What To Tip Your Server

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Corey Rozon

In a previous post we asked, “What kind of tipper are you?” Today we are going to provide you with some information on how much to actually tip your server.

If you already fall into the Big Tipper category, good news, you get to leave class early. Everyone else, please pay close attention, because there will be a pop-quiz after the lesson.

Argentina
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: Many places may already include the 10% gratuity on the bill, but if you are levelling up to Big Tipper throw in that extra 10% anyway.

Australia
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Australian servers are usually paid a higher than North American wage to begin with, so tips are not usually required. The unfortunate part is this sometimes shows in the level of service you will receive, but if you get an exceptional server show them you appreciate it by adding the standard 10-15%

Bolivia
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Bolivia is another country that automatically includes the gratuity in your bill. The benefit being the server always gets a tip, even if they don’t deserve it. So if you get great service feel free to add a little extra. Again, we suggest the standard 10-15%.

Brazil
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Brazil will have a standard 10% service fee already included in your bill, so there is no need to tip any extra, but of course, by all means do so if the service was excellent.

Cambodia
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: Generally, the standard 10% is reserved for ‘nicer’ establishments. For those hole in the wall type of places, leaving your change will usually suffice.

Canada
Minimum tip: 15-20%
Caveat: Some establishments will automatically bill in a gratuity of 17-20% for parties over a certain number, so make sure to check your bill for a service fee before you calculate your tip.

Chile
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: Unless of course the gratuity is already added to the bill. But as mentioned above, even if it is, feel free to leave a little extra.

China
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Not only is tipping not required in most areas of China, but at one time it was actually against the law!

Colombia
Minimum tip: 7-10%
Caveat: Many establishments will add a service charge of 8-10%, but it is still recommended to leave an additional tip so the total equals 15-18%.

Costa Rica
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Most places in Costa Rica already include a 10% service fee on the bill, so a tip is usually not required. Just check to make sure, or leave an additional 10% if the service was good.

Croatia
Minimum tip: 10-15%.
Caveat: The minimum tip of 10-15% is usually reserved for nicer restaurants. Anywhere else you would usually just leave your change.

Czech Republic
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: There will typically be a service charge included in the bill, but it is always nice to round up the tip to 15% if you receive great service.

Denmark
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Denmark does not have typically have a tipping culture, but like many other countries, leaving a little something for the server is always appreciated.

Ecuador
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: A 10% service fee will already be tacked onto your bill, so although a tip is generally not required, adding an additional 5-10% is customary.

Egypt
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Most of Egyptian bars and restaurants already include a 10% on the bill, but if you are feeling like a Big Tipper feel free to add an additional 5-10%.

Estonia
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: There is not really a tipping culture in Estonia, but it is considered usual practice to leave a 5-10% tip a nicer restaurants when going out for dinner.

Finland
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: There is no tipping culture in Finland, but you can try to leave the standard 10% for excellent service.

France
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Most bars, restaurants and cafes will automatically include a 15% gratuity on your bill, so additional tipping is not required, but definitely appreciated.

Germany
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Germany has a similar tipping policy as France, so if the service fee is not listed on your bill consider leaving a 10-15% tip.

Greece
Minimum tip: 10-20%
Caveat: Your bill may include a service fee but it is customary to add an additional tip up to 20%, including the fee.

Hungary
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: Most places will not add a service fee, so it is customary to leave the 10% in cash for your server.

Iceland
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: There is not a big tipping culture in Iceland. That being said, there is already a 15% service included in your bill, so if the service was great think about adding an additional 5%.

India
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: Some of the nicer restaurants will already include a 10% service fee, but it is still customary to leave 5-10% for your server.

Indonesia
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: A 10% gratuity will automatically be added to your bill, regardless of the service you receive. So if you get great service add 5% for your server.

Israel
Minimum tip: 12%
Caveat: In Israel some establishments will charge the standard 12% service fee, so it is customary to tip your server 12% if the gratuity is not built in.

Italy
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: Service fees are usually not charged on the bill but double check to make sure before leaving a tip.

Japan
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: There is no tipping culture in Japan, but it’s not a bad idea to leave something for really good service.

Malaysia
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: The majority of restauarnats and bars already include a 10% tip in the bill, but it is customary to round up or leave your change for your server.

Norway
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Service fees are automatically included in the bill, so no additional tip is required. However, it is customary to leave your server a tip if you are happy with the service.

Paraguay
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: A service fee will be included with your check and it is not common practice to leave an additional tip for your server in Paraguay.

Philippines
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Most palces will include a 10% tip on your bill, if they don’t leave your server 10-15% depending on the level of service they provided.

Portugal
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: Even though some restaurants may add a service charge of 10% it is still customary to tip your server an additional 10% on top of your bill.

Romania
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: Tipping is customary in Romanian, everywhere from a restaurant or bar to taxis and even the hospital. Since tipping is expected the level of service you receive may be low. So for great serive add an additional 5-10% of the minimum.

Russia
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: Although the bill may not include a service or gratuity charge, it is advisable to provide your server with a 10% tip in cash.

Singapore
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: There is already a 10% service fee included in yoru bill, so although tipping is not required it appreciated if you round up your bill and leave the change.

Slovenia
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: There isn’t a big tipping culture in Slovenia, however in tourist areas it is customary to leave a 10% tip.

South Korea
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: South Korea does not have a big tipping culture, so even though no tip iss required it is always nice to leave a little something for your server.

Spain
Minimum tip: 5-10%
Caveat: It is customary to leave your change or round up your bill in Spain. For nicer places a 5-10% tip is customary.

Sweden
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Sweden, like many other European countries, does not have a big tipping culture. Since there is no service fee included in the bill it is always nice to leave the server a little something if you are so inclined.

Switzerland
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: The majority of places will already include a 15% service fee, so unless your server provides you with top of the notch service, no additional tip is required.

Syria
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: It is customary to leave your server 10% in cash, even if a service fee is charged on the bill, although this rarely happens.

Taiwan
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Most places in Taiwan already includde the service fee of 10%, if not leave 10-15% depending on the level of service.

Thailand
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: Many nicer establishments may include the 10% service charge, but if not leave the standard 10% for your server.

Turkey
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: Leave up to 15% for good service and try to tip your server in cash.

Ukraine
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: For really good service you may consider leaving an additional 3-5%

United Arab Emirates
Minimum tip: 15-20%
Caveat: In reality, 20% is really the minimum, and if you want to get extra special service make sure you tip the maitre d before you are seated.

United Kingdom
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Most places already have a service fee built in, so leaving a tip is not always required, but will likely not be turned away if you are feeling generous.

USA
Minimum tip: 15-20%
Caveat: Much like Canada, some establishments in the US will add a gratuity to your bill for larger parties.

Venezuela
Minimum tip: not required
Caveat: Most restaurants and bars will already add a 10% service fee to your bill, so essentially a tip is not required. However, if you receive excellent service a 5-10% additional tip is always appreciated by the server.

Vietnam
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: Some establishments may include the 10% gratuity, so for those places a tip is not required, but it never hurts to leave a little extra.

Yemen
Minimum tip: 10%
Caveat: For nice restaurants you may consider leaving a little extra than the standard 10%

Pop-Quiz:
What are some of the destinations, and their tipping policies, that we have left off the list? Leave your answers below in our comment section.

About the Author
Corey Rozon is a freelance writer from Ottawa, Canada.

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Five Ways Bars Get You To Part With Extra Money

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Corey Rozon

Going out to party can be expensive. We all know this. Not only are drinks more expensive to purchase at a bar or club then they would be to buy at the liquor store and drink at home, but drinking establishments seem to find ways to make you part with extra money all the time.

Is it greediness or just pure capitalism at its finest? Either way it sucks to be on the receiving end of price gouging. So if you are going to go out to party, and lets face it, sitting at home drinking can only be so much fun, then beware of these five ways that bars get you to part with extra money:

Cover Charge

Oh cover charge. Not only are drink prices marked up exponentially, but also the fine drinking establishment owners want to further gouge you before you even enter the bar. I guess the cover charge is their way to prepare you for the expensive night ahead. If you are like me and don’t like to pay cover charge, check out tips #2 and #3 of our Miser’s Guide To Clubbing.

Coat Check

After shelling out $5 to $10+ already you are now in the bar, but before you can even think about getting a drink you have to pass the next gatekeeper. Yes, I’m talking about the coat check girl. Many bars, and especially clubs, have a mandatory coat check rule, and even though you have already paid cover, some clubs want a little more money before they let you buy a drink. Is it fair? I don’t think so. That’s why you will see the #4 tip on the Miser’s Guide To Clubbing is to leave your coat at home.

Oh, and don’t forget to tip the coat check girl, especially if she has a funny tip jar, otherwise she may accidentally misplace your coat…

***BONUS TIP***
Any time you are required to check your coat you will receive a coat check stub. These things are super easy to lose, especially after a few rounds. Most coat check policy states that if you misplace your ticket you will have to wait until the end of the night to retrieve your coat. In order to avoid this situation use your cell phone and take a picture of your stub, that way if you lose it you have a backup.

ABM Machines

Anytime a bar or club has one of those non-banking institution affiliated ABM machines you know you are going to be in for a real price gouging. As the image above shows, the owners of these terminals are pretty much allowed to charge whatever they like. I’ve seen some as high as $15! The worst part about these machines is that many times the owner of the club also owns the machine. Gouged again and you still haven’t gotten your drink. Check out tip #6 at the Miser’s Guide To Clubbing for some ideas on how to save money.

Bottle Service

By no means a mandatory charge, but bottle service is another way a bar will try to get you to part with extra money. Since everyone wants to be a VIP many clubs now cater to your narcissistic desires. For $140+ (and that’s on the cheap side of things) they will provide you with a bottle of vodka, some mix and a private section of the club so you can feel extra VIP. Oh, you’ll also have to pour the drinks yourself, so you are kind of paying out of your own pocket to work at the club. Again, it is not a mandatory charge, but for the same cost, if not lower, you can simply order your drinks at the bar like everyone else and best of all, have a professional make them for you.

The Upsell

Oh no, not the dreaded upsell. From the simple Do you want fries with that? to extended warranties on your gadgets, lets face it, no matter where you go, you are constantly being offered the upsell. Bars and clubs are no different: “Do you want the 16-oz or the 20-oz draft?”, “Vodka Martini? Do you want Grey Goose?”, etc. Now that you have finally paid your way into the bar and are ready to order a drink, don’t be afraid to ask for a price list. This will help you avoid the dreaded upsell and make a more informed decision on what to order.

About the Author
Corey Rozon is a freelance writer from Ottawa, Canada.

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The Grand BarWhiz GiveAway

Posted on June 18, 2012 by BarWhiz

Welcome to the Grand BarWhiz GiveAway!

You have a chance to win $250 by doing some very simple things like posting stuff on FaceBook and twitter, registering for the website, and making some forum posts!

Best of all, you can enter daily!

Once you log in with your FaceBook account below you’ll see all the activities for which you can win points, but here is a preview:

Answer A Question!
“Like” Barwhiz on Facebook
Follow @barwhiz on Twitter
“Like” the Blog Post
Tweet About the Giveaway
Register for the website
Submit a Venue to the site
Post 5 messages on the forum
Post 2 Reviews about Bars/Clubs
Post 2 Reviews

Have fun!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Top Five Expensive Bar Drinks To Enjoy At Least Once In A Lifetime

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Drew

Many people have tight budgets and strict schedules, but everyone should put that aside at least once in their lifetime and splurge. Here at BarWhiz we’ve decided to turn to those who want to accomplish this, and love a good cocktail.

These are the five most expensive bar drinks in the world, for someone who appreciates his drinks, this just might be what he needs to enjoy at least once in his lifetime (or perhaps more if you can afford it):

1. Ritz-Paris Sidecar – $1,670

This beverage is served in the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Hotel located in Ritz-Paris, France.
The ingredients are Cointreau orange liqueur, lemon juice, and cognac made between the years 1830 and 1870. The grapes used were right before grape vines were infested by the plant lice known as phylloxera. The original sidecar was first created in 1922 at Buck’s Club in London, England before it was introduced to Paris patrons.

2. Platinum Passion – $1,500

This drink is sold at the Duvet Lounge in New York where patrons are served on actual beds instead of bar stools or booths. This consists of L’Esprit de Courvoisier cognac which is $6,000 per bottle and was enjoyed by Napoleon in the 1800s, passion fruit syrup, wildflower honey, sugar, wild berries, lemon juice and brown sugar. The glass is decorated with an actual blooming orchid flower.

3. Merchant Hotel Mai Tai – $1,480

This treat is available at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
This contains lime, orange culacao liqueur from Holland, rock candy syrup, French Orgeat almond flavoring, mint leaves and a special seventeen year old Jamaican rum of which only six bottles were produced. Ninety percent of the rum sales in Jamaica are J. Wray Nephew rum. This company started as a tavern in 1825, and their award winning rum accounts for ninety percent of the rum sales in Jamaica. The original mai tai was created in the United States in 1944 at the Polynesian themed bar Trader Vic’s in Oakland, California.

4. Kentucky Derby Mint Julep – $1,000

Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs, United States
This has been the favorite beverage served at at the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky since 1938. Also known as the Early Times Mint Julep Ready to Serve Cocktail, the ingredients include bourbon, sugar, water, ice and mint leaf and is served in a special collectible glass.

5. Bentley Sidecar – $550

This less expensive version of the Ritz-Paris Sidecar is available in various establishments in New York. This alternative consists of Australian Hennessy Ellipse cognac which provides 43.5 percent alcohol in one glass. This strong brandy provides a unique taste sensation that some drinkers say lasts up to 24 hours.

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The Miser’s Guide To Clubbing

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Corey Rozon

After reviewing countless bars and clubs all over the world, we know how easily going out for just one beer can quickly turn into a $200 bar tab.

Hitting up the clubs can be particularly expensive when you factor in cover charge, coat check and the inflated cost of drinks. Thankfully we’ve learned a thing or two on how to save a few bucks when at the clubs. Some tips may obvious, some unorthodox, but they all work.

So without further adieu, here is the Miser’s Guide To Clubbing:

#1 – Pre-Party

Pre-partying is essential for any night out at the clubs. Walking in stone cold sober is one way to ensure your budget gets blown within the hour. So invite over some friends, have a few drinks and get ready for the night. If you are going out solo, and are the type that doesn’t like to drink alone, never underestimate the power of a shower beer. They’re so good you might even want to bring two.

#2 – The Early Bird Gets The Worm

One way to save a little money, and ensure that you will get into the club, is to arrive early. Sure, this might mean that you have to start your pre-game drinking a bit earlier, but since most clubs don’t get started until after 11pm you’ll have plenty of time. Be one of the first to arrive and you will likely get in without having to pay cover.

#3 – Never Pay (Full) Cover

One of the biggest burns to your budget is the cover charge. Going early might be able to save you cover entirely, but if you don’t want to be that guy, you might consider travelling in a pack. Many clubs will offer a discounted rate if you bring your whole entourage with you. It’s always best to call ahead to negotiate the price before you get there. The more women you have in your group, the more likely you will be able to get in.

#4 – Leave The Coat At Home

Most clubs have a mandatory coat check, and depending on the time of the year, a coat may be essential to your survival. If you can, leave the coat at home, or in the car of a designated driver. Failing that, try to double your coats up on one hanger and save a bit of money. For the ladies, a big purse and a thin jacket will work wonders.

#5 – Where Everyone Knows Your Name

One of the best ways to save money is to become a regular. Get to know the staff and the owner. Becoming a friend will help you to get in on the busy nights, usually without having to pay cover. The wait staff and bartenders may even buy you drinks, or at the very least, have a heavy hand when they are pouring them.

#6 – Cash Only

If you really want to save some money you should only bring cash and your ID, leave all plastic at home. Never, I men never, use the ATM machine inside the club. In some instances you can end up paying up to $10 in ATM fees each time you make a transaction. And when you are buzzed, taking out extra money may seem like a good idea at the time, usually more than once in the night. It’s also best to stick to the budget you set for yourself and try not to borrow cash from that friend who always seems to have a little too much cash on hand.

#7 – Special Of The Day

Do a little research and find out which clubs have specials, whether they are Ladies Nights, happy hours, two-for-one drinks or just specials on specific brands. Drink on the cheap and you can drink longer for less. And if you are a guy on Ladies Night you can always ask the ladies to buy you a few rounds.

#8 – Price Is The Difference

The fastest way to blow through your cash budget is to order drinks without knowing the prices. It’s not uncouth to ask for a price menu before deciding on what you want to drink. Knowing where your money can be best spent to maximize your alcohol intake will help you to stretch out the night further.

#9 – Keep It Simple

Now that you’ve seen the price list you’ll quickly understand that the simpler the drink usually means the cheaper the price. Unless there is a special on certain drinks or alcohol, domestic beer is typically the cheapest way to go, and draft even more so. If you are not a beer drinker, always order from the rail when ordering spirits.

#10 – It’s A Marathon, Not A Sprint

Even if it is a two-for-one special you should always pace your drinking. These specials work in benefit of the club, the more you drink the faster you will forget about your budget and the more money you will spend. Remember, you have the whole night, so pace yourself and interject a bottle of water between every other drink. Not only will you save money, but also your body will thank you for it in the morning.

#11 – A Shot In The Dark

If you really want to blow through your money then order shots. Heck, buy a round of shots for everyone at the bar with you. But if you really want to save your money, then just stick with beer or whatever cocktails that are on special.

#12 – Be One Of The 10-15%

This may be counterintuitive if you are trying to make friends with the wait staff, but one of the easiest ways to save money at the club is to not tip, or at least not over tip. If you can, try to start a tab. If they won’t let you start a tab without a credit card then be careful with your tips. Tipping $1.00 with every beer purchase can quickly add up. If your beer is $4.00 that is a 25% tip, generous, but not needed. A tab will enable you to leave a tip of 10-15% on your total bill, but if you are unable to open a tab try calculating the amount of money you will spend in the night and leave the full tip at the beginning. Not only will that help you to curb your tips, but the move may also impress the bartender enough that you won’t have to wait for a drink the rest of the night.

#13 – Disappearing Act

When out with a group of friends one of the hardest things to do is leave early. No one wants the party to stop and you’ll usually be browbeaten into staying to have just one more. This quickly turns into another round, and before you know it you’ve closed the bar once again. In order to avoid this extended bar tour and save some money learn how to pull a Houdini. Simply disappear, apologize for it in the morning or send a text message while you are in the cab on the way home. Going home early is not a sign of weakness, your body, and your wallet, will thank you for it in the morning.

Additional Tips

For the guys: Try not to buy drinks for the girls, and definitely stay away from those girls who will only use you for drinks.
For the girls: Use men for drinks.

* As seen on Best Of Money Carnival and Totally Money Carnival.

Author: Corey Rozon

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How To Make A Killing As A Bar Server

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Corey Rozon

Although a tight fitting tank top and a pair of orange short-shorts won’t hurt, showing some skin isn’t the only way to make a killing as a server. When it comes to making great tips, whether you work at a bar, a club, or a restaurant, it all boils down to one thing, the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Although simplistic, the ethic of reciprocity encompasses the concept of the hospitality industry as a whole. So simply put, in order to make a killing as a bar server, just follow the Golden Rule. If that simplified explanation is a little too vague for you, maybe this 18-step guide will help to shed a little light:

Step #1 – Introduction

After you guests are seated, the first thing you should do is introduce yourself to your table. Give them your name and make them feel welcome. Although this should go without saying, many servers neglect to do this simple step. Not only will it make your guests feel welcomed, but also if you should provide excellent service, they will remember your name and ask for you the next time they visit your establishment.

Step #2 – Eye Contact

Your first impression is always the most important, so besides making sure you are neat in appearance, during your introduction it is very important to keep eye contact with your guests. Not only does it show confidence, but it also makes the guests feel that they have your undivided attention.

Step #3 – Smile

This should go without saying, but even if you are having a bad day, your smile is one of the most important things you have in your arsenal. No one wants to deal with a grumpy server, so keep it light and show them that you are happy to be there, even if you are not.

Step #4 – Menus

Menus can get dirty, so before you had them to your guests make sure they are clean. Hand them out individually, starting with the children’s menus first, followed by the eldest female at the table and then everyone else.

Step #5 – Quality Check

Depending on the type of environment where you work, you may not have a chance to do quality check of the table. Therefore , you should not only ensure that it is clean while you are introducing yourself, but that it is also set properly. If anything is missing, or looks low, make sure you replace or replenish it right away.

Step #6 – Drink Orders

After you have introduced yourself, quality checked the table and handed out the menus you’ll want to take drink orders. Many times your guests will be thirsty, so be prepared; they may already know what they want. Drink orders can take some time to be filled, so while you are waiting it is a good policy to return to the table with water for your guests immediately after the drink order has been placed. Don’t forget, a slice of lemon on a glass of water can go a long way.

Step #7 – Specials

After you have taken the drink orders, but before you leave the table, make sure you explain what the specials of the day are and ask your guests if they have any questions about the menu.

Step #8 – Know The Menu

This is probably the most important aspect of serving. Servers who are familiar with the menu, to the point that they know what each dish is comprised of, will almost immediately earn a higher gratuity, especially from those guests who are concerned about what they eat. By having the knowledge to quell the concerns of your guests, and readily answer any of their questions, your confidence in your knowledge of the menu will help put their worries at ease.

Step #9 – Upselling

Many restaurants encourage upselling, and although it can be a great tactic to increase the amount of a bill, thereby increasing your overall gratuity, many times upselling can sound forced and unnatural. Remember the Golden Rule here, if you yourself would not appreciate the upsell than you should not try to push it on your guest. Upsells are usually best given before the guest has made up their mind, so after dropping off the drinks and before coming back to take their food order, mention the upsell items at that point.

Step #10 – Taking Orders

Listening skills come into play here, and it is very important to listen to what a customer orders, especially with those customers that are concerned about food allergies or make multiple modifications. Although there are many schools of thought on how to properly take orders, specifically if you should write them down or not, it is at your own discretion what you feel most comfortable with. Whether you are going to do it by memory or write it down, it is extremely important to repeat back the order to customers. Wait until the entire table has finished ordering and then repeat the order in full. It looks very impressive if you can do it by memory. Orders should always be taken from the eldest lady at the table and then working clockwise. When customers are ordering appetizers, never assume that they will be shared or that they want them with their meal, always ask how and when they would like it served.

Step #11 – Quality Check Food

Always quality check the food before bringing it to the table, especially in the case of customers with food allergies or modifications. The server is the last line of defence before the food is brought to the customer, so make sure you do your due diligence and confirm that the meals are correct.

Step #12 – Serving Food

In a best case scenario all your for orders will be ready at the same time without any mistakes, so when serving your guests, just as with order taking, the meals should always be served to the eldest lady at the table and then clockwise from there. If you are able to, serve from the right. Ask to make sure everything is okay and if they would like anything else. This is a good time to check drink levels as well. If anything looks low, ask if they would like to replenish it. In the case of water, make a note and come back to fill their water glass.

Step #13 – Refilling Drinks

When it comes time to replenish drinks, such as water, coffee or tea, never refill the drinks over the table. Not only is it dangerous, as you may spill hot liquid on a guest, but it can also be intrusive. Always remove the guests glass to refill it.

Step #14 – Two-Bite Rule

In most cases, a guest will know if they like their meal within the first two bites. Give them a few minutes to get settled in before heading back to check on them. If something is wrong with the meal you do not want to make them wait for you to return. Although it may be impossible to time it, try not to show up at the table mid-mouthful. If anything is wrong with the meal take responsibility for it, apologize and rectify the issue as quickly as possible. In the case of things like hair, spoiled or undercooked food, voiding the dish from the bill is recommended. The two-bite rule goes for all courses of the meal, from appetizers to desserts.

Step #15 – Clearing

Dishes should only be removed when everyone at the table is finished, a caveat of course being if a guest asks you to remove their dish. Not unlike serving, dishes should always be cleared from the right, however the order is unimportant. This goes for both appetizers and mains.

Step #16 – Dessert

A dessert menu should always be offered, and in many cases it is customary to bring the dessert menu to the table and let the guests decide. First ask them if they would like any coffee or tea, paying particular attention to what they would like with it, be it milk, cream sugar, lemon or honey. Let the guest mull over the dessert menu while you are filling their drink order.

Step #17 – Handling The Bill

When it comes to the bill there are many factors to take in mind, firstly, when to bring the bill. In most cases you let the customer ask you to bring it. Never assume that after their main course, or even dessert, that they are finished for the evening. They may want to add a few more drinks or even another bottle of wine, so patience is the key. That being said, many guests want to leave immediately after they have finished their meal, so ensuring that you make yourself available to them is the best way to go. Always ask how they prefer the bill; never assume that it is one bill. Split the bill according to your guest’s wishes, and if they only want one bill, never assume who is paying for it. The best tactic here is to place the bill in the middle of the table. Finally, offer to process the customers payment in the manner of their choosing, and in the case of cash, always bring back exact change. Unless they ask you to take it, always wait to the customer leaves before you retrieve the bill.

Step #18 – Thank Your Guest

Once the bill is paid that does not necessarily mean your guests are no longer under your watch. In the case of guests finishing up their drinks, you should continue to check in on them and attend to their needs. When they are ready to leave you can ask if they need any help, hailing a taxi, putting on their coats, etc – above all, make sure you thank them for coming.

This 18-step guide is just that, a guide. Following it won’t guarantee bigger tips, but it will definitely ensure that you will at least receive the minimum. Personality will help you to get a higher gratuity, so remember the Golden Rule and always strive to go above and beyond when it comes to your level of service. If you do it right, your tip may even look like this:

Author: Corey Rozon

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