20%

It seems to be heading in that direction. I have talked to waitresses and bartenders who say it is 20% but if the service is lousy you can tip less. However I rarely tip cab drivers 20%. The two types of service (driving vs. food/drink servers) just seem different to me. Servers have to work harder and put up with more crap.

In the DC area (maybe because we get so many foreigners who expect it?), it's increasingly common for restaurants to impose a service charge instead of leaving a blank for a tip. The standard practice is becomming that with a party of 6 or more, a service charge is figured in, at 18% of the pre-tax bill. I suppose one could view that 18% as representing the new normal.

As dougv says, it seems to be heading that way, but the hell with'em. Tip what you like. I usually tip at 10% (cheap? Maybe, it's just easier to figure out in my head). On the other hand, sometimes I'll tip over 20% for exceptional service.

Then there's the total bill consideration. When I foot the bill for some special occasion at, say over $100, I definitely limit the tip to 10%. Com'on folks, there's gotta be an upper limit.

As for surly taxi drivers and such; if the tip was in reach in the OP's example I'd of snatched it back out of his hand with some choice words of advice concerning manners and maybe reminding him who is providing the service and who is the customer. Last one of those I ran into we bailed out of the cab at the stop light, paying with no tip, and walked the next two blocks to the hotel.

But, do as you like.

I tip cabbies more by "feel" than by any percent of the meter. I think most cab-taking Americans do the same. The service varies too widely for there to really be a set standard tip.

Did he get you there quickly, but without actually making you fear for your life? Was he friendly but not overly so? Did he know where he was going? Did he take the fastest or most direct route without being prompted? Did he help with your bags? Did he act like he expected a tip? (That's a huge turnoff for me, for reasons I can't quite articulate.)

I've had some cab experiences where the right tip was $0. I've had some where I've left like 40%.

--M.

cheap? Maybe

cheap? yes.

there's gotta be an upper limit.

I suppose so, but it isn't $10.

Tipping extortion is getting crazy in this country, especially when you see tip jars prominently displayed on counters nowadays, and in chain stores at that. Always give zero at those places, no matter what, as they expect you to tip before getting service. At other places, figure ten percent is adequate if you get adequate service, fifteen if you get something special. Anyone who tips more than that had better be getting a special phone number along with great service.

Does the 18% service charge in DC for large parties mean no further tip is required?

And since I'd assume prices have risen around the country, doesn't upping the tipping rate to 20% just mean an extra-extra pay rise for those in the service industry? (Plus I'd assume they've also had a raise in their hourly rate at some time too)

figure ten percent is adequate if you get adequate service

That really is not the rule on the East Coast. I don't know where itzawonder is from. 15 -20% is standard here.

Does the 18% service charge in DC for large parties mean no further tip is required?

Yes. But, as in countries where service charges are routine, you can add a bit even when there's a service charge included.