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11 Common Tipping Habits Waitstaff Say Are the Rudest

Don't stiff your server just to save your budget.

By Heather Bien

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Jan. 27, 2026

Are you making it a goal to go out to eat more in 2026? Don't forget that sitting down for a delicious restaurant meal doesn't just include paying for the food on your plate. Servers rely on your tips to make a living, and in many restaurants, their hourly wage can be as low as $2.13 an hour. That means the bulk of their income comes from tipped wages.

As a result, servers are watching when and how much you tip, and they have thoughts on appropriate, respectful behavior that takes into account how hard they work to ensure you have a good dining-out experience.

Here are 11 rude tipping habits to avoid if you want to treat your servers well.

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Tipping on the pre-tax amount

Some believe you only need to tip on the pre-tax amount when dining out. But, in 2026, most people have left that behind. It's not only easier to tip on the post-tax amount (no extra math needed), but it also sends just a few extra dollars to your server.

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Skipping the tip on coffee

A coffee may only cost a few dollars, but, depending on what you order, your server may put significant skill into creating a beautiful and delicious drink. Tipping a dollar or two on top of the price shows you appreciate your effort — and the caffeine kick.

Not tipping more for poor behavior at the table

It's frustrating when your kids decide to make a scene at a restaurant, or when your cranky relative sends their dish back multiple times. Your server understands, and chances are, they've seen worse. But that doesn't mean it doesn't make their day just a bit more difficult.

Tip accordingly and consider exceeding 20% if you know your table behaved poorly.

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Assuming you don't have to tip at a buffet

There are times when you aren't necessarily served directly, but staff still make sure your meal goes according to plan. Skipping the tip at a buffet means you're not recognizing those behind the scenes who make sure the food stays hot, the trays are filled, and your table is bussed.

While you may not need to tip a full 20%, 10-15% is still greatly appreciated.

Tipping nothing when you didn't like the service

Servers are people, and people have bad days. There will be times when the service may not go above and beyond, but that doesn't mean you should tip $0. Instead, 15% should be seen as the minimum tip to get a server to a living wage. Then, go up from there for good service.

Not tipping bartenders

Bartenders do so much more than open beer bottles and pour glasses of wine. They're often back there mixing drinks, juggling multiple patrons, and keeping orders straight even when they involve multiple cocktails and a laundry list of liquors.

That's why they earn every penny of their tip. Consider tipping $1-$2 per drink.

Don't miss: 8 clever ways to save money so you can still afford to eat out

Tipping with coins

Leaving behind a few dollars in quarters may add up to enough money on paper, but it's an added annoyance that a server doesn't need when they're running from table to table. Tip in cash or write it in with a credit card.

Tipping on a discounted total

Who doesn't love saving on a nice meal out? That BOGO on your entree or that 25% off coupon makes dining out more accessible, but your server is putting in the same amount of work even when your meal is discounted. Tip on the amount it would have been had you paid full price.

Stiffing a tip for reasons beyond the server's control

Maybe you're frustrated that your favorite entree was sold out, or perhaps your pet peeve is a restaurant that uses QR codes instead of paper menus.

While irritating, those annoyances aren't the fault of your server. Take your complaints to restaurant management, not to the tip line.

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Forgetting a tip on takeout

You may not need to tip a full 20% on takeout, but there are still employees putting in work to make sure that you get your order hot and correct.

Between the people taking the order, making the food, checking the order, and making sure it gets to the right person, a small tip is distributed among all of those employees, and it adds up over the course of a busy night.

Believing you're teaching a lesson with a bad tip

You're not there to teach your server how to do their job. Maybe you thought they took your order with a little bit of attitude, or perhaps you didn't like how they set down your plate.

While those might be small irritations, it's not your place to teach them a lesson with a docked tip. This is just another time to remember they're human, too.

Bottom line

For anyone dining out, consider keeping these habits in mind when signing the bill. And if you're not eating out this season, you're probably eager to cook at home while also finding ways to save money on groceries.

This is the time to look into how to make the most of store rewards programs, cash back credit cards, and coupons. These can all save you money while freeing up your budget for the occasional meal out.

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