UMMM Jenny as a waiter for over 22 years, and living in NYC 20% is standard, trust me when I say the majority of waiters make waaaaay below minimum wage.  Even with the minimum wage changing in certain areas, Service people fall  into a different category, and  get a lower rate (currently for me like $4 an hour) What…

Of course US tipping culture sucks, but it’s what’s in place right now, and not participating in it isn’t an interesting intellectual exercise or protest, it just makes you look like a prick.

If you can’t afford to tip 20% then you can’t afford to eat out.