Should You Tip at a Coffee Shop? Experts Weigh in on Tipping Etiquette for Different Dining Experiences

If you’re confused about how much to tip—or whether to tip at all—when you go out to eat, grab a coffee, or order food delivery, you’re not alone.

“Only about a third of people said it was very easy or very easy to know whether to tip,” Drew DeSilver, author of the Pew Research Center’s 2023 Tipping Report, tells PEOPLE. “That alone indicates to me that there is a lot of uncertainty around tipping.”

It even became a meme. Viral videos on TikTok and Instagram show content creators flipping their phone or tablet with a suggested tip on the screen. Although the videos are parodies (some people simply unload their own dishwashers), the concept is not that far from reality.

“People feel like more places are asking for tips or at least inviting them to tip than in years past,” DeSilver says.

To help clear up the confusion, PEOPLE also spoke to professional etiquette coach Maryanne Parker for guidance. In general, she recommends not overthinking the tipping process and prioritizing having a good time while eating out or grocery shopping.

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“Use your common sense,” she says. “Don’t feel obligated to tip more than you can afford, as this wonderful experience will leave you feeling unsatisfied.”

But she recognizes the anxiety many customers feel when deciding how to approach tipping.

“Tipping has a lot of emotional connotations,” says Parker. “Sometimes you feel ashamed to tip. When you go to certain establishments, they show you this screen and you’re kind of forced to tip — that doesn’t sit well.”

Many people agree with Parker; according to DeSilver’s report, more Americans were against the proposed tips than for them.

“What we teach as etiquette experts is that we want to make people feel very comfortable around us,” she explains. “When I’m forced with those flip screens, I feel uncomfortable. Some people feel annoyed. Other people are ashamed because they can’t [afford to] leave a tip.”

In full-service restaurants, tipping is recommended. Thomas Barwick/Stone/Getty Images

In situations where an employee goes out of their way to improve your experience, Parker says a tip should be expected—and with good reason. “Going out, part of the experience is good service. Otherwise, we would stay at home and cook,” she says.

When you sit down at a full-service restaurant, you should always leave a tip, Parker recommends.

“Tipping is required, especially for good service,” she says. “The standard for the last few years has been 20%,” she adds, although research shows that many guests tip a bit lower than that.

When it comes to restaurants with a built-in tip, she says “it’s a personal choice whether you want to tip more,” but it’s not required.

Maryanne Parker explains to PEOPLE proper tipping etiquette in a variety of situations. Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

You should also be prepared to tip when visiting a bar. While some tipping guides suggest leaving the bartender $1 per drink is enough, Parker advises tipping a little more.

“I think $1 is actually a little offensive these days,” Parker says. “At least $2 per drink. That’s the minimum.”

Tipping in coffee shops has become murky in recent years, but Parker simplifies the equation. If you’re going for takeout, you shouldn’t feel obligated to tip, she explains. Still, he recommends leaving something if you sit down at a coffee shop with great service.

“I would tip. A little coffee can change your whole mood for the whole day. You don’t have to give 20%, but 15% would be ideal for coffee and cakes,” she says.

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Of course, tipping etiquette is nuanced. If you are a regular guest at the cafe, a tip is a nice gesture, she adds.

“A place I go to every few days and they know me personally — maybe I want a cappuccino with sea salt and caramel, and they make it exactly the way I want it — of course I’ll tip them, even if I’m not sitting there,” he says. she.

While Parker says it’s unnecessary to tip employees when picking up takeout or pick-up at a fast food restaurant with counter service, you should plan to tip at least $5 or more when ordering food for delivery. A rate increase is necessary especially if it is a larger order with more people involved.

Bottom line: Parker says it’s important to keep in mind the effort of the delivery person.

“They’re driving, they’re queuing, and they’re wasting fuel — you have to keep that in mind,” she says.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education