Is it okay to tip less for bad service?
In the US, 10% is generally considered the minimum for sit-down service, even for poor performance. Leaving no tip is a strong statement that should be reserved for truly egregious situations. If service is consistently bad, speak to a manager instead of reducing the tip — the issue might be understaffing, not the server's effort. Remember that servers often share tips with bussers, bartenders, and hosts.
Should I tip on alcohol?
Yes, tip on the entire bill including alcohol. The server provides the same service regardless of whether you ordered water or wine. The only common exception is extremely expensive bottles of wine — on a $300 bottle, some diners tip a flat $20–30 rather than $60 (20%). For bar service, $1–2 per drink for beer/wine and $2–3 for cocktails is standard.
How does tipping work with delivery apps?
Delivery drivers rely heavily on tips — base pay from apps is often $2–4 per delivery. A 15–20% tip (minimum $5) is appropriate. Tip more for bad weather, long distances, or large orders. Pre-tip (tipping when ordering) is recommended because drivers can see the tip amount before accepting, and no-tip orders may be delayed as drivers decline them.