Restaurant Tipping on Wine

[Innkeeper]

The traditional thing is to leave one tip for everyone on the total bill ($19 or $190 on the wine), except in N.Y.C. There, at least since I came of age in the '50s, and I'm sure much longer, you tip everyone; captain, wine steward, waiter, and anyone else you came into contact with. The only problem, is that the New York model seems to be catching on elsewhere. So you need to know.

When in doubt, I usually ask. It is complicated by the fact that it is hard to keep track of who did what. The wine steward might just advise you, bring the wine to the table, and pour the first glass. Others may refill every glass and attend to you as diligently as the waiter. I find it much easier to leave on 20% tip everyplace I go, unless I get lousy service, when it goes down some.

Everyone, is not everyone. Coat checkers and parking valets, among possible others, are always tipped separately.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 12-11-2002).]