[Ice]

I am not a stingy tipper at all. I base my tip on a number of things, mainly that I'm a fairly picky eater and modify almost any menu item. I feel if my food comes the way I requested, my server and the cook did a really good job and deserve to be tipped for that. I also try to keep in mind how long I tie up one of their tables. I went to ESPN Zone before a concert at Staples last week with some friends. Two were late and we had monopolized that table for almost three hours. I'm sure he would've rather turned that table around one or two more times while we were there, but kept refilling our drinks (sodas, so not even racking up a bigger bill) and never tried to rush us out of there. His tip was 50% of our bill. I think if you linger at a table, you should be prepared to increase your tip. As long as your sitting there after you finish eating, your server is missing the opportunity to serve another group and earn another tip.

When it comes to counter tipping, I almost always ignore it. I am not leaving extra money for someone who scoops ice cream, or making a Subway sandwich. I always tip for delivery, haircuts, and take out. I just can't bring myself to tip for putting a bagel in a bag and giving me an empty cup to fill with diet coke myself. The tip cups have gotten ridiculous. I actually saw tip cup at the local movie theater. Seriously? You charge me 12 bucks for a Diet Coke and popcorn and now you want a tip? Not going to happen.