Do you tip in restaurants?

krohag92

On the broader question of getting value when eating out — I find independent restaurants give much better value than chains, even before the tipping question comes up. Chains charge more for an inferior product and experience, while independents often have early dining menus or set lunches that are significantly cheaper than the a la carte. With a chain you often feel pressured into the service charge; at a good independent where the staff genuinely care, I'm more inclined to tip without any pressure. The other thing I've noticed is that restaurants that invest in good photography for their menus and social media tend to be more serious about food quality generally — it's become a useful proxy for me when deciding where to go.