Actually, it's proper to tip at least a $1 if you're a regular to go order person at one specific restaurant (ie 2 or more times a month). First- most hostesses or waitresses still put your stuff together in a bag for you Two- if you tip $1 (or more) each time you order, you're more likely to not be charged for extra stuff that you request. For example- I work at a 5 star restaurant. I have a regular to go lady who orders upwards of 2 times a week. Never tips at all. She calls at noon every day she orders. I'm a hostess, I'm answering phones and seating tables at the time and I'm in charge of to go orders. She's inconveniencing me by placing them at the time and she never tips? Ridiculous, Normally she requests bread (doesn't come with it unless you dine in the restaurant), extra lettuce, and extra dressing. If you tipped EVER, I wouldn't charge you for any of that extra stuff. But, since you NEVER give even a $1 and call at the WORST time for a restaurant to place your order, I sure as hell am going to charge you $3 for the bread, $2 for the extra lettuce, and .50 for the extra dressing, and you'll deal with it and like it (and my bosses are totally ok with this). Now, if you tipped every to go order even a $1, you'd SAVE yourself $4.50!!! Wow! How about that?! Hmm. And for anyone saying well maybe she HAS to order at noon, that's bullshit. First- she's the owner and CEO of her own company. Second- no office makes you take your lunch at noon. They tell you whenever as long as it's not more than an hour,. She could call at 12:15, 12:30, 12:45, or 1pm. Or Anytime at all during lunch, she CHOOSES to do noon, and knows it's the most inconvenient time to call.

I'd rather pay for what I get than tip someone with your attitude. Not everyone understands that you don't feel like serving them at a particular time - and why should they? You are in the service industry and are paid to serve (as am I). I am constantly taking phone calls about bookings and random enquiries at peak times, due to the fact that not all people have worked in our industry - they call while we are busy because they know we're open at this time! I'm sure your "inconvenience" at their call is heard in your voice on the phone. Perhaps you are not suited to service...?

He didn't get it "to go."

I would understand your argument if I were given a choice to receive service or not. Since I am not allowed to serve myself, as a customer, I am buying an experience--food, service, and ambience. You can't separate them. Perhaps just do what Europe does--including the service charge with dined in food. (Food is cheaper for take out). I understand that servers are victims of the circumstances here, but I have seen my share of servers who take it as granted. If the server just hands you the menu, takes you the order, and brings you the food with an indifferent attitude, I am not sure she deserves 20% tip. For 20%, I expect smiles, friendly greeting,good intro of today's special, menu and wine suggestion, check on food, etc. heck, I rarely a server does all that, and perhaps that person with great service deserve 25%! The bottom line is that you have to work for it.

No, that is not correct. If it was true, then I would have the option of not procuring your service and getting my food directly from the kitchen without your interference. If service was extra, I would also have the right to choose the server I was hiring. But if the venue requires that I use a waiter, the service is part of the price.