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How Much Do Servers Tip Out Bartenders?

    As a server, you know the importance of giving excellent service to your customers. And when it comes to getting rewarded for your hard work, tips are the lifeline of your income. But what about the bartenders who have helped you to make those drinks and cocktails? How much should you tip them out?

    Tipping out is a common practice in the restaurant industry where servers share their tips with other staff members, such as bartenders, bussers, and food runners. However, the amount that servers should tip out bartenders can vary depending on the restaurant’s policy, the state’s laws, and other factors. In this article, we will explore the different factors that can affect how much servers should tip out bartenders and provide some guidelines to help you navigate this practice.

    Servers typically tip out bartenders between 5% to 10% of their total sales. The exact percentage may vary depending on the establishment’s policy and the level of assistance provided by the bartender. In addition to tipping out bartenders, servers may also be required to tip out bussers, food runners, and other support staff.

    How Much Do Servers Tip Out Bartenders?

    As a server, it’s important to know how much to tip out bartenders. This not only helps maintain a positive working relationship between servers and bartenders, but it also ensures that everyone is fairly compensated for their work. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of tipping out bartenders and provide some helpful tips for servers.

    What is Tipping Out?

    Tipping out is the practice of sharing a portion of tips earned by servers with other staff members who directly contribute to the customer’s dining experience. This includes bartenders, bussers, and food runners. While the percentage of tips to be shared can vary from restaurant to restaurant, it is generally agreed upon that bartenders receive a larger percentage of tips than other staff members.

    When it comes to tipping out bartenders, servers typically give a percentage of their total sales, rather than a percentage of their tips. This is because bartenders often make drinks for tables that aren’t in their section, which means they may not receive as many tips directly from customers.

    Benefits of Tipping Out

    Tipping out bartenders has a number of benefits for servers, including:

      • Building positive working relationships with other staff members
      • Ensuring that everyone is fairly compensated for their work
      • Improving overall service quality by encouraging teamwork

    Tipping Out Percentages

    The percentage of sales that servers should tip out to bartenders varies depending on the restaurant and the region. However, a general rule of thumb is to tip out between 15% and 20% of total sales to the bar.

    It’s important to note that some restaurants may have a set percentage that servers are required to tip out to bartenders, so it’s important to check with management to make sure you’re following the correct policy.

    Factors that Affect Tipping Out

    There are several factors that can affect how much servers should tip out bartenders. These include:

    Volume of Drink Orders

    Servers should tip out more to bartenders on nights when there are a lot of drink orders. This is because bartenders are doing more work and are therefore contributing more to the customer’s dining experience.

    Quality of Service

    If a bartender provides exceptional service, servers should consider tipping out more than the standard percentage. This is a great way to show appreciation for their hard work and build a positive working relationship.

    Conclusion

    Tipping out bartenders is an important part of working in the restaurant industry. By tipping out a fair percentage of their sales, servers can help ensure that everyone is compensated fairly for their work and improve overall service quality by encouraging teamwork. Remember to check with management to make sure you’re following the correct tipping out policy, and consider factors such as volume of drink orders and quality of service when deciding how much to tip out.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who is responsible for tipping out bartenders?

    Generally, servers are responsible for tipping out bartenders. Tipping out bartenders is a common practice in the restaurant industry as bartenders and servers work together to provide exceptional customer service and experience. Tipping out is a way of showing appreciation for the work done by the bartenders.

    The amount of tip-out can vary depending on the restaurant’s policy, the location, and the type of establishment. However, it’s usually a percentage of the server’s total sales for the day or shift.

    What is the typical percentage that servers tip out bartenders?

    The typical percentage that servers tip out bartenders is around 5% of their total sales for the day or shift. This percentage can vary depending on the restaurant’s policy, the location, and the type of establishment. Some restaurants may have a set percentage, while others may allow servers and bartenders to negotiate the percentage among themselves.

    It’s important to note that tipping out bartenders is not only a way of showing appreciation for their hard work but is also a way of ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their efforts.

    What happens if servers don’t tip out bartenders?

    If servers don’t tip out bartenders, it can cause tension and resentment in the workplace. Bartenders rely on tips to supplement their income, and not receiving a fair share of the tips can lead to financial difficulties for them. It can also lead to a breakdown in teamwork and communication between servers and bartenders.

    In some cases, not tipping out bartenders can result in disciplinary action from management, as it is a common practice in the industry. It’s important for servers to understand the importance of tipping out bartenders and to do so in a timely and fair manner.

    What are the benefits of tipping out bartenders?

    There are several benefits of tipping out bartenders. Firstly, it promotes a positive working environment by fostering teamwork and cooperation between servers and bartenders. Secondly, it ensures that bartenders receive fair compensation for their hard work and efforts in providing exceptional customer service.

    Tipping out bartenders can also lead to increased customer satisfaction as servers and bartenders work together to provide a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. It can also lead to increased tips for both servers and bartenders as customers are more likely to tip when they receive exceptional service.

    What should servers do if they have a problem with tipping out bartenders?

    If servers have a problem with tipping out bartenders, they should first speak to their manager or supervisor to address their concerns. It’s important to communicate any issues in a professional and respectful manner.

    It’s also important to understand the restaurant’s policy on tipping out and to follow it accordingly. If the issue cannot be resolved with management, servers may want to consider finding employment at a different establishment that aligns with their values and beliefs.

    How Server / Waiter & Waitress TIP OUTS Work & Tipping Culture (US)


    In conclusion, tipping out bartenders is a common practice in the restaurant industry. While there is no set percentage, it is typical for servers to tip out around 10% of their tips to the bartenders who helped them. This tip helps compensate the bartenders for their hard work and the support they provide to the servers.

    It’s important to remember that the amount servers tip out bartenders can vary depending on the restaurant’s policies and the level of service provided. Some restaurants may require servers to tip out a higher percentage if they sell more alcohol, while others may have a flat rate.

    Overall, tipping out bartenders is an important part of the restaurant industry and helps ensure that all staff members are compensated fairly for their hard work. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way in promoting teamwork and a positive work environment.

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