How much do you tip the bartender
A correspondent, who wishes to be known as Pat the Brewing Artist asks about tipping the bartender.
He writes:" A question of minor importance, but of not as minor personal interest. What's the proper etiquette on tipping the bartender if you're getting a growler filled? Normal percentage? No tip?"
My short answer is it depends on my mood, both personal and financial. As I recall, a growler of heavenly Pils at the Baltimore Brewing Company was about $8, and if I had a beer while waiting for the fill, would tip the bartender $1 to $2. If I didn't have a glass and had suffered a bad week, I didn't tip.
Perhaps this was faux pas? I have not read any tomes on beer drinking etiquette.
My fellow beer drinkers what do you do with your wallet?
Any bartenders out there want to weigh in?
Comments
The last time I had a growler filled was at the Blue and Gray Brewing Co. in Fredericksburg, VA - they have no bar just a brewery so there was no outlet for a tip.
Also, try their beers, Rob!
Posted by: bryanintimonium | March 28, 2008 1:39 PM
My rule is $1 per beer as long as I get good service. If the service is bad, they might get nothing, but if I top at least a buck on the first pour, it generally makes things smoother for the rest of the night.
I generally don't drink too many when I am out so it doesn't bite the wallet too much.
Posted by: Brian | March 28, 2008 1:43 PM
If at all possible, I try to run a tab which usually requires giving them a credit card (unless you're a regular patron of the place--which is fine), and then I'll tip about 20% on the whole thing as long as the service is at least decent.
Poor service results in a poor tip, and although it doesn't happen too often here in town, unfortunately there are a few bars in in the area who have immature and underserving bartenders who care more about impressing their friends than serving the patrons (just check out Elizabeth Large's blog on "Complaining to a Restaurant").
Posted by: Donny B | March 29, 2008 10:55 AM
A dollar per beer. If I'm getting draft beers. If I'm just getting a bottle. Then it's a dollar for every other beer.
Posted by: Steve | March 31, 2008 10:22 AM
Good question, and one that I've thought about a bit.
I think you ought to tip the same for a growler fill as you would for a glass of beer.
Even though it takes longer to clean and fill a growler, you aren't making a mess at the bar and you don't leave a dirty glass behind.
But I usually tip more. A dollar per glass of beer and 2 to 5 dollars for a growler fill, depending on how cash rich I am and how friendly the bartender is.
Also, if the place is busy and the bartender looks frazzled, I think a big tip would be a nice gesture, since filling the growler is time consuming will back things up a bit.
Posted by: Eric Trimmer | March 31, 2008 11:19 AM
If it is a place you frequent it pays to tip generously the good bartenders. The perks can be pretty good. In a crowded place they will know who is getting ready to leave, introduce you to people you are interested in meeting, give you priority service or toss you a freebie once in a while.
And trust me, bartenders seldom forget those who don't tip. I've seen people get a bunch of drinks ($20+) and not leave anything.
Rich
Posted by: Rich | March 31, 2008 7:01 PM