Tips at a buffet?

I never know what to tip at a buffet. I always tip the wait person 15-20% at a regular restaurant. However, I usually tip $1-$2/person at a buffet. What is considered an appropriate tip for a buffet?

That's an interesting question. I always leave $1-$2, more if the (waitress? attendant?bus person?) gets me a cocktail. Probably depends more on how many single bills I have than anything else.

I've read some places where they say you're supposed to tip at a buffet just as you would at a regular restaurant. I don't buy into that at all. The servers are getting my drinks and taking away plates, not serving me food.

We normally leave $5 for the two of us -- sometimes more if it's a high end buffet and the server really kept up with taking away plates and refilling drinks.

I tip $5 unless I don't like the server. Then it's $2. LOL

I've Googled this in the past. According to Dear Abbey: The general standard is 10% although you can alter that based upon the level of service the buffet offers. For example, does the wait staff get your drinks or are they self serve?

As for my own policy, I typically leave $1 regardless of the buffet price. THe exception to this is the month of December where I typically leave $5 as a Christmas gift for the server. They gotta buy gifts too =)

We always leave 5 bucks.

I'd quit if I got left a dollar... wouldn't you?

By rule of MY thumb , it's a dollar per glass, cup and plate.

2 plates, soda and coffee = $4.00


time 2 people that's $8.00--

we tip per drink (even coffee) in Diamond lounges too

Best tip- don't eat the yellow(or the green)

First, let me add to Mare's point. It's not only that they're not serving you the food. It's also they're not taking the order and making sure it's prepared according to the order. Not getting your bill and you out on time.

I think the 10% is too small. I'm with N'cat (surprise). At breakfast, I'll do $1 per beverage served, like a cocktail waitress. This means I usually leave $3. At dinner I'll do a little more.

I don't get why people will hand dollars after dollar over to a cocktail waitress who brings 4 ounces of beer or cola and short the housekeeping staff (who are in your room with all your stuff!) and the buffet waitstaff.

What wasn't raised is tipping the line crew (cooks). I don't like people putting dollars our for omelets or carved ham or whatever. There is no tradition to tip cooks.

If by myself, $2 or $3. $5-$6 if a couple. No tips for line people or the guy mixing mimosas. An exceptionly attentive server may get more but thats pretty rare.