Restaurant Etiquette

So... Having worked in the restaurant business for a bit now, i've noticed a few things. First and foremost, people are gross, and can be particularly wasteful of food sometimes (which bugs me cause by the middle of a shit i could usually go for some food). I've also noticed that a fair portion of people don't quite understand how the restaurant industry functions or how to be a good patron. Luckily, I know how much my blog is read, and so for all you millions of millions (or slightly less) I will give a few general rules of Restaurant Etiquette.

1. 20% is the normal amount to tip
Yes, that's right, 20% of your bill is normal. Not 1o, not 15, 20. What you need to understand is a majority of the money these people make is based on that tip you give them. the base pay for a server is a little over $2.50, so it matters greatly what you tip. The general attitude is you start at 20%, if your service is excellent, if your service is bad (and i mean BAD) then lessen it. But if you're leaving 10% tips every time, your just an asshole, or broke.

2. Patience is a virtue
This is something to remember when the place you are dining is particularly busy. When it's busy, things are going to take a little longer to get done. Don't bitch at your server simply because you've been sitting for 5 minutes and they haven't gotten to you. They're probably swamped with 5-6 other tables including you, and are trying to get them all what they need. Feel free to do what you can to expedite the process, if you have the time to look, order food with your drinks, or at least appetizers (yes, people order drinks separately sometimes). Just be patient and remember that they are humans too.

3. Closing time (you don't have to go home but you can't stay here.)
If the restaurant is closing and you're still there, pick up the pace a little bit. They servers, bussers, kitchen staff and managers all have shit to do to get the place closed up so they can go home. If you're there 15 minutes after and getting ready to go, don't feel too bad, however, if you're just sitting there shooting the breeze and it's more than 20 minutes after, go somewhere else. People have things to get done and you're just getting in the way.

4. 20% is standard tipping!
Yep, again. People need to understand, 20% is what you need to be tipping on average, these people live off your tips and they need you to tip like this. Unless your service is really bad, you should be tipping 20%!

That's pretty much it. There's not much else for me to say. Just be good patrons and you're server will be good to you, especially when you come back for a second round.