At a restaurant, always leave a tip. Tips can vary from 15 percent to 25 percent.
Waiter: 15 percent to 20 percent of the bill; 25 percent for extraordinary service
Wine steward: 15 percent of wine bill
Bartender: 10 percent to 15 percentage of bar bill
Coat check: $1 per coat
Car attendant: $2.00 to $5.00
Remember that the amount you tip reflects the total price before any coupons, gift certificates, etc. Just because you get a discount, does not mean that your server did not serve up the full order.
If the owner of the restaurant serves you himself, you should still tip him. He will divide the tip among those who work in the kitchen and dining room.
Dividing or sharing the restaurant bill with others? Always assume that if you’re dining in a group of more than six people (three couples), that the check is going to be divided evenly among everyone. When dining when other couples, If you know you’re going to ask for a separate check, tell the server before you order so that the process is simplified later.
Take into account any significant ($15 or more) price differences in orders. If someone only orders soup and everyone else orders two to three courses, it’s not fair to make them pay the same.
If there are a couple people not drinking alcohol while the rest of the group is, separate the beverage total to take this into account and don’t overcharge the non-drinkers.