Tipping (Tip/Gratuity) is an essential topic in American restaurant culture.

In the U.S., tips are a significant source of income for service workers, making it a social norm and etiquette to leave an appropriate tip.

This is often one of the most awkward aspects for newcomers to the U.S.

The general tipping standard varies based on the level of service, but typically, 18-20% of the pre-tax food price is the baseline.

If the service is satisfactory, tips can range from 20-25%, while unsatisfactory service might receive 15%.

Leaving less than 10% indicates extreme dissatisfaction, and not tipping at all is considered a major insult to the server.

When paying by card, there is a section on the receipt to write in the tip amount, and you may be asked to select a percentage directly on a tablet or terminal.

Some restaurants automatically charge an auto gratuity of 18-20% for large groups of six or more, so be sure to check your receipt to avoid tipping twice.

It's also important to distinguish between places where tipping is expected and where it is not. Generally, full-service restaurants, where staff take orders at the table and serve food, expect tips. In contrast, fast food or counter-service restaurants, where you order directly at the counter and pick up your food, do not have a tipping obligation.

However, recently, many counter-service restaurants have started displaying tip selection screens on their terminals, which can make some people feel awkward. In these cases, it's perfectly fine to select No Tip. When ordering drinks at a bar, it's common to tip $1 per drink or 15-20% of the total amount.

When it comes to delivery orders, tips should also be considered. For app deliveries like DoorDash or Uber Eats, tips for delivery partners are included, and a minimum of 10-15% is recommended. Delivery partners rely on tips to supplement their income beyond the base delivery fee, so not tipping at all can affect delivery matching or service quality.

The same tipping culture applies at Korean restaurants. Even if a restaurant is run by Koreans, following American tipping etiquette is a matter of respect for the servers.

In addition to tipping, there are other American restaurant etiquette tips to keep in mind. If there is a wait, you should inform the host of your party size first.

Taking an empty table without being seated is considered impolite. Most American restaurants offer free refills on drinks.

If there is an issue with your food, politely informing the server can lead to a replacement or correction. If you can't finish your meal, it's common to request a to-go box, and there is no stigma attached to leaving food behind.

While this may seem like common knowledge, I hope it helps those who are unaware.