This hasn't come up since the pandemic began, but with servers at restaurants being out for a year, I thought I'd ask the question if you've changed your tipping protocols.

As a former server, I've always tipped well, even for crappy service, figuring someone might be having an off-day.

When we could only do carry-out for food, I'd add on 15 - 20% to keep my fave restaurants open. Now, back inside or in the newly created al fresco dining, I generally tip 20 - 25%, higher end for my old stomping grounds with servers I've come to know over the years.

What about you?

The 6 or 8 sit down meals I've had I've definitely increased my tip %. I always leave a cash tip (never put it on the charge) so that guarantees the server gets all of it. Sac County still requires masks in all indoor venues but Placer County just 4 miles away doesn't so I've started eating out there about once a week.

Just realized I actually haven't done a single take out/delivery meal since covid started except for one drive through fast food run.

I have definitely increased my tipping for services (pedicure, massage, hair, etc.). I rarely eat in restaurants or do take-out (nothing about the pandemic) so that hasn't come up for me yet.

I have definitely increased the amount I tip and I have always been a good tipper.

We have a family of servers so have always tipped int eh 20-25% range EXCEPT for really bad service (and with our son's blessing--10% AND a note to say why). Our son in law is an owner in 5 restaurants and during the takeout phase they publicized that tips went to the servers (not that it wouldn't but sometimes for takeout you don't think about tipping). They were able to hang on--dicey for a while but it has paid off. Their restaurants weren't really set up at all for takeout but they were creative--as many others have been. AND they worked their tails off. But customer loyalty paid off too and they were supported by that.
One restaurant is right in downtown and with office workers gone it really took a hit. But by doing some creative takeout at another venue was able to survive.

I do that too, and hand the receipt and cash to the server rather than leave it on the table. Leaving cash on a table in L.A. is not always the best idea.

I do note that some restaurants are adding a service charge on the check. Either a limited amount (like 2%) that they explain goes to health insurance or such for the staff. Or more a like a complete service charge (like 20%). I am good with either version if clearly disclosed. If the limited version I tip the same (about 20%, but a higher percentage where the check $ amount is smaller) and if the complete version I do still leave a small amount for the server (like 5%). I know such service charges are common in Europe but until recently almost unheard of in USA.

If you tip more because of a pandemic, shouldn't you also pay a couple of bucks more than the menu price to help out the people trying to keep the restaurant business alive?

hmmm... also an ex-restaurant worker. I don't tip high for rude service (if they are having a "bad day" they need to leave that at home) but even then I'd leave 10-15%... but I would never penalize the server for a kitchen goof up (something wrong with the food that was not under their control), when they are doing their part of the job right.

Last week we dined out and when paying the check, a quick look seemed to say "something's wrong". Then we saw that 20% had been added with no note, nothing said to us, and no indication of this on the menu. In fact it didn't even say service charge on the line on the bill, it was simply an amount added, which we quickly determined was 20% of the bill. We almost missed that it was there. So they got 20% not the 25 to 30 we would have done otherwise. Sorry to penalize the server, but we did express our "surprise" on the way out and they were anything but apologetic.

Some restaurants in Chicago had tried to float covid processing charges, but the protests were pretty swift and vocal on social media, at least. I am too leery of eating out, but I've not forgone my starbucks, and I always tip for all they've put up with these nearly 2 years. I hope the mobile app users aren't cutting too much into their compensation, though I see the app users tip on occasion, too.

At least in my area -- menu prices have increased pretty substantially so while the restaurants have had a struggle they are taking care of their end. Of course the increased prices do mean servers are automatically getting higher tips vs 'the old days'. But because restaurants are really short staffed, servers and other emplotees are really stressed -- I hope my higher tip helps a little.

This is normal for parties of 6 or more of course but for them not to call it to your attention would lead me to say "maybe I'd like to tip less because you didn't tell us". And when this has happened when we've dined at a favorite restaurant--and they add the tip_-our kids say "well if they are satisfied with that we'll just leave that". Many times the server will say in this case "I haven't added the tip"

I definitely have upped the amounts of my tips due to the workers losses during COVID closures.

The "funny" thing if you think about it though is that many of those servers made more from unemployment than they did working--and that is really true. I am grateful for those who have come back to the industry but the restaurants have also had to increase their pay to get them there. And the situation in the "back of the kitchen"--dishwashers, etc. is really dire. They are just not there--which has been true for a while because of the immigration situation. Lots of moving parts.

Definitely have been giving more, enough that I’ve had a couple of servers ask, “are you sure?” That was in the cheaper places where the bill wasn’t that much to begin with. I’ve always tipped in cash and continue to do so.

I never leave the tip in cash if I am paying by credit card.

I have increased my tipping in most cases. During the shutdown in our area there was a lot of hoarding at the grocery stores. Since I tried to only go to the grocery store late at night, there usually was a very limited supply of food that did not come out of a can. A few of the local restaurants kept me fed with real food. I was very grateful. I have not changed this habit as many of the restaurant workers in this area are very overworked.

I also understand the service charges that some restaurants are applying. However, is needs to be stated. I was in a small restaurant in Baltimore last week that was charging different prices for items than was stated on the menu. I had overheard a waiter tell the patron at the next table that a drink price was different so I was not shocked when I got my bill and things were different. However, the service was so bad that I did not even make mention of it.