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11 Common Tipping Habits Waitstaff Say Are the Rudest

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

By Amanda Machado , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Sept. 24, 2026

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Are you making it a goal to go out to eat more? Don't forget that sitting down for a delicious restaurant meal includes more than 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 most of their income comes from tips.

As a result, servers watch when and how much you tip, and they have thoughts on appropriate, respectful behavior that reflects 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 moved past that. 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 cost only a few dollars, but depending on what you order, your server may put significant skill into creating a beautiful, delicious drink. Tipping a dollar or two on top of the price shows you appreciate their 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

Sometimes when you aren't necessarily served directly, the staff still make sure your meal goes according to plan. Skipping the tip at a buffet means you're not recognizing the behind-the-scenes staff who keep the food hot, refill the trays, and bus your table.

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. Sometimes the service may not go above and beyond, but that doesn't mean you should tip $0. Instead, 15% should be the minimum tip to help a server earn 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.

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Tipping with coins

Leaving a few dollars in quarters may add up on paper, but it's an added annoyance a server doesn't need when they're running from table to table. Tip in cash or add it to your 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 does the same amount of work even when your meal is discounted. Tip on what it would have been if 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 your server's fault. Take your complaints to restaurant management, not to the tip line.

As restaurant workers deal with growing frustrations around tipping culture, many restaurants face major challenges right now.

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Forgetting a tip on takeout

You may not need to tip a full 20% on takeout, but employees still put in work to make sure 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 split among all of them, and it adds up over 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 another reminder that 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.

Now is a great time to explore 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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