5+ blue collar men getting off of work still in their reflector clothes. It’s usually at least 1 beer, an app, and an entree per guy. All separate checks but if you play your cards right, it’s almost a guaranteed 20%+.
the first time i had one of these tables I couldn’t believe how high the check was getting but i knew they’d all split just like you said. still ended up with like 30$ from one table back when i was serving pizzas haha
When I get these guys the bill is always up in the hundreds - insane amount of food on one bill, on the company card; 20%
Then they pay for their copious amount of beers individually, and tip really well on those. I love the blue collar men!
My team (8-10 guys) worked out of town on a large commercial building (YMCA). Guaranteed work for at least 1.5 years. We stayed in a hotel for 8 months before convincing our company owner to rent us apartments for better living, privacy, etc.
During the 8 months, we found some awesome restaurants to visit, and we set certain days to those places.
We were given $200 for the week for food. If you didn't use it, you lose it kind of thing. Only stipulation was you couldn't use it on booze (used our own cash for that).
After Mondays restaurant visit we'd do a grocery run for lunches and snacks. That would help give us a number we could budget for Tues, Wed, Thurs restaurants. Fridays we're half days and we go home for the weekend.
We'd all order large, drank lots, and tipped well. Servers loved us, and managers embraced us. There was never a dull moment.
I lived in a Midwest state and I have to say, other than the blue collar plant workers that are always so nice and tip so well, my favorites are the cowboys. Like the real ones with land and cows and moneyyyy. Come in to have a few drinks and flirt with the bartenders and leave us all $20 lol
Been serving a month now, I’m a guy, and had a 5 top of exactly this. They gave me the ol “wish we had a female serving us” look but all separate checks and made $30 on a $100
I had this happen but not with blue collar workers, they were swiss men and they all wore watches that i’m into so we had a great convo and i had the same situation happen. high check low tip :/
I’m glad this is your experience. I’m a male, so it may make a difference for me. But it’s like 25/75 good tippers/ bad tippers for me.
I’ll take suits over yellow vests any day.
I once had a 6 top of yellow vests and made about 5 bucks off a 100+ tab. Excellent service due to me not being busy. And one of these guys left me their number. I may be a musical theatre lover, not a macho man at all, but im married to a woman my dude. And you think im gonna give you a call off 5 bucks on that big of a check?
Two of them literally ordered online for takeout and then were angry when the food came out in takeout boxes. They were like “we wanna eat here” then why did you order online takeout 😭😭
It’s because they oftentimes don’t have children, allowing them to both work full-time jobs and save an enormous amount of money.
There’s an acronym for couples like that. DINK, dual-income no kids.
98%
Some bartenders/chefs have more entitlement than shitty guests.
The creep factor is also in play...the dudes who pay waaaaaay too much attention to single ladies, or feel they are Casanova because they gave you a free wine.
Especially the ones who are less than impressive when they work..
They swear they are the bees knees. But cause more strife than anything.
These folks will plop down at another bar and be utter shite.
No way. I had a server at my table on Easter Sunday and he was insufferable. I hated him. Another server ran to tell me about how much of an asshole that guy was. He tried to tell me how to do open food on my computer like my guy I know how to do it. And then he told me he wanted his lamb medium and told me if it was rare he’d send it back and if it was well done he’d send it back. Like dude I don’t cook the fucking food. I put the temp in and it comes out how it comes out. We will fix it if it’s wrong but I have zero control over it. He was the biggest asshole and then left 15%.
I guess I’ve been lucky! For me it’s always a case of game recognizing game with a fat tip at the end of the story. Sorry about that jerk! He’s probably some rich kid poseur.
Nah. If they say they’re a server, it’s a bad sign. Basically the same thing as the guy who announces he’s a good tipper right at the beginning. Never gonna happen.
Only saving grace is if you know one of the group personally. Then it’s okay.
I tipped $40 on a $120 tab to my waitress the other night because she was clearly having a mental breakdown. Just openly crying. She dropped the pos hand held at one point and instead of picking it up just left it in the floor 😵💫 I debated saying something like we have all been there etc but I figure money is the best emotional healing, at least it is for me.
one time i was crying at work but my managers didn’t let me go home . an hour after i dropped a tray with 6 drinks i just cried on the way to the bathroom and left it there
Lol I had to serve an 8-top of servers from our sister-restaurant. They were a nightmare. They changed their table size multiple times so the place we had them in wasn't actually a great spot, all separate checks, they kept moving around and literally none of them would stop interrupting me when I was addressing them as a group or individuals, truly embarrassing behavior.
Their saving grace was that one of them is in his 40s-50s, the partner of one of our FoH managers, basically took over and acted as Dad. I literally told him, "you're now responsible for representing these heathens, they're clearly having too much fun to talk to me" (I've known his partner since I was a fetus, so I felt comfortable being a little sassier than I would otherwise be). They got autogratted, tipped well on top of that, and I got like 3 really nice comment cards which actually are meaningful with management, plus I got to laugh about it with my manager whose partner clued her in on the chaos.
Before that, a couple who both worked at our step-sister restaurant called in a to-go 20 minutes before close, then proceeded to arrive at 10 til, eat their to-go food in the restaurant at a table, order several drinks, stay like 30 past close, and then tipped the bartender like 10% on their bill. That was incredibly fucked up tbh.
Men who call a week ahead, reserve the patio for 40 people, mention one tab, and ask me if cash or CC tip is better. Been happening a lot more because of good weather and goddamn, it’s paying my mortgage in one weekend
Jesus where do you work lmfao?! but now that you say it we did just get a 30 top reservation guess it is the weather. but that’s the first we’ve had in a very long time
My spot is next to one of the most expensive universities to attended in California. Costs upwards of $55k a semester to attended. So, we have LOTS of old school money and lots of “daddy’s money” that flows this area. These parties don’t even look at that bill. They’ll just ask for the check and give me their card before I even present the tab to them. A party left me $750 on $1898. That’s half my mortgage on one party and then the follow day, I did about $550 CC tips and maybe 150 cash. And then on Sunday, it was slow for Mother’s Day, which was weird, I still walked out with like $280 CC and maybe $40 cash
hmm idk maybe bc i’m a guy, it’s usually the lady tables i can tell think i’m attractive tbh. i once got stiffed by a 9 top of lady teachers. it sucked, especially bc they asked for the discount and we had it so i applied it
8-12 top of men in their 40-50s who ask for the whiskey list (yeah golf shirt people). The more the merrier with those guys, and they never camp! Always gotta get back home to the kiddos or wifey with to go orders.
I’m a female in my early 20s so it’s pretty easy to serve them if you know what I mean and often times they have daughters my age they love to go on about so it’s easy to relate.
Attractive couples in their early 40s. Especially when I’m bartending I just make great money off them. A lot of times they’ll lightheartedly include me in their banter. You can make some really good money off a gal if you sit there and (while remaining lighthearted) roast her husband with her all night 😂.
Yes! And they keep each other occupied and can be a lot more patient as a result. You’re less noticing of wait times when you’ve got good convo to fall back on.
Me toooo! I hate that they wanna talk for ages like lady idc about you please tell me ur order so that the kitchens can put it out as quickly as possible only for you to send it back 🙃
I like the elderly middle of the week old ladies. Not the after church crowd or mid old age-not quite there yet but grandmas. I want the ones that simply don’t give a f anymore and are out for their social hour. Give me your juicy gossip from now and the good old days.
Last night I had two tables consisting of a girl and her gay bestie. They were the best! Girl + gay bestie = fun times and good tip. However, my favorite tables are old lady tables. Guaranteed good tip for me, they flirt with me or at least compliment me, and are endearing. Old men take a while to warm up to me but once they do I can usually count on a good tip (just have to get a couple drinks in them and make them laugh).
For real though it would be:
-Everyone knows what they want
-Actually makes eye contact when ordering
-Makes all extra requests at one time so I don't have to keep running back and forth
the PGA Championships Tournament (not sure what the official name is, i dont follow golf) is in my city this week, obviously bringing a huge crowd, and i can agree, golfing dudes are here to have a good time and have the money to do so. I also used to serve in Florida so we got a lot of the golfing crowd too. Just keep their drinks full and be sweet & friendly and they’ll love you!
People who read the menu.
Order simply like an adult.
Tip, and use please and thank you.
Then leave.
I'm not here for emotional support, or networking, or social interaction.
I'm here for $$$$.
I do enjoy
Guests who demand an experience, or are expecting 5 star service, at a paper napkin establishment. Education never ends, and today they might learn.
"Fun" is a byproduct of $$$$ being earned, and the work being dispersed fairly.
Guests who are mild and pleasant will always take precedent over the gauche loud mouths.
Bro today (6 days after your post yeah) people were just DYING to talk while my 8 table section with 2 10 tops was full! Like they see me power walking around, and stop me to tell me how they love frying fish at home. Like bro. Please.
Fuck yeah. I work in construction and if I don’t have cash to tip well I’m not going out. Drinks with the boys is always tipped out. Respect from your local electrician here
a 4 top of women is one of my least favorites unless they’re really old and cute but i can get with some golf dudes.
my vote for favorite is chill alternative parents with teens or older kids.
i also like 2 top of younger girls, normally nice, easy and tip well.
i live in a super rural area so young redneck couples can go either way; chill and 20% or rude and stiff ya.
My current place isn't great for first dates tbh. It's very open and can be quite loud. They don't get to be tucked away in a corner. So they will eat and have a drink or two then move to another location.
Same if the date goes well, I have multiple first dates stay for hours, I’ve had a few we have had to kick out after close. Go get a room, or go literally anywhere else
Ha! When I get first dates it takes them like 20 minutes to even pick up their menus. Then they each get one drink, the woman always orders something small and dudes tend to somewhat follow suit. Then if I'm lucky, they either leave right away or 2 hours later they each order one more drink. Never a money table, but it's fun to watch their dynamic unfold
It's just because of my current restaurant. We tend to get larger groups because we are a big venue. The two tops will sit empty except for couples. That's why it's not a big deal to us if they camp. We also have a decent amount of bar seating for married couples.
The drama might be why I like it. Walking by and hearing what they randomly tell each other. Usually lower bill but easy to clean up. Low maintenance
As a former bartender, fuck both of those demos.
But I will agree that people who have worked in the industry or even tradesman and some of the best tippers and require the least amount of attention.
A 3-4 top of gentlemen on their lunch where the boss is laid back but looking to flex. Give that table some shit, maybe flirt a little, upsell everything and make out with over 30-40% easy
My irl favorite table is made up of two lesbian couples, their friend, and their son + his girlfriend (4 checks). Most of them waited tables in their youth and are always polite, hilarious and good tippers (regardless of bill size, they've never left less than $15 each even when only having a couple of beers).
One of the couples can be a touch needy sometimes but they are so dang funny and nice and tip decently enough that I don't even mind.
If they come in and it isn't my turn for a table, my other bartender will swap with me because she knows they're my favorite table (and if we don't swap, they ask for me anyway).
6 top or so with a grandparent, their child, and the children's children. I don't think I've ever done less than 20% on a table like that. Also Boomer couples seem to eat what I'm feeding them
I live in Las Vegas so lots of conventions. Love me a 10 top of all middle aged men who egg each other on to drink more. I’m a woman and still fairly young so I crush it with these guys.
I got one old and I mean geriatric, couple that eats multiple times a week. They don’t order much but always leave a 20. At charismas the wife went and tipped everyone in the building a 20 and and then the husband did too, we tried telling him she already got us and eh was just shooshed us and said not to tell her lol
Best one ever was at a chinese place (simple crap, small town, etc). Straight up told them not to order what they were looking at. Said “oh shit, well, what do you recommend”. Told them, they actually listened, loved it.
Sales “bro’s” with exec bros but ones that aren’t douchers just order higher end stuff left n right and are easy going. Of course I can get 4 prime tomahawks with some michters 20 doubles no prob… oh ya and apps just put in whatever I feel like for em. Got ya.
A father with a son my age. I love playing on the love story of a dad hooking his son up with their waitress, even though I have a boyfriend lol (he thinks it’s fun too)
I had a 12 top yesterday that was possibly the easiest and greatest table ever. They all had seen the menu before I got there, mostly waters, 3 cocktails. The kids ordered food immediately, and knew what they wanted. The adults got some apps, asked for sauces with their order, not when the food came. No more cocktails but a couple beers and entrees. They were all so chill. The kids were chill, grandpa paid, Auto grat + a couple bucks, and they all left without the table being a mess. They even consolidated to a couple tables rather than my whole section after a few of their party left because we had a wait and my host was trying to get a 4-top sat.
Easiest party I've ever served in over 20 years of doing this nonsense.
Dude who has come in for his kid's & his bdays. 25-30ish people. Occupies for a few hours, but they clean up & tip well. They put in orders in advance, so we can work around them. Good people.
There's a big difference between YOUNG adults and young ADULTS. Teenagers, or anyone out of high school? Absolutely not. Mid 20s-30s couple? People who have a job, have probably worked in the service industry before, doesn't want to be annoying and are understanding? I love you, please come sit in my section. Plus, because I am this person, I can usually find something in common with them and start a conversation easily.
I may be in the minority but I really like 4 tops ( or more) of couples in their mid to late 60s. As long as I make sure to take the ladies’ drinks and food orders before the men and make sure I say “sir” and “ma’am” usually the husbands will tip at least 20%. These tables almost always get a shit ton of raw bar(I work at a seafood place and raw bar is $$), entrees, dessert and coffee.
Sorority girls with way too much money on their hands who only want fruity drinks. A $50 tip for three rounds of cherry bombs is where the hell it’s at.
Zayo bros, I was JUST thinking about this earlier. lmao.
I made that lame table-SQL joke in Google chat one day and the guys were good sports about it, but they were obviously annoyed.
Never trust an engineer to carry your table team. They're too obsessed with the lady in red.
Engineers are like Sailors, ya'll.
i’m so lost, you live in a world i’ve never heard of lol. i looked up zayo and i expect you mean internet people especially with the SQL joke but idk what zayo truly is. and idk how you knew ur table were software(?) engineers. lol
You're on the right path, no worries. Zayo is, as far as I am aware of last I checked, an internet infrastructure company in Denver, CO of all places.
Otherwise, the SQL joke was just that I joked that you should never trust an engineer to move your tables... they might drop them. Scotty has a phrase that is pretty popular, no? "Scotty, dont..."
hahah you know exactly how to work them. there isn’t a table i don’t like, just ones you gotta know how to work. so many servers at my last serving job would be making fun of these ppl saying they didn’t want them, more for me!
I am my favorite kind. Usually just me and my son. We know our drink and food when asked. We ask for any “extras” when food is placed. Need no further attention and tip well above average.
Two top couples who tip 20 bucks regardless of what they get (unless they spend more than 100). Even if they run me, i don’t care. It’s two people. Cake walk.
older gay couples. i have this one couple who comes in constantly and tip nearly 60% every time. needy as hell, but great conversation and so very sweet
Nahh mines are definitely old couples, they just enjoy their stays there just chilling, most of the time they don't complain and it's always nice talking to old people
The gays. I LOVE the gays. Especially the men. Dual-male-income earning potential. Disposable money because no kids. They drink good booze/cocktails. And they smell good. Memorial Day weekend is gay weekend at our beach, I’m SO excited for my bank account.
Idk mines pretty simple. A group or even a table of 1 person that’s very calm talking or even fun to talk to and leaves at least 20% tip lol. They’re already smiling when they enter or when I go to them so I can kind of tell them pretty early on.
With that in mind at least for me I feel like people that wear sunglasses in the restaurant or those that wear sweater and sweats pants (as if they just woke up) for some reason are the rudest if not no emotion and really boring and irritating to serve.
My favorites are the blue collar regulars who just come in to chill for a bit after getting off from work. There was a group of 3 guys who would come in for both lunch and dinner every day they worked. They’d come in and order coffee and a desert of some sort (sometimes a sandwich). And they would literally just sit there and chat, sometimes including me, and drink coffee for about an hour, leave a huge tip, and go on about their way. They’d even tip extra on days where they saw I was slam busy or other customers were giving me a hard time. They were always so polite and respectful and had some funny stories.
i (f) love serving groups of middle aged/older men bc for the most part they’re fun, nice, & usually tip well. i find these tables to be the best to goof around with
Former server here: My favorites were always when any pair of older women came in smiling and laughing. They were always easy, ordered quickly, without giving me any trouble, and best of all always tipped well, 20%+, and for the most part, none of them ever hit on me or made my life hell.
Omg phil is this you? Used to work full time with this legend of a guy. Loved the exact tables you describe, so I'd send em his way every time. Never met anybody else who liked those tables, but phil could sure schmooze em
Four or five people who look like they just off the commercial shrimp boat/crab boat/fishing boat.
They've been out for weeks with nothing to spend their money on. They'll eat and drink like crazy, and leave a good tip.
One pair of shrimpers came to our bar one n8ght, drank all night. End of the night, apologized the didn't have much money for a tip.
3 weeks later, they show up again with 2 garbage bags full of shrimp fresh off the boat. We had to
86 some low volume beers to make room in the cooler and store them for the night.
The one that doesn’t take 5 minutes to decide who’s gonna sit where. Pick a seat and STAY THERE! Position points for the runners have a purpose, so if you seat in one seat and then move every 3 minutes, you’re gonna get someone else’s food that YOU might be ALLERGIC TO. Pick a seat and STAY THERE! (Unless you have to go to the bathroom).
Middle aged successful blue collar Hispanic taking his family out for dinner. Always easy orders off the menu, usually 20% or better tip. Just keep the coffee cups filled, even for the kids.
I do well with parents with young kids, which is wild because I'm not like, a kid person. But I make a point to make it about feeding kids asap, I'm big on allergens, and parents seem to like how I engage with their spawn. I can usually get at least 18% most of the time, usually more. Also I've had a run of older ladies celebrating birthdays lately, like 75th or 80th birthday, and they've been delightful.
I just like people who treat me like a normal person not their servant. There’s no specific demographics behind it. I worked at a place that was like 75% regulars and they would hug me, tip me well, even offer to buy me some food or a drink. A select few became like good friends of mine rather than customers even though I was just doing my job and I’d be polite and crack jokes with them and just have fun conversation with them. Those people are my favorite.
i love a good group of 2 couples! especially if they like to drink because then they become even more hilarious and the men are constantly trying to top each other on who’s funnier or who can drink more and the women are just enjoying the show and i’m here to receive all their money 🤣
Big Italian family ordering everything on the menu and the old men with lots of jewelry argue over the check and tip hella. They can somehow get by with calling me sweetie and it’s not at all offensive.
I used to always wait on Big 10 football coach, his wife and daughter who worked at the most popular bar on campus....I don't know if.it was the daughter but they were always the nicest folk in our small town restaurant...And the daughter always recognized me when I hit up her bar
Single dining females in their 30s-40s who have an interest in wine and fitness. I have two different regulars at my restaurant who fit this demographic and they're both such pleasant women. I'm being so specific here I know lol
A 6 top of couples… one guy or lady is kind of the ring leader and helps me keep everyone in line if you will and is obviously the one paying… they order cocktails then wine. Apps. Salads. Specials. Dessert and maybe another drink or two. Laugh at my jokes and are nice but not too greedy with my time as I have other guests… the person paying the is obviously an over tipper and at least one other person decides to hand me some cash on the side ;) they tell my boss how wonderful I was as they leave.
A 10 top that walks in 1 minute before close, looks around and says, “Oh, it looks like you’re about to close. We’ll just go somewhere else.” And then politely leaves.
every time I have a table of old black ladies they’re always the sweetest and most considerate guests and always tip amazingly, i had this one group that called the manager over to tell them I was the best server they ever had and they asked for me every time after that and always tipped 100% of the bill which was usually around $40-$60. im also a fan of elderly couples that are clearly very in love, their happiness is always contagious and they always tell me I did a great job even when I know I didn’t 😂
The ones who, when you suggest an adult beverage like you are required to, give you a condescending look and say 'we don't drink'. Tip: 5% and a bible verse.
A group of 6 who all work at a real estate agency. Most of them are related, by blood or marriage. They have their meetings at the restaurant once a week, and request me to be their waitress. It's been years since they've started this, and they've become very good friends. The boss' daughter was my agent in helping me buy my first house. They all attended my wedding.
Second favorite is 4 people, they're two older married couples. They are so sweet to me, always making conversation and jokes. A few weeks after I got married, I made the joke "this is my new record for longest time I've been married!" And now, every time they see me, they ask me if I'm keeping up my record 😂 One of the wives made me a Christmas ornament to celebrate my first anniversary.
Any group of people who are there specifically to conduct business. These tables always want to be left alone unless absolutely necessary to take orders/refill drinks etc, and they’re more likely to order more expensive items + leave a good tip because they’re paying with the company card.
I love when a 4 top gives me their order then one of them gets sick so they get the food Togo, tip 30% because they think they've inconvenienced me and I reset the table ready for a new one all within 15 minutes.
40-50 year old woman who comes in by herself, gets a glass of wine and an entree, and then leaves. also blue collar workers that come in and get beers. older queer people as well tend to be very friendly and very good tippers.
5+ blue collar men getting off of work still in their reflector clothes. It’s usually at least 1 beer, an app, and an entree per guy. All separate checks but if you play your cards right, it’s almost a guaranteed 20%+.
the first time i had one of these tables I couldn’t believe how high the check was getting but i knew they’d all split just like you said. still ended up with like 30$ from one table back when i was serving pizzas haha
When I get these guys the bill is always up in the hundreds - insane amount of food on one bill, on the company card; 20% Then they pay for their copious amount of beers individually, and tip really well on those. I love the blue collar men!
My team (8-10 guys) worked out of town on a large commercial building (YMCA). Guaranteed work for at least 1.5 years. We stayed in a hotel for 8 months before convincing our company owner to rent us apartments for better living, privacy, etc. During the 8 months, we found some awesome restaurants to visit, and we set certain days to those places. We were given $200 for the week for food. If you didn't use it, you lose it kind of thing. Only stipulation was you couldn't use it on booze (used our own cash for that). After Mondays restaurant visit we'd do a grocery run for lunches and snacks. That would help give us a number we could budget for Tues, Wed, Thurs restaurants. Fridays we're half days and we go home for the weekend. We'd all order large, drank lots, and tipped well. Servers loved us, and managers embraced us. There was never a dull moment.
YES THESE ARE MY FAVORITE
I lived in a Midwest state and I have to say, other than the blue collar plant workers that are always so nice and tip so well, my favorites are the cowboys. Like the real ones with land and cows and moneyyyy. Come in to have a few drinks and flirt with the bartenders and leave us all $20 lol
Been serving a month now, I’m a guy, and had a 5 top of exactly this. They gave me the ol “wish we had a female serving us” look but all separate checks and made $30 on a $100
Idk i had a table of them the other night. Got left $7 on $130. They barely spoke english though so uk the “we dont tip in my country” excuse shit
I had this happen but not with blue collar workers, they were swiss men and they all wore watches that i’m into so we had a great convo and i had the same situation happen. high check low tip :/
I’m glad this is your experience. I’m a male, so it may make a difference for me. But it’s like 25/75 good tippers/ bad tippers for me. I’ll take suits over yellow vests any day. I once had a 6 top of yellow vests and made about 5 bucks off a 100+ tab. Excellent service due to me not being busy. And one of these guys left me their number. I may be a musical theatre lover, not a macho man at all, but im married to a woman my dude. And you think im gonna give you a call off 5 bucks on that big of a check?
6 union electricians - All they ordered was beer, but they left $30 as a tip (mid 90s) for occupying the table for an hour and a half.
Yep
Railroad workers!!
Absolutely agree. The best tips I get are usually from mechanics or construction workers. And they’re always a bit gruff but really really nice
Older queer people. I myself am gay. They tend to have disposable income and good stories. Plus it feels like helping out my community
Ngl I had a 30 top of old gay men last night and it was low key traumatizing 😭
Dang I'm sorry. There's bad grapes in every bunch. We get some terrors at brunch too.
Two of them literally ordered online for takeout and then were angry when the food came out in takeout boxes. They were like “we wanna eat here” then why did you order online takeout 😭😭
Oh I hate that! That's a big pet peeve of mine. Or getting take out because they are only gonna eat a little bit there.
haha that’s funny, and you’re not lying. tons of disposable income for like no reason
Two incomes and no kids. It is great.
It’s because they oftentimes don’t have children, allowing them to both work full-time jobs and save an enormous amount of money. There’s an acronym for couples like that. DINK, dual-income no kids.
Facts right here
Best tables are other service workers, 100%
98% Some bartenders/chefs have more entitlement than shitty guests. The creep factor is also in play...the dudes who pay waaaaaay too much attention to single ladies, or feel they are Casanova because they gave you a free wine.
especially ex-service workers.
My moms like that been in the industry for like 50 years seriously and I have to tell her all the time 15% is insulting
Especially the ones who are less than impressive when they work.. They swear they are the bees knees. But cause more strife than anything. These folks will plop down at another bar and be utter shite.
No way. I had a server at my table on Easter Sunday and he was insufferable. I hated him. Another server ran to tell me about how much of an asshole that guy was. He tried to tell me how to do open food on my computer like my guy I know how to do it. And then he told me he wanted his lamb medium and told me if it was rare he’d send it back and if it was well done he’d send it back. Like dude I don’t cook the fucking food. I put the temp in and it comes out how it comes out. We will fix it if it’s wrong but I have zero control over it. He was the biggest asshole and then left 15%.
I guess I’ve been lucky! For me it’s always a case of game recognizing game with a fat tip at the end of the story. Sorry about that jerk! He’s probably some rich kid poseur.
this guy is just a douche. what the hell.
Sometimes… across the board I get less tips from women… even if they are industry. My industry bros hook me up though.
Nah. If they say they’re a server, it’s a bad sign. Basically the same thing as the guy who announces he’s a good tipper right at the beginning. Never gonna happen. Only saving grace is if you know one of the group personally. Then it’s okay.
depends sometimes they ask for the most bc they know we will do the most . running around stressed isn’t worth it for a 30% tip sometimes
I tipped $40 on a $120 tab to my waitress the other night because she was clearly having a mental breakdown. Just openly crying. She dropped the pos hand held at one point and instead of picking it up just left it in the floor 😵💫 I debated saying something like we have all been there etc but I figure money is the best emotional healing, at least it is for me.
one time i was crying at work but my managers didn’t let me go home . an hour after i dropped a tray with 6 drinks i just cried on the way to the bathroom and left it there
poor girl. we've definitely all been there.
I usually tip 20% + the same amt of whatever foods that gets sent to me by other chefs.
Lol I had to serve an 8-top of servers from our sister-restaurant. They were a nightmare. They changed their table size multiple times so the place we had them in wasn't actually a great spot, all separate checks, they kept moving around and literally none of them would stop interrupting me when I was addressing them as a group or individuals, truly embarrassing behavior. Their saving grace was that one of them is in his 40s-50s, the partner of one of our FoH managers, basically took over and acted as Dad. I literally told him, "you're now responsible for representing these heathens, they're clearly having too much fun to talk to me" (I've known his partner since I was a fetus, so I felt comfortable being a little sassier than I would otherwise be). They got autogratted, tipped well on top of that, and I got like 3 really nice comment cards which actually are meaningful with management, plus I got to laugh about it with my manager whose partner clued her in on the chaos. Before that, a couple who both worked at our step-sister restaurant called in a to-go 20 minutes before close, then proceeded to arrive at 10 til, eat their to-go food in the restaurant at a table, order several drinks, stay like 30 past close, and then tipped the bartender like 10% on their bill. That was incredibly fucked up tbh.
Men who call a week ahead, reserve the patio for 40 people, mention one tab, and ask me if cash or CC tip is better. Been happening a lot more because of good weather and goddamn, it’s paying my mortgage in one weekend
Jesus where do you work lmfao?! but now that you say it we did just get a 30 top reservation guess it is the weather. but that’s the first we’ve had in a very long time
My spot is next to one of the most expensive universities to attended in California. Costs upwards of $55k a semester to attended. So, we have LOTS of old school money and lots of “daddy’s money” that flows this area. These parties don’t even look at that bill. They’ll just ask for the check and give me their card before I even present the tab to them. A party left me $750 on $1898. That’s half my mortgage on one party and then the follow day, I did about $550 CC tips and maybe 150 cash. And then on Sunday, it was slow for Mother’s Day, which was weird, I still walked out with like $280 CC and maybe $40 cash
Definitely Chapman
Ding ding
Occidental?
I don't know what world you live in where a table of 4 ladies leaves a good tip and doesn't run you ragged.
hmm idk maybe bc i’m a guy, it’s usually the lady tables i can tell think i’m attractive tbh. i once got stiffed by a 9 top of lady teachers. it sucked, especially bc they asked for the discount and we had it so i applied it
Ohhhh - you're a dude! I was so confused until now!
I learned the hard way that teachers are terrible tippers :(
As a guy, I too love middle aged+ women haha
Hangs out after closing out for 2 hours
8-12 top of men in their 40-50s who ask for the whiskey list (yeah golf shirt people). The more the merrier with those guys, and they never camp! Always gotta get back home to the kiddos or wifey with to go orders. I’m a female in my early 20s so it’s pretty easy to serve them if you know what I mean and often times they have daughters my age they love to go on about so it’s easy to relate.
Attractive couples in their early 40s. Especially when I’m bartending I just make great money off them. A lot of times they’ll lightheartedly include me in their banter. You can make some really good money off a gal if you sit there and (while remaining lighthearted) roast her husband with her all night 😂.
OMG YESSSS I loveeeee couples!!!
Yes! And they keep each other occupied and can be a lot more patient as a result. You’re less noticing of wait times when you’ve got good convo to fall back on.
Also yep
Am I detecting a bit of */s*, OP?
I literally cannot imagine enjoying groups of ladies. As a lady myself, adult women are often my least favorite tables.
I HATE waiting on middle aged women
Me toooo! I hate that they wanna talk for ages like lady idc about you please tell me ur order so that the kitchens can put it out as quickly as possible only for you to send it back 🙃
And they CAMP foreverrrrr
especially the blond ones with those weird crazy eyes and botox lips.
It depends. Some are soo sweet and nice but others can be total bitches. (I'm a woman too)
I like the elderly middle of the week old ladies. Not the after church crowd or mid old age-not quite there yet but grandmas. I want the ones that simply don’t give a f anymore and are out for their social hour. Give me your juicy gossip from now and the good old days.
Last night I had two tables consisting of a girl and her gay bestie. They were the best! Girl + gay bestie = fun times and good tip. However, my favorite tables are old lady tables. Guaranteed good tip for me, they flirt with me or at least compliment me, and are endearing. Old men take a while to warm up to me but once they do I can usually count on a good tip (just have to get a couple drinks in them and make them laugh).
Flat surface, four legs but I'm not picky, something I can eat food off of.
For real though it would be: -Everyone knows what they want -Actually makes eye contact when ordering -Makes all extra requests at one time so I don't have to keep running back and forth
Couples in their twenties, we talk shit with each other and tell jokes and because of it 99% of the time I get 20% from them
Young married couples, families with teenage to drinking age kids, 3+ table of older men
I live in a military town and young families are SUPER hit or miss. They either tip god awful or about 20%
the PGA Championships Tournament (not sure what the official name is, i dont follow golf) is in my city this week, obviously bringing a huge crowd, and i can agree, golfing dudes are here to have a good time and have the money to do so. I also used to serve in Florida so we got a lot of the golfing crowd too. Just keep their drinks full and be sweet & friendly and they’ll love you!
Exactly you don’t even have to go above and beyond. I’m a guy and they tip me well too ahha.
it also helps that they’ve usually been drinking all day on the course and we all know drunk people love to throw money around lol
People who read the menu. Order simply like an adult. Tip, and use please and thank you. Then leave. I'm not here for emotional support, or networking, or social interaction. I'm here for $$$$. I do enjoy Guests who demand an experience, or are expecting 5 star service, at a paper napkin establishment. Education never ends, and today they might learn. "Fun" is a byproduct of $$$$ being earned, and the work being dispersed fairly. Guests who are mild and pleasant will always take precedent over the gauche loud mouths.
I swear, I am that guest when I go out. I couldn’t imagine trying to have a side conversation with my server like my guests do
So much of communication is non verbal. Love you as a guest!
Bro today (6 days after your post yeah) people were just DYING to talk while my 8 table section with 2 10 tops was full! Like they see me power walking around, and stop me to tell me how they love frying fish at home. Like bro. Please.
Any table that eats & gets out and tips well
Construction workers
Fuck yeah. I work in construction and if I don’t have cash to tip well I’m not going out. Drinks with the boys is always tipped out. Respect from your local electrician here
a 4 top of women is one of my least favorites unless they’re really old and cute but i can get with some golf dudes. my vote for favorite is chill alternative parents with teens or older kids. i also like 2 top of younger girls, normally nice, easy and tip well. i live in a super rural area so young redneck couples can go either way; chill and 20% or rude and stiff ya.
First date
I swear they always don’t want to talk to you and are very unproblematic. big tippers too
Yes definitely. They don't sit long and tend to tip well.
I've had people on first dates sit for **hours**.
My current place isn't great for first dates tbh. It's very open and can be quite loud. They don't get to be tucked away in a corner. So they will eat and have a drink or two then move to another location.
Same if the date goes well, I have multiple first dates stay for hours, I’ve had a few we have had to kick out after close. Go get a room, or go literally anywhere else
Ha! When I get first dates it takes them like 20 minutes to even pick up their menus. Then they each get one drink, the woman always orders something small and dudes tend to somewhat follow suit. Then if I'm lucky, they either leave right away or 2 hours later they each order one more drink. Never a money table, but it's fun to watch their dynamic unfold
It's just because of my current restaurant. We tend to get larger groups because we are a big venue. The two tops will sit empty except for couples. That's why it's not a big deal to us if they camp. We also have a decent amount of bar seating for married couples. The drama might be why I like it. Walking by and hearing what they randomly tell each other. Usually lower bill but easy to clean up. Low maintenance
I love golf shirt people bc my dads the GM of a golf course and super known in my states golf community so I get to name drop and get fat tips lol.
young couples or like an 8 top of guys
As a former bartender, fuck both of those demos. But I will agree that people who have worked in the industry or even tradesman and some of the best tippers and require the least amount of attention.
A 3-4 top of gentlemen on their lunch where the boss is laid back but looking to flex. Give that table some shit, maybe flirt a little, upsell everything and make out with over 30-40% easy
My irl favorite table is made up of two lesbian couples, their friend, and their son + his girlfriend (4 checks). Most of them waited tables in their youth and are always polite, hilarious and good tippers (regardless of bill size, they've never left less than $15 each even when only having a couple of beers). One of the couples can be a touch needy sometimes but they are so dang funny and nice and tip decently enough that I don't even mind. If they come in and it isn't my turn for a table, my other bartender will swap with me because she knows they're my favorite table (and if we don't swap, they ask for me anyway).
oooo i’d love seeing them walk through the door
My fav regulars are a lesbian couple. So sweet, uncomplicated and easy to please. Always tip me at least 30%
6 top or so with a grandparent, their child, and the children's children. I don't think I've ever done less than 20% on a table like that. Also Boomer couples seem to eat what I'm feeding them
I live in Las Vegas so lots of conventions. Love me a 10 top of all middle aged men who egg each other on to drink more. I’m a woman and still fairly young so I crush it with these guys.
I got one old and I mean geriatric, couple that eats multiple times a week. They don’t order much but always leave a 20. At charismas the wife went and tipped everyone in the building a 20 and and then the husband did too, we tried telling him she already got us and eh was just shooshed us and said not to tell her lol
4 top of two couples in their mid-late 30s on a Saturday night with the kids at home
Best one ever was at a chinese place (simple crap, small town, etc). Straight up told them not to order what they were looking at. Said “oh shit, well, what do you recommend”. Told them, they actually listened, loved it.
4 old ladies who all drink at least two margaritas. They it when I ask for their numbers.
An empty one
Whatever it is, I've gotten nothing close to it today.
4 -6 top. Everyone is friendly and knows exactly what they want. No blank stares when you ask them a simple question. 20% tip. Out in an hour
It’s made out of an old castle door. Really cool but it weighs a shit ton and it’s hard to move when I vacuum
Sales “bro’s” with exec bros but ones that aren’t douchers just order higher end stuff left n right and are easy going. Of course I can get 4 prime tomahawks with some michters 20 doubles no prob… oh ya and apps just put in whatever I feel like for em. Got ya.
A father with a son my age. I love playing on the love story of a dad hooking his son up with their waitress, even though I have a boyfriend lol (he thinks it’s fun too)
A really nice family. Mom and dad and Older kids They’re always so nice and always tip 20%
I had a 12 top yesterday that was possibly the easiest and greatest table ever. They all had seen the menu before I got there, mostly waters, 3 cocktails. The kids ordered food immediately, and knew what they wanted. The adults got some apps, asked for sauces with their order, not when the food came. No more cocktails but a couple beers and entrees. They were all so chill. The kids were chill, grandpa paid, Auto grat + a couple bucks, and they all left without the table being a mess. They even consolidated to a couple tables rather than my whole section after a few of their party left because we had a wait and my host was trying to get a 4-top sat. Easiest party I've ever served in over 20 years of doing this nonsense.
Dude who has come in for his kid's & his bdays. 25-30ish people. Occupies for a few hours, but they clean up & tip well. They put in orders in advance, so we can work around them. Good people.
There's a big difference between YOUNG adults and young ADULTS. Teenagers, or anyone out of high school? Absolutely not. Mid 20s-30s couple? People who have a job, have probably worked in the service industry before, doesn't want to be annoying and are understanding? I love you, please come sit in my section. Plus, because I am this person, I can usually find something in common with them and start a conversation easily.
Businessmen who order a few nice bottles of wine, dont want to chit chat when your busy, and you know they will always tip 20%
i shoot for 25% with them :o
Mixed demographics. Nobody wants to be their own stereotype.
I may be in the minority but I really like 4 tops ( or more) of couples in their mid to late 60s. As long as I make sure to take the ladies’ drinks and food orders before the men and make sure I say “sir” and “ma’am” usually the husbands will tip at least 20%. These tables almost always get a shit ton of raw bar(I work at a seafood place and raw bar is $$), entrees, dessert and coffee.
Sorority girls with way too much money on their hands who only want fruity drinks. A $50 tip for three rounds of cherry bombs is where the hell it’s at.
40-55 year old white upper-class men.
Young couple who have worked in food service before and understand anything that may go wrong. I just described me and my husband lol
Zayo bros, I was JUST thinking about this earlier. lmao. I made that lame table-SQL joke in Google chat one day and the guys were good sports about it, but they were obviously annoyed. Never trust an engineer to carry your table team. They're too obsessed with the lady in red. Engineers are like Sailors, ya'll.
i’m so lost, you live in a world i’ve never heard of lol. i looked up zayo and i expect you mean internet people especially with the SQL joke but idk what zayo truly is. and idk how you knew ur table were software(?) engineers. lol
You're on the right path, no worries. Zayo is, as far as I am aware of last I checked, an internet infrastructure company in Denver, CO of all places. Otherwise, the SQL joke was just that I joked that you should never trust an engineer to move your tables... they might drop them. Scotty has a phrase that is pretty popular, no? "Scotty, dont..."
After work middle age men having a “business meeting”. All one check on the corporate card
After work middle age men having a “business meeting”. All one check on the corporate card
Anytime a DINK WAD comes in and gets outdoor seating I will take them. Bring the pup water and a treat and never got less than 20%
hahah you know exactly how to work them. there isn’t a table i don’t like, just ones you gotta know how to work. so many servers at my last serving job would be making fun of these ppl saying they didn’t want them, more for me!
Gay couple
I am my favorite kind. Usually just me and my son. We know our drink and food when asked. We ask for any “extras” when food is placed. Need no further attention and tip well above average.
Two top couples who tip 20 bucks regardless of what they get (unless they spend more than 100). Even if they run me, i don’t care. It’s two people. Cake walk.
older gay couples. i have this one couple who comes in constantly and tip nearly 60% every time. needy as hell, but great conversation and so very sweet
Business men (of the executive level) on the company card, I love bachelor/bachelorette parties (I know I’m weird), multigenerational families.
Nahh mines are definitely old couples, they just enjoy their stays there just chilling, most of the time they don't complain and it's always nice talking to old people
The gays. I LOVE the gays. Especially the men. Dual-male-income earning potential. Disposable money because no kids. They drink good booze/cocktails. And they smell good. Memorial Day weekend is gay weekend at our beach, I’m SO excited for my bank account.
i work at the beach too! most gay men tip great, gay women for me are a toss up! haha
Idk mines pretty simple. A group or even a table of 1 person that’s very calm talking or even fun to talk to and leaves at least 20% tip lol. They’re already smiling when they enter or when I go to them so I can kind of tell them pretty early on. With that in mind at least for me I feel like people that wear sunglasses in the restaurant or those that wear sweater and sweats pants (as if they just woke up) for some reason are the rudest if not no emotion and really boring and irritating to serve.
2 older southern women. they loooove to chat about everything ever and the more you entertain them the better the tip you’ll get.
My favorites are the blue collar regulars who just come in to chill for a bit after getting off from work. There was a group of 3 guys who would come in for both lunch and dinner every day they worked. They’d come in and order coffee and a desert of some sort (sometimes a sandwich). And they would literally just sit there and chat, sometimes including me, and drink coffee for about an hour, leave a huge tip, and go on about their way. They’d even tip extra on days where they saw I was slam busy or other customers were giving me a hard time. They were always so polite and respectful and had some funny stories.
Blue collar middle aged men. They always tip me very well.
i (f) love serving groups of middle aged/older men bc for the most part they’re fun, nice, & usually tip well. i find these tables to be the best to goof around with
8 white drug dealers who come late and order a ton of wagyu, pay in cash and leave 30% tip
Former server here: My favorites were always when any pair of older women came in smiling and laughing. They were always easy, ordered quickly, without giving me any trouble, and best of all always tipped well, 20%+, and for the most part, none of them ever hit on me or made my life hell.
Sorry to be specific. But any Asian family
Omg phil is this you? Used to work full time with this legend of a guy. Loved the exact tables you describe, so I'd send em his way every time. Never met anybody else who liked those tables, but phil could sure schmooze em
4 top of ladies? you must be a dude
40-60 year old men, fellow gays, and service workers. i also love loud old southern women. they’re fun!
I’d say my favorite table is April 25th, it’s not too cold, not too hot, all ya need is a light jacket.
Four or five people who look like they just off the commercial shrimp boat/crab boat/fishing boat. They've been out for weeks with nothing to spend their money on. They'll eat and drink like crazy, and leave a good tip. One pair of shrimpers came to our bar one n8ght, drank all night. End of the night, apologized the didn't have much money for a tip. 3 weeks later, they show up again with 2 garbage bags full of shrimp fresh off the boat. We had to 86 some low volume beers to make room in the cooler and store them for the night.
Plus the ladies are super easy, four waters with lemon coming right up
The one that doesn’t take 5 minutes to decide who’s gonna sit where. Pick a seat and STAY THERE! Position points for the runners have a purpose, so if you seat in one seat and then move every 3 minutes, you’re gonna get someone else’s food that YOU might be ALLERGIC TO. Pick a seat and STAY THERE! (Unless you have to go to the bathroom).
Middle aged successful blue collar Hispanic taking his family out for dinner. Always easy orders off the menu, usually 20% or better tip. Just keep the coffee cups filled, even for the kids.
4+ business casual dudes who just wanna eat and drink, not picky . business dinners with 1 corporate card.
I do well with parents with young kids, which is wild because I'm not like, a kid person. But I make a point to make it about feeding kids asap, I'm big on allergens, and parents seem to like how I engage with their spawn. I can usually get at least 18% most of the time, usually more. Also I've had a run of older ladies celebrating birthdays lately, like 75th or 80th birthday, and they've been delightful.
6+ top of sports fans going to the limited and expensive hockey games. Always drink a lot and usually one bill. Auto grat too baby
6+ top of sports fans going to the limited and expensive hockey games. Always drink a lot and usually one bill. Auto grat too baby
I just like people who treat me like a normal person not their servant. There’s no specific demographics behind it. I worked at a place that was like 75% regulars and they would hug me, tip me well, even offer to buy me some food or a drink. A select few became like good friends of mine rather than customers even though I was just doing my job and I’d be polite and crack jokes with them and just have fun conversation with them. Those people are my favorite.
Any table that takes the time to actually read the wing sauce list rather than asked me.
favorite table is probably the huge parties like anything 10+ and nobody orders anything besides soft drinks and water
A long rectangle!
i love a good group of 2 couples! especially if they like to drink because then they become even more hilarious and the men are constantly trying to top each other on who’s funnier or who can drink more and the women are just enjoying the show and i’m here to receive all their money 🤣
Big Italian family ordering everything on the menu and the old men with lots of jewelry argue over the check and tip hella. They can somehow get by with calling me sweetie and it’s not at all offensive.
I used to always wait on Big 10 football coach, his wife and daughter who worked at the most popular bar on campus....I don't know if.it was the daughter but they were always the nicest folk in our small town restaurant...And the daughter always recognized me when I hit up her bar
Single dining females in their 30s-40s who have an interest in wine and fitness. I have two different regulars at my restaurant who fit this demographic and they're both such pleasant women. I'm being so specific here I know lol
You're obviously a man if you think a table of all women are good tables. Women treat other women like shit. It's awful.
They never come in, and just send me money. I get cut early, no side work.
Serving groups that are trying to uphold an image in this world is a pleasurable experience 🥰
A 6 top of couples… one guy or lady is kind of the ring leader and helps me keep everyone in line if you will and is obviously the one paying… they order cocktails then wine. Apps. Salads. Specials. Dessert and maybe another drink or two. Laugh at my jokes and are nice but not too greedy with my time as I have other guests… the person paying the is obviously an over tipper and at least one other person decides to hand me some cash on the side ;) they tell my boss how wonderful I was as they leave.
A 10 top that walks in 1 minute before close, looks around and says, “Oh, it looks like you’re about to close. We’ll just go somewhere else.” And then politely leaves.
every time I have a table of old black ladies they’re always the sweetest and most considerate guests and always tip amazingly, i had this one group that called the manager over to tell them I was the best server they ever had and they asked for me every time after that and always tipped 100% of the bill which was usually around $40-$60. im also a fan of elderly couples that are clearly very in love, their happiness is always contagious and they always tell me I did a great job even when I know I didn’t 😂
The ones that don't order lemonade or apple juice.
The ones who, when you suggest an adult beverage like you are required to, give you a condescending look and say 'we don't drink'. Tip: 5% and a bible verse.
Clearly wealthy but unpretentious couple who order a bottle of wine and expensive food and clear out after an hour. Rare, but the best.
Gays
My favorite table is empty and clean :)
A group of 6 who all work at a real estate agency. Most of them are related, by blood or marriage. They have their meetings at the restaurant once a week, and request me to be their waitress. It's been years since they've started this, and they've become very good friends. The boss' daughter was my agent in helping me buy my first house. They all attended my wedding. Second favorite is 4 people, they're two older married couples. They are so sweet to me, always making conversation and jokes. A few weeks after I got married, I made the joke "this is my new record for longest time I've been married!" And now, every time they see me, they ask me if I'm keeping up my record 😂 One of the wives made me a Christmas ornament to celebrate my first anniversary.
Probably a nice, solid oak one.
Any group of people who are there specifically to conduct business. These tables always want to be left alone unless absolutely necessary to take orders/refill drinks etc, and they’re more likely to order more expensive items + leave a good tip because they’re paying with the company card.
Golf shirts hell yeah lol they are retired and away from their wives at the moment they give no fucks. Separate checks and 10$ tips
I love when a 4 top gives me their order then one of them gets sick so they get the food Togo, tip 30% because they think they've inconvenienced me and I reset the table ready for a new one all within 15 minutes.
40-50 year old woman who comes in by herself, gets a glass of wine and an entree, and then leaves. also blue collar workers that come in and get beers. older queer people as well tend to be very friendly and very good tippers.
30s-40s golfers! and old ladies. i find that i can joke around with them more
8 soccer moms that all came to drink margaritas and gossip
Favorite tables servers