Most restaurants I go to automatically charge 18% for parties of eight or more. Even though it's usually just my girlfriend and I, I figure if it's good enough for the restaurant then it's good enough for me. Paying more than you need to is foolish; if a server gets offended at 18% they can find another job.
automatic 18 % is fine on a large party. These types tend to linger longer than normal and stay to chit-chat about whyever they are there....reunion or whatever and drinking coffee for an hour is not good for tips.
I have no problem with the automatic tip on large parties, Canadians, other Foreigners, Negroes, etc.
The tip should be be in large part up to the diner/patron so as exceptional service can be rewarded and poor service punished.
I can see tipping 30-50% on a small Breakfast bill, but rarely over 25% for dinner....unless there is a happy ending forthcoming !
Seriously a $50 dinner check and a $10 tip is not cheap, $9 is fine, $7 is ....well substandard.If I had that table , I'd be a bit puzzled....I got tipped, but a bit short....they must have liked everything OK enough....where is the other $2 ? I have to toke out the busboy and kitchen as a waiter, that $2 would go that way.