[wadea]

I used to wait tables (for background). Some things for me:

1. I definitely tip based on the server's performance. I start around 15-20% and work my way up/down from there.

2. No-no's include: Not refilling my soda before I hit bottom, forgetting something they said they'd bring me, making me wait too long for them to pick/return my credit card when paying the bill.

3. I never tip on the quality of the food, unless they bring out something wrong. Like if I order steak and potatoes and instead I get steak and steamed veggies - that's the server's fault because they should have checked to make sure it got made right before they brought it to me.

4. For really bad service - based on my experience - a very small tip is worse than a straight stiff. With no tip at all, there's a possibility that the tip was just forgotten or something. If a small tip is left (like $0.45), the server knows you didn't forget.

5. For really bad service, I'll sometimes make a note of what was so bad on my bill/check in the hopes that a manager/owner will see it.