Are We Expected To Leave A Tip On To-Go Orders At Restaurants In Rochester?
I recently called in a to-go order at a certain restaurant here in Rochester, because it's that time of the year when football is back and I get to stuff my face with hot wings all weekend. It's the best! However, it reminded me of a certain dilemma I have whenever I get takeout.
After the host brought out my order, I took out my credit card so I could pay for everything before heading back home to chow down.
"It's going to ask you a question first," the host said.
I looked down at the card reader as the phrase SELECT TIP AMOUNT appeared on the display.
The 'question,' of course, is whether or not I want to leave a tip. And that always leaves me with a question:
Are we REALLY expected to leave a tip on to-go orders at restaurants?
Now, my gut says no, because it seems a little absurd to tip someone just for handing me a bag of food across a counter. But I wanted to make sure. When I asked a friend of mine who used to be a server, he was quick to answer:
"We'd literally just take the bag from the kitchen counter up to the front. It's not really expected."
I also asked a bunch of my coworkers, and the reaction was pretty much the same. "No, of course not," one replied.
So it seems that the answer is no, you aren't expected to leave a tip on to-go orders (although I'm sure no one will complain if you do). That being said, don't forget to leave a nice, fat tip for your server when you actually sit down at a restaurant!
Do YOU ever leave a tip when picking up food at a restaurant in Rochester? Answer in the poll below and feel free to sound off in the comments!