>>>Then again, my family goes to the same places in general area and so the servers at places like Chili's, Longhorn, etc. recognize us, and servers seem more responsive when they spot regulars.
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>>>Andy and I tend to frequent the same places and, in general, we tend to tip very generously there. However, a couple of times, we got really dreadful service from servers that we had consistently tipped very generously. When that happened, they were lucky to get 10% - they quickly learned that if they do not provide good service, they will not get the usual generous tip.
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>>I cannot get used to tipping the waiter for just an average meal. I had to be told that it is expected to tip at least 10% in the US. Up here, you just pay what is on the bill. And if you like, a couple of euros extra. But tipping over 10% is regarded very generous over here.
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>Waiters here are probably on a near living wage and not in a "trickle down" economy.

When I travelled in Europe, some restaurants marked the bill "inclusive" meaning that the tip was included.
Some restaurants here add 18% service charge and indicate that on the bill.
Otherwise we have a 2 tier system here. Wait staff at places like Le Bernardin in NYC make loads, while the poor kids serving pasta in pizza joints barely make minimum wage. I tip them a lot, regardless of the quality of service. They deserve extra points for just showing up. Ditto with barbers. I don't know how they survive so I tip them a lot.
For a while I hustled my way through college as a caddy and tips were part of our pay. If I got an occasional extra buck or two from a player, that was a big deal to me and I've never forgotten that.

I had the good fortune to run into the late great Malcolm Forbes while doing a project at the magazine during the late 80's.
Malcolm tipped lavishly and with panache. After especially enjoying a meal, Malcolm would go back into the kitchen and personally tip everyone from the chef to the dishwasher. And his tips were large. Sometimes, he'd send flowers to the chef.
Malcolm never had a problem getting a good table.