I try to tip at least 20% but it's usually more if we don't eat an expensive meal. What I mean is, if your tab is just $13.00, the tip would be $2.60, but I would round that up to $3.00. I'd be embarassed to leave less than $3.00 at any table.
I agree on the poverty wages wait staff make. But my daughter was a waitress at Dead Lobster for several years and she made pretty good money. I guess it depends on where you're working.
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Diligence is the mother of good luck.
Ben Franklin (1706-1790)