And there is the problem. The 20% is expected, regardless of service level. Here our tax is right around 7.8%, so if I double the tax on any given check, that's 15%. 15% for me is the bottom line, unless for some reason I feel that the service was terrible. I will still generally leave 10%, if I think its not the servers fault, like the kitchen is fucked, or the servers is covering may too many tables to provide good service, which is an establishment issue. Especially if I see the server is obviously trying. If I get exceptional service I will go 25% easily, and maybe even more depending on how good it was. In a nice place, or a less than high end place, the server can make or break the experience. I don't need to be coddled, but things like making suggestions, offering up things that may not be on the menu, or providing a level of service that shows a general caring for the customer should be appreciated, as they arent required to go as far some do.
There are couple of places here that I request the servers. There is one place I call before I go, and if Sheila isn't working, I wont go. If she is working, I will wait for her section, because she is gives a shit about what she does and treats it like a craft and not a job. The rest of the entitled fuckheads there act like they are doing me a favor.
