How Much Do I Tip at Buffets?

Updated July 24, 2023

In days gone by, a standard tip at a buffet was $1 per person, though if there was something special about the service, more was in order.

However, these days, given that so few buffets returned after the pandemic shutdown and the ones that did are much more expensive than pre-COVID, most A.Y.C.E. diners are more generous, never leaving less than $5 for two and sometimes even $5 per person. A $20 tip isn't out of the ordinary for three or four people at a gourmet dinner buffet.

You can also leave the tip when you pay at the cashier, especially if you're short of cash and want to add it to a credit card. The way it works is the server checks the receipt, which the host or hostess always leaves on the table. If there’s a tip on it, he or she keeps the receipt, brings it to the cashier, and collects. Servers and cashiers settle up at the end of every shift.

As far as we know (and after extensive research into the question in 2014), all buffet servers keep their own tips; none are pooled.