We should talk about tipping culture in NYC

Because it's starting to drive me a little nuts, so let's poll this (our first poll!)

The other day, I was talking to some friends of mine and the topic of tipping came up. To tell you that the conversation got animated is an understatement.

Seems like everyone has an opinion on tipping in NYC, and I was surprised by how charged the conversation became, not to mention the varying views.

For instance, one friend said tipping for coffee was ridiculous. A latte/match pre-tip runs around $6.50-$7 at most cafes. Substitute non-dairy milk and you’re looking at $7.50-8 pre-tip. With tip, you may very well be flirting with $10 by the time you leave with a 12 ounce cup in hand.

As such, this particular friend has a rule of not tipping for coffee (especially if they’re paying nearly $7 for non-drip coffee). Another friend chimed in and shared that they only tip for “complex” coffee drinks that require effort, but never for drip coffee.

Others said they tip $1 for drip. The opinions were so varied! There’s clearly no cut and dry rule on the matter.

What’s your tipping system? I thought it’d be fun to do an anonymous poll to see how other New Yorkers/visitors feel.

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Tipping for coffee

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Tipping in Restaurants

Now, most Americans know to tip 20% at a restaurant (a concept that is unique to the US & Canada, as far as I can tell).

But, how do we feel when the waiter hands over the tablet and the minimum tip amount listed is 25%? Prompting you to “enter your own tip” if you’d prefer to leave 20%. Is 30% the new 20% post-Covid? Would love to know your thoughts.

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Tipping for cocktails

Okay, so this one was new to me. But, someone in the conversation mentioned they tip $1 for beer and $2 for cocktails, regarless of the price of the libation (skirting the 20% rule for drinks).

I found myself surprised by this because I never heard of tipping per drink. Others shared similar sentiments, altough some agreed that tipping per drink was a better system, considering cocktails at nice restaurants/bars clock in at $22-$26 these days. After tip, you’ll looking at $30 for a cocktail. What do you do?

On a somewhat related note, my husband and I had dinner the other night and ended our meal with two espressos. It was an average-priced NYC restaurant, pasta was under $26 per person. The total for 2 espressos though? $14, I kid you not. Add a 20% tip (we were at a sit-down restaurant) and our total for 2 espressos came out to $16.80. We felt so foolish.

Maybe we should talk about the inconceivable prices of living in NYC next week? Let me know if you’d be interested.

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Add your two cents (we love to hear from you)! Do you have a tipping story to share with other New Yorkers/visitors? The fun lives in the comments.