Tipping at Buffet Style Restaurants

I'm searching for opinions on proper tipping protocol when dining at Buffet style restaurants. I'm talking about the place that you walk through the line, order, pick-up and pay at the end of the line and seat yourself. The restaurant then busses the table after you are gone.

This has always posed a quandary for me.

What do our industry insiders have to say? Marsha?

[Robin Garr]

I'm not Marsha, but I'll generally leave some tip money on the table for the bussers even if they haven't been present during the meal; and if they've actually been active, refilled glasses and taken away plates - particularly if they actually smiled and interacted with us - then I'll leave them a more serious tip, if not 20% plus.

About the only time I don't tip the bussers is in a place where we bus our own tables and leave a spotless scene behind.

Gosh, I hate to admit to this, but it's been more than 10 years since I've been to a buffet-style restaurant (although I have been to buffets for brunch at restaurants that are not 100% buffet-style at all times, and those usually have servers for drinks, etc.). I remember loving the yeast rolls at Ryan's, though!

That long ago, not being in the business, I don't believe I ever left a tip. If I were to have occasion to go to a Blue Boar or Ryan's these days, I'm sure I'd leave a tip. Probably not 20%, but probably at least 10%.

Today we ate at a fish joint. Ordered at the counter, serve your own drink, and someone delivers your tray to the table. Someone also eventually bussed the table. I left $2 on a $10 tab, but i didn't see anyone else leave any $$ on their tables as they were leaving.

I often eat at the Chinese buffet in Fern Creek. You get your own food of course, but the servers get drinks, refill them, keep used plates cleared,clean table if necessary and will take your payment. Different than the original description.

For this, I tip about the same as any other restaurant.

As described by the original post, where the customer does most everything, I usually leave one dollar per person.

That long ago, not being in the business, I don't believe I ever left a tip. If I were to have occasion to go to a Blue Boar or Ryan's these days, I'm sure I'd leave a tip. Probably not 20%, but probably at least 10%.

I guess when I meant in the business I was referring to your columns about being an "insider", not that you were in the buffet business.

Thanks to all for the tips. I have always left something depending on how involved service was anywhere between a buck or two up to 20%, and now I know I am in the same boat as everyone else when trying to decide the amount or percentage.

I'll be honest, at buffets I almost always tips just like 2 maybe 3 bucks and 3 is for "high end" buffets. I guess maybe I'm a crappy tipper for that.