Opinions re Tipping at Buffets

I've found tipping the sushi chef up front usually means a freebie sushi piece along with the order. Especially if you ask questions or seem interested in trying something new.

Hmm, good info, Steve. I've never thought about tipping up front, but I usually find that the little freebies start coming anyway, if you're friendly and interested and ask lots of questions.

In bars with free-pour bottles and cool bartenders, up front tips seem to make my mixed drinks stronger too...

In bars with free-pour bottles and cool bartenders, up front tips seem to make my mixed drinks stronger too...

Last time I visited friends in New York, it was customary to give the bartender a $20 when you sat down. The drinks came faster, better, and generally had one or two free thrown in.

In bars with free-pour bottles and cool bartenders, up front tips seem to make my mixed drinks stronger too...

Last time I visited friends in New York, it was customary to give the bartender a $20 when you sat down. The drinks came faster, better, and generally had one or two free thrown in.

Yeah, I've never been let down by that tactic, although it's usually a $5 or $10 if I'm by myself. When I go to Headliners for a show I always go to the same bartender. They remember, like the regulars thread from the other day.

I wouldn't use NYC as a gauge since almost every restaurant/bar there has a buy back policy, usually 1 free drink for every 3 you buy. I've been told this is illegal in KY since alcohol cannot be given away.

I wouldn't use NYC as a gauge since almost every restaurant/bar there has a buy back policy, usually 1 free drink for every 3 you buy. I've been told this is illegal in KY since alcohol cannot be given away.

If true, then I agree, but the $20 is more for their attention for the night than for free drinks. Also, it should be remembered that $20 in Manhattan = $5 in Louisville, i.e., that $20 to those bartenders isn't seen as that big of a monetary deal, but more of a token gift to get attention. I've been sandwiched between guys (not my friends) pre-tipping the 'tenders $100 each. Of course, those guys probably end up with tabs at the end of the night that come close to justifying a $100 tip in the first place!