Help a Member Out: How Much Should I Tip at a Buffet?
In this new Restaurant Club feature, we answer a question that you’ve sent us, then ask other Restaurant Club members to weigh in. This week, after a Mother’s Day brunch buffet, Restaurant Club member Alex told us that a family debate on tipping ensued. It is quite the conundrum: Should you tip a server on the entire bill even though he really didn’t serve you food? See our expert answer from Four Seasons general manager Harry Gorstayn — and let us know what you think — after the jump.
How much should you tip a server at a buffet?
We called up Harry Gorstayn, general manager at the Four Seasons Hotel, for his professional opinion. “My personal rule of thumb for tipping at a buffet is to follow the same guidelines as you would for regular restaurant service,” Harry says. “Tip your server in accordance with how attentive the service was — on the same percentage scale as if you were dining à la carte.”
However, when we polled our Philly Mag officemates on Harry’s advice, the majority of them agreed that a standard tip when eating at a buffet is 10 percent (pre-tax, of course). Our thinking: If your server simply clears plates and takes drink orders — essentially only half the work — is the 15 to 18 percent tip really necessary? Let us know your take in the comments.
May 19th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
I too was at brunch for Easter and was astonished that the server added the tip on the bill since we were more than a party of 5. The tip was 18% of the bill which was undeserving since the waitress was no where to be found when we wanted coffee and mimosa refills!
May 19th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
I Agree with Harry.
Often ,
the sever is participating
in many “back stage ” tasks such as buffet set
up,and tear down, restocking plates and silverware,food, and sides[who do you think cut those lemons? AND was there 2 hours before
opening AND for far less than minimum wage??!!}
]
opening AND for far less than minimum wage ??!!]
May 19th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
I Agree with Harry!
May 19th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I think 10% is more than enough of a tip for buffet dining. As a patron, I am doing half of the work a waiter usually does. I see no need to give them the full 18-20% tip!!