The Big Tipper

By Andrew Jenkins in Food on Nov 1, 2006 5:59PM

Before all the glitz and glamour of blogging, Chicagoist held its fair share of jobs in the service industry. As such, we quickly learned to appreciate a good meal brought by a good server — and we learned to tip accordingly. A new survey from Zagat reports that Chicagoans typically leave 19% tips, just above the national average of 18.9%. Though we tend to stick with tipping amounts that can be calculated in our heads, 19% on average is a pretty generous amount — far from being a cheapskate. Way to go, Chicago!

The Zagat survey included some other restauranty sort of info. Chicago diners spend an average of $33.75, per person, per meal. That seemed a little high to be on average, but we’re assuming they include bar bills and taxes. Seventy-seven percent of Chicagoans noted that service is still the key factor in determining a tip. The number of Americans who make online restaurant reservations is also up.

On the chance that you fall below the Chicago tipping average, you may want to check out a completely unsubstantiated little site, bitterwaitress.com. It gives shafted servers an open forum in which to share their experiences with less-than-gracious tippers. The famed Scottie “no tippin” Pippen even makes the list of local celebrities.

What do you think? Does an average of 19% sound on par to you?