Let’s talk about the verbal tip.

The verbal tip is when a guest goes out of their way to tell a server how great they are.

Oh. My. God. You were the best server I’ve ever had.

You were so sweet and friendly. Thank you for taking care of us.

You are the funniest server I’ve ever seen. You had us laughing the whole time.

Wow! Please tell us you’ll wait on us next time we are in.

The verbal tip is awesome. Everyone likes to be told they are good at their job. People like to be liked.

Do you know what’s not awesome???

A verbal tip followed by a shitty tip.

Oh my god you are the best server I’ve ever had. Followed by 12%.

You were so sweet and friendly. Followed by 10%.

Will you take care of us the next time we are in? Followed by no tip at all.

Servers loved to be told they are great. But their landlord won’t take a compliment for their rent. Toyota won’t let them pay their car payment with a compliment.

A server I know used to say, don’t sit there sucking my dick for 20 minutes making me feel good, then leave a 6% tip.

So by all means compliment the staff. The host. Me. The server. The chef. The bartender.

But fucking leave at least 20%.

At least.

If your server was that good you might think about 23 or 24%.