Summary

Tipping in U.S. restaurants has dropped to 19.3%, the lowest in six years, driven by frustration over rising menu prices and increased prompts for tips in non-traditional settings.

Only 38% of consumers tipped 20% or more in 2024, down from 56% in 2021, reflecting tighter budgets.

Diners are cutting back on outings, spending less, and tipping less. Some restaurants are adding service fees, further reducing tips.

Worker advocacy groups are pushing to eliminate the tipped-wage system, while the restaurant industry warns these shifts hurt business and employees.

Key cities like D.C. and Chicago are phasing in higher minimum wages for tipped workers.

Non-paywall link

  • @[email protected]English
    -27•8 hours ago

    Lot of assholes in this thread. If you’re rich enough to eat out, tip.

    If you dont have enough to tip, dont order out.

    • arglebargleEnglish
      10•8 hours ago

      Explain to me why tip percentages should increase along with the cost of the food?

      Seems to me there was a built in raise and then people started saying it should be 25 percent.

      I was pretty pissed off when it went from 10 to 15. At 20 it is just obscene.

      I will tip for service. I even tipped well yesterday for take out because they see me come in and actually remember me and begin my order before I have to give it. For that knd of service I will tip well.

      But other take out places… Why am I tipping then at all?