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how to tip the bartender

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ratonlaveur
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02 Mar 2012, 1:02 am

So I went to a bar for the first time for an alumni mixer.. what is the proper way to tip the bartender? I ordered a beer, the bartender said "$3" so I gave her a five and before I could give her back the change for the tip she turned around really quick and walked away to tend to something in the corner - she didn't even open my bottle. Was I supposed to tip in the beginning or something?



nat4200
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02 Mar 2012, 2:28 am

Redacted



Last edited by nat4200 on 21 Apr 2012, 12:50 am, edited 1 time in total.

Wolfheart
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02 Mar 2012, 2:55 am

I have always wondered what the big thing is with tipping in the United States, it isn't really popular here in the UK.



bnky
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02 Mar 2012, 6:54 am

The service didn't seem to warrant a tip... IMHO.
I tip in restaurants, but generally not for drinks in a bar.
Where I currently live there's sometimes a tip-glass of coloured (so no-one drinks it by mistake, i think) liquid (to deter anyone from pocketing it?) on the bar. If you want to tip, you put money in the jar.
Where I used to live it was the custom that any money left on the bar was considered a tip, but before being claimed by the barstaff, they'd tap it twice on the bar to alert anyone who might accidentally have left it on the counter.
Local customs differ. Have a drink sitting at the bar and see how others do it



izzeme
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02 Mar 2012, 2:39 pm

as far as i know; tipping isn't in order at a bar, it is more of an expression of gratitude for extra service; like bringing the drinks you ordered to your table, simply handing the bottle is the normal job and doesn't ask for a tip; not even opening it for you is sub-par and a reason for me to withhold the tip i was gonna give (if any)



Wolfheart
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02 Mar 2012, 2:52 pm

izzeme wrote:
as far as i know; tipping isn't in order at a bar, it is more of an expression of gratitude for extra service; like bringing the drinks you ordered to your table, simply handing the bottle is the normal job and doesn't ask for a tip; not even opening it for you is sub-par and a reason for me to withhold the tip i was gonna give (if any)


Wow, sounds similar to a church service donation but every time you go to buy a drink or meal. I guess it makes you feel guilty if you don't leave a tip, I know it would be awkward, I'm glad it isn't like that in England.



Tequila
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02 Mar 2012, 3:04 pm

Wolfheart wrote:
I have always wondered what the big thing is with tipping in the United States, it isn't really popular here in the UK.


That's because in most of Europe drinking out is expensive enough!



mds_02
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02 Mar 2012, 9:08 pm

bnky wrote:
The service didn't seem to warrant a tip... IMHO.

...

Where I used to live it was the custom that any money left on the bar was considered a tip, but before being claimed by the barstaff, they'd tap it twice on the bar to alert anyone who might accidentally have left it on the counter.
Local customs differ. Have a drink sitting at the bar and see how others do it

that's how it's done around here. And I'd agree that a bartender that didn't even open the bottle didn't earn a tip.


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Titangeek
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02 Mar 2012, 11:33 pm

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03 Mar 2012, 1:39 am

Quote:
Have a drink sitting at the bar and see how others do it


This. Where I live, some upscale places include the tip with their bill already, so you are saved the trouble. Otherwise, give them roughly 10-20-whatever % is usual where you live. And you can always hold it back if they don't give you a good service, like not opening your bottle.



gsh72
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22 Mar 2012, 1:22 pm

I picked this up from watching other people: leave $1/1 pound/1 euro on the bar, if you order at the bar (I don't think bartenders have to tip out to other staff, but it may very).