By Aliza, founder and editor of Menu Info. Updated October 2026.
Tip screens now appear almost everywhere, from coffee counters to self order kiosks, and many people are not sure what is expected anymore. Tipping in the United States is still voluntary outside of a few service charge situations, but there are clear norms for each type of restaurant visit. This guide covers how much to tip for sit-down meals, takeout, delivery and fast food, and why the amount changes from one situation to the next.
Quick tipping guide
| Situation | Typical tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant with table service | 18% to 20% | 15% is the low end for adequate service |
| Buffet or limited table service | 10% | For drink refills and plate clearing |
| Takeout from a sit-down restaurant | 0% to 10% | Optional, more for large or complicated orders |
| Delivery through an app | 15% to 20%, or at least $3 to $5 | More for bad weather, long distances or heavy orders |
| Restaurant's own delivery driver | 15% to 20% | A "delivery fee" usually does not go to the driver |
| Counter service or coffee shop | Optional, often $1 or 10% | Common for custom drinks or large orders |
| Fast food counter or drive thru | Not expected | Many chains do not accept tips at all |
Sit-down restaurants
At full service restaurants like Olive Garden, Applebee's or Texas Roadhouse, servers are often paid a lower base wage that assumes tips. In many states, the federal tipped minimum wage is only $2.13 an hour, with the employer making up the difference only if tips fall short. That is why 18% to 20% is now the common standard for good service, and 15% is seen as the minimum for service that was fine but not special.
A few practical points:
- Tip on the pre-discount total. If you use a coupon or a free entree reward, base the tip on what the meal would have cost, because your server did the same work.
- Tax is optional. Tipping on the pre-tax amount is normal, though many people simply tip on the final total.
- Check for an automatic gratuity. Large parties, often six or more, may have 18% or more added to the bill. You do not need to tip again on top of that.
- Service charges are not always tips. Some restaurants add a service or kitchen fee. Ask whether it goes to your server if it is not clear.
Takeout orders
Takeout is where people are most unsure. When you pick up food from a sit-down restaurant, someone still takes the order, checks it and packs it, but you skip the table service that tips are mainly meant to cover. A tip of 0% to 10% is normal. Many people leave around 10% for large family orders, orders with lots of modifications, or when the staff packs everything carefully with sauces and utensils.
For a simple pickup order, not tipping is widely accepted. If you are a regular at a local spot, a small tip is a nice way to build goodwill.
Delivery apps
Delivery is different, because the tip often makes up a big part of the driver's pay. On apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub, the delivery fee and service fee go to the app, not to the driver. A good rule is 15% to 20% of the food total, with a floor of about $3 to $5 even on small orders. Tip more when:
- The weather is bad or roads are icy.
- You live far from the restaurant or in a hard to find building.
- The order is large, heavy or includes many drinks.
- You live up several flights of stairs.
Keep in mind that low tips can lead to slower pickup, because drivers can see the offer before they accept it. If you want to cut costs, ordering pickup directly from the restaurant usually saves more than lowering the tip. See our guide on delivery apps vs ordering direct for the full cost difference.
Counter service and coffee shops
At counter service restaurants, coffee shops like Starbucks and Dutch Bros, and fast casual spots like Chipotle, a tip prompt on the payment screen is now normal. Tipping here is truly optional. Many people tip $1 per drink, round up, or leave about 10% for complicated orders, large group orders, or when a barista goes out of their way to help. Skipping the tip for a simple order is common and not considered rude.
Fast food chains
Workers at most fast food chains, such as McDonald's, Wendy's and Burger King, earn a regular hourly wage and are not part of a tipping system. Tipping is not expected, and many locations have policies that do not allow employees to accept tips. If a fast food location does have a tip option, it is fine to skip it.
When to tip more, or less
Tips reward service, so it is reasonable to adjust. Tip more when a server handles a large group well, fixes a problem quickly or makes a special occasion better. If service was poor, it is better to speak with a manager than to leave nothing, because problems are often caused by the kitchen or short staffing rather than your server.
Cash or card?
Both work. Cash tips reach workers right away, while card tips are usually paid out with wages. If you want to be sure your tip goes to the right person at a counter or delivery app, the app or card tip line is the most traceable option.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to tip for takeout?
No. Tipping for takeout is optional. Around 10% is a kind gesture for large or complicated orders.
Is 15% still an acceptable tip?
Yes, 15% is acceptable for sit-down service, though 18% to 20% has become the common standard for good service.
Does the delivery fee go to the driver?
Usually not. On most apps the delivery and service fees go to the platform, so the tip is what the driver keeps.
Should I tip on the total before or after a discount?
Before the discount. Your server did the same work regardless of the coupon.
Do you tip at fast food restaurants?
No, tipping is not expected at fast food counters or drive thrus, and many chains do not allow staff to accept tips.
Plan your next meal with typical prices on our restaurant menu pages. Menu Info is not affiliated with any restaurant or delivery app mentioned.