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!

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.

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").

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.

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.

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

Hi from a Friendly Neighborhood Bartender Lady,

While I rarely expect a tip, I always hope for one. I have not been tending bar for long and I work in a great little place filled with regulars. I have gotten to know each person well. While it's mostly a shot and a beer tavern, when a person I know enters I try say 'hello', try and have their drink ready before they sit down and talk with them for a time.

Or, it they prefer solitude, I'll serve them and give them space until if/when a time comes they want my attention.

New customers do, for the most part, tip better than the regulars. What sometimes does bother me is when I serve someone for hours, then a shift change occurs (I work days) and the customers neglect to tip. Or, if I serve someone for a good amount of time - lets say they spend $15., and they leave me a buck.

And then, there's the customer that will leave me $10. after spending a forth of that amount. Rare, but it does happen.

I do enjoy my summer job :)