How Much Should You Tip on Takeout, Delivery and Fast Food?
Quick answer
- Sit-down restaurants: 18% to 20% of the bill before tax is standard.
- Delivery: 15% to 20%, or at least $3 to $5 for a short trip.
- Takeout at a sit-down restaurant: 0% to 10% is common, more for big or tricky orders.
- Fast food counters and drive-thrus: tipping is not expected.
Tip screens now pop up almost everywhere, which makes it hard to know what is expected. Here is a simple, practical guide to tipping in U.S. restaurants, from full service to the drive-thru.
How much to tip
| Situation | Typical tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 18% to 20% | Up to 25% for great service or large groups |
| Buffet | 10% | Staff clear plates and refill drinks |
| Bar or drink service | $1 to $2 per drink, or 15% to 20% | More for complex cocktails |
| Delivery | 15% to 20% | At least $3 to $5, more in bad weather or long distances |
| Takeout from a sit-down restaurant | 0% to 10% | Staff pack and check your order |
| Curbside or carside pickup | $2 to $5 | Someone brings food to your car |
| Coffee shop counter | Optional, $1 or change | Nice for complex drinks or regular visits |
| Fast food counter or drive-thru | Not expected | Many fast food chains do not accept tips |
Tip on the pre-tax amount
Most etiquette experts say to calculate your tip on the bill before sales tax. On a $40 dinner, an 18% tip is $7.20 and 20% is $8.
What about tip screens?
Counter-service tip screens are optional. It is fine to choose “no tip” for a simple counter order. If someone goes out of their way, a small tip is a kind gesture.
Delivery tips matter most
Delivery drivers often depend on tips for much of their pay. If the total feels too high, picking up your own order is a better way to save than skipping the tip. See how fees add up in our delivery apps guide.
Quick tip math
- 10%: move the decimal one place left. $35.00 becomes $3.50.
- 20%: double the 10% amount. $3.50 becomes $7.00.
- 15%: add 10% plus half of it. $3.50 + $1.75 = $5.25.
Tipping on large groups
Many sit-down restaurants add an automatic gratuity of about 18% to 20% for parties of six or eight or more. Check your bill before adding a tip so you do not tip twice. If service was excellent, you can still add a little extra.
When to tip more
- Bad weather or long delivery distances.
- Large, complicated or very messy orders.
- Holidays and very busy nights.
- Excellent service or special requests handled well.
When a smaller tip is okay
- Simple counter orders with no table service.
- Self-serve pickup from a shelf or Pizza Portal.
- Orders where you did most of the work, such as carrying food yourself at a buffet without refills.
Tipping customs vary, and these are general U.S. norms. When in doubt, tipping a little more for good service is always appreciated.
Frequently asked questions
How much should you tip at a sit-down restaurant?
18% to 20% of the pre-tax bill is standard in the U.S. for good service.
Do you tip for takeout?
It is optional. Many people tip 0% to 10% for takeout at sit-down restaurants, more for large orders.
How much should you tip a delivery driver?
15% to 20% of the order, with a minimum of about $3 to $5.
Do you tip at fast food restaurants?
Tipping is not expected at fast food counters or drive-thrus.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
