Reply #11: I don't believe you should automatically tip 20%

[MajorChode]

I would have to receive very bad service to tip less than 15%, and the number of times I have received service that was bad enough to do so I can count on one hand with fingers left over. This is for full service only. For less than full service I tip from 15% down to nothing depending on the level of service. I do agree that the alcohol portion should be treated the same as the food portion. I never tip more than 20% unless I am just rounding up. I also stack up all my dishes so I'm not leaving the table in a complete mess. If everyone tipped at least 15% for full service, waiting tables would be a much better job than it is.