As customers something happened to my friend and I last week. She paid her check with a twenty dollar bill. When she got her change back, she had two $5s, and ten $1s - twenty dollars in change. She thought leaving the equivalent of her check plus her tip would be fine, and I thought that might be confusing to the waiter. (Gosh, a $17 tip!)

We weren't in a rush, so we waited to tell the waiter. He seemed a little confused at first, then realized what we were telling him. He thanked us for the explanation and for not running out on the check. Gosh. That didn't occur to either of us.

I personally have trouble doing well with younger couples below their mid twenties or so. Being 6'4" and being a decent looking guy, I smile quite a bit while waiting tables, and I either intimidate or offend the guy at the table by doing this. So, I've learned to treat the guy like your best bud and generally ignore the girl, don't make too many extraneous offers to her, but fulfill any request she has. This usually leads to the guy seeing that she is being treated with respect but not flirted with. Also, generally don't say anything when you pass by, silent service is best. They are, after all, on a date and too much involvement may make it seem like you're trying to spend time with her. It's stupid, but that's what I've observed. Any other tips for young couples?

Satirical article about when you should tip servers, which is pretty much always. Every waiter/waitress should check this out.

http://www.funnyordie.com/articles/52293e4a06/always-tip-your-server-unless

Okay, so I needed so advice on whether I was really making the tight choice or not. See, I work as a busboy at a restaurant and make 8 an hour. The servers make about 2.50 an hour. Although I don't know the logistics of tipping, I do know that busboys receive 2 percent of all food sales. My average tip out at the end of the night is about 20 bucks. I'm gonna college student soon and although I make good money, I'm gonna need a lot more for tuition. So, I wanted to make some extra cash. Servers at my restaurant are required to prebus their tables, so I decided to make a fair trade: I make sure servers don't have to handle a single dish and they give me 5 bucks extra at the end of the night (keep in mind there are two bussers so they have to give 5 to each). At first, things went great but then some started complaining to the manager that I was asking for more than required. I have three managers. One was completely fine with the concept and even offered to show us how much each server tips. The other was kinda pissed off and thought we were greedy. The service I wanted to provide was optional! I'm still going to bus their tables regardless but I expect them the ones who don't want to pay extra to prebus. Some servers are kinda pissed me but all I wanted to do was earn a little extra and I do so much. So much more than they do (refill glasses, refill ice, bus tables, pick up plates, pick up condiments, pick up bar drinks, mop, clean restrooms (front and back), clean bar glasses, give to go boxes and condiments to guests, etc.) and I figure if I work harder maybe they'll give me more but no, it's just the same. Always. So, I wanted to ask: Am I being to greedy. I know servers depend on tips which is why I'll still help them regardless but they earn so much more than I do and all I wanted was 5 bucks extra.

To anyone not a waiter this would sound messed up, but I absolutely hated working veterans day. My restaurant offered free meals to vets and a discount to families. Spent all night running around busting my ass for tables, mainly one and two tops, whose check would end up being 0-6 dollars (depends on if I could get them to 'splurge' on a couple sweet teas!). I'm fine with that...but to have it bring out some of the rudest and neediest customers with it made for a god awful night. Combine that with the fact that I got constantly stiffed and 10-percented all night and I'm feeling a little bitter. Who gets a free meal and doesn't tip?

I read in an article that an employer is supposed to ensure a 10 minute break within every 4 hours. Also, a meal break should be given for every 6 hours in the dining industry. Is this true? Can someone help me cite california code?

Also, is it illegal to "clock-in and then break?"

I ask because I've worked several 5-6 hour shifts with no breaks in between. I've also repeatedly clocked in and immediately went on break.

Thank you in advance.

Waiting tables during thanksgiving sucks ass

Feel free to post whatever you find appropriate. Vent if you need to, brag if you need to, just remember that waiting tables sucks for everyone so don't dog someone for their experiences or even for where they work. Let's keep this subreddit classy, but don't be afraid to share your worst stories about waiting tables. Thanks for coming in!