's factored into the price you pay.  The servers are civil, so I guess it works for them.  Tipping happens but it is supposedly for better than average service.

Lars(wi) wrote: This same topic was making the rounds last week on LinkedIn, couple of snobs over there were implying that 30% should be the normal tip amount. I responded, with a tip of that amount, the waitress should get on her knees, give a Lewinsky.

I guess we are old enough to remember when a tip was a reward for above average service and not an expected part of paying for a meal.

We do have such a center here in town, Messmer Eitmann Foundation has Lunches M-F depending of weather or holidays. Also close seasonally for Xmas and TDay weeks. They too are $5 a plate for those of us above 60. Good and plentiful, actually staffed by others as old!   Most importantly is call and make reservations.

Edited by DMiller - 03 Mar 2025 at 3:36am

We try to stick to Daily Specials at Rothchilds Washington MO or the Local eateries here.  many times are just cycling down inventories to replenish with newer stock but generally a bargain. Sandwiches at 2/3- just above 1/2 prices, Free Fries or Tater Tots, the specials at Rothchilds can be pretty extravagant as a Four Piece Fried Chicken dinner at noon with Mash tatoes and a side vege on a Saturday we were there, last checked with a local is now up to $10 something.  

New Chinese/Japanese/American style buffet showed up last year. Feast Buffet is the name. When they first opened, you paid as you entered. 15 bucks and you filled your own drinks. Server would come by and ask if you need anything . Guess the servers were not making any tips so it changed. Now a server seats you and gets your drinks and then brings a bill and you pay them before you go. This way you feel obligated to leave a tip .
As I understand the servers do not make minimum wage . Their pay is much less as they are expected to make tips. Want to see workers earn a living but the system we have in place sucks. I understand restaurants raising their prices as everything else is going up. Inflation is like a runaway snowball that can't be stopped.
My first job was a dishwasher at Dennys. Learned a lot about tipping and proper edicate in a restaurant. The waitresses I knew had burn marks on their arms from stacking hot plates on them as they carried them out to the customers. The ones that hustled made good money for the day .

Did I hear a request or 2?

The problem with "all you can eat" places is that people eat till they are STUFFED and can hardly walk out the door !!

Last time I ate at one, could barely make it home! You talk about short-stepping! Phew!!!

Gary wrote: Lars How many times have you eaten at a Golden Corral? If you haven't, then you can't comment on it. Don't get hung up on the word 'Buffet'. And this is a high Tourist area, the Restaurant is right across the road from the Ocean. Gary

I have been to a Golden Corral, albeit it’s been a few years, no desire to ever patronize one again, actually the desire to patronize and type of buffet or cafeteria style restaurant has become a complete turn-off for me. If that’s what floats your boat, have at it.

Lars

How many times have you eaten at a Golden Corral?

If you haven't, then you can't comment on it.

Don't get hung up on the word 'Buffet'.

And this is a high Tourist area, the Restaurant is right across the road from the Ocean.

Gary

Yeah its gotten crazy at some places- the 5 dollar deal at Wendys is good- went to Culvers around Christmas - thought , Id treat myself- $6 dollars for a piece of fish, ordered 4 not knowing the price- still MAD !  Like to get breakfast toast sandwiches at WhiteCastle, was 1.79 , now 2.19,, not bad but the eggs are the reason ! Applebees seems to be good - big ole sloppy cheese burger , fries , for 9.99,, - hell I dunno, I try to be smart about it all but sometime - F it ,, Im getting it! 

WE eat out friday night at local Mom and Pop shop... $32. for two of us... Saturday i run to McD or Hardees and get their $5 or $7 meal X2 , not a BIG meal, but enough... Sunday i get a large pizza at Caseys for  $17. and we have a beer each.. enough pizza for lunch for two days after that.

Edited by steve(ill) - 27 Feb 2025 at 5:39pm

Wife and I sometimes go to a local buffet BBQ place that's good. Believe it's $32 for the two of us. My question is they have a place on the bill for a tip. Seems unnecessary at a buffet ? What do you guys think? Thanks