Bartender Tipping Etiquette: Cash vs Card Open Tabs
How much to tip bartenders for beers, wine, and craft cocktails, and why cash on the bar top gets faster service.
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Tipping at crowded bars involves specific unwritten etiquette rules.
Per-Drink Benchmarks
- Simple Beer or Wine: $1 per drink.
- Complex Craft Cocktail: $2 to $3 per drink (especially for multi-step muddling and egg-white shaken drinks).
- Open Tab: 18% to 20% on the final total at closing.
The Power of Cash Upfront
Leaving a generous cash tip on your first round ($5 to $10) lets the bartender know you are a great customer, often resulting in prompt service throughout a busy night.
More Guides in Tipping & Math
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