Bartender tipping guide reveals 20% as the new standard tip, experts say

You’ve ordered drinks at the bar and now it’s time to pay.

Before you even see the total, the bartender hands you a tablet with a digital tip display. Typical options are 18%, 20%, 25% or “custom.”

Welcome to one of America’s latest cultural dilemmas: How much should you tip your bartender?

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Bartenders from across the country have recently raised alarm about declining tips, pointing to a generational divide on the other side of the counter. Some argue that younger drinkers, especially Generation Z, are tipping less, frustrating bartenders and leaving them financially strapped.

Veteran mixologist and Washington, D.C.-based hospitality expert Derek Brown said tipping bartenders is a common percentage.

“That’s 20%,” he told Fox News Digital. “That’s what a tip should be.”

Jonathan Hall, bar manager at Ranch 616 in Austin, Texas, told Fox News Digital that tipping has “seen an overall increase over the years.”

“The accepted tip percentage went from 15% to 18% and is now 20%,” Hall said.

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Restaurant management software company Toast agrees, saying bartenders should receive percentage-based tips for recurring drink orders.

But “there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should tip a bartender,” according to a blog on Toast’s website.

A good rule of thumb, according to Toast, is to tip $1 to $2 for each alcoholic beverage ordered. This includes beer, wine and standard mixed drinks.

According to one source, a good rule of thumb is to tip $1 to $2 for every drink ordered. (iStock)

“For pricier cocktails or when running a tab, consider tipping 15-20% of the total bill,” according to Toast. “This is similar to tipping etiquette in restaurants.”

Hall said most bartenders consider 20% an appropriate tip, “but we don’t really expect that amount with bottled or canned beverages.”

According to Toast, the minimum tip amount should be $1 even if you order a single, cheap drink.

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“This shows appreciation for the bartender’s time and effort,” Toast said.

According to Toast, “consider tipping at the higher end of the scale” when ordering labor-intensive cocktails that require more time and skill, such as a mojito or old fashioned.

Other factors that may influence how much a person tips at a bar include quality of service, time of day and the relationship between the bartender and customer, the same source said.

Bar patrons are encouraged to tip at the “higher end of the scale” for drinks that require more work to make, such as mojitos. (iStock)

“If the bartender provides exceptional service, consider tipping more generously,” Toast said. “This might include making great suggestions, being mindful, or preparing drinks with extra care.”

During happy hours or times when bartenders are particularly busy, “consider tipping on the higher end to recognize their hard work.”

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For patrons of certain bars and those who have a close relationship with the bartender, “tipping well helps maintain that positive relationship.”

Monica Baber of South Florida said she always tries to tip well when she’s at the bar, but acknowledged service played a role in her decision.

“If someone is giving me great service and attention, I try to stick to 20%,” he told Fox News Digital. “If it sucks, I can get used to it.”

Good service can lead to better tips from customers when it’s time to pay. (iStock)

Josh Lough of Seattle said he’s sticking to the $1-per-drink recommendation.

“I usually tip a dollar per round, plus an additional dollar when I close,” he told Fox News Digital. “If they’re a willing conversationalist, I’ll tip two dollars per round.”

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According to Toast, there are a few situations where tipping less or no tip at all is acceptable.

“If a bartender is rude, inattentive, or provides really bad service, it’s okay to tip less,” Toast said. “However, consider whether the poor service was due to factors beyond the bartender’s control, such as an unusually busy night.”

“Check your receipt carefully to avoid double tipping.”

One environment where it may be acceptable to skip tipping is in self-service bars. Since customers pour their own beer or wine, no tip is required, “but it’s still nice to leave something if the staff is cleaning or providing other services.”

In large group settings or during special events, the tip is usually added to the final bill, so a tip is not required.

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“Check your receipt carefully to avoid double tipping,” Toast said.