Chicago is a fast-paced city with a vibrant food and restaurant scene. While the city is known for its deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, many people travel here to take advantage of the incredible range of dining experiences. As such, tipping in Chicago is an important part of the dining culture. Knowing the best ways to tip in Chicago can help visitors and locals alike be informed and generous tippers while dining out.
In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for leaving a gratuity in Chicago. From tips for special occasions to how much to tip the everyone from the cocktail server to the valet, we’ll give readers an insider’s look at local tipping habits. Plus, readers will discover tips and tricks from locals for being an informed and generous tipper while dining out in Chicago.
When visiting a restaurant in Chicago, it is important to remember that gratuities are expected to be left at the end of the meal. While tipping in the United States is typically 15-20%, in Chicago it is common to tip between 18-20%. Tipping less than 15% is considered rude and insulting. The server should always be tipped in cash, so it is best to keep cash on hand for gratuities for when the bill arrives. Additionally, patrons should be aware that in Chicago, gratuity is often added to large parties which will be listed as a gratuity charge on the bill.
When visiting a cocktail bar, it is customary to tip $1-2 per drink. This gratuity should be left in cash for the bartender. Additionally, Chicagoans also typically tip for the cost of the first drink before they sit down. This will not only show appreciation for the bartender’s craft and service but will also ensure that they receive your patronage when you plan to stay for a while.
It is appropriate to tip in hotels in Chicago to reward exceptional service. When staying in a hotel, it is customary to tip the valet driver, front desk staff, housekeeping staff, and the concierge. At a minimum, tip the valet between $1-5 and the front desk $1-2 for a simple request. A gratuity of $5-10 is appropriate for the housekeeper, and a concierge should be left $3-5 for restaurant recommendations and more complex requests.
Expect to tip food delivery drivers in Chicago. A gratuity of 15-20% is appropriate for delivery services such as Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats.
Whether attending a dinner party in someone’s home or a large catered event, tipping the private server is customary. A gratuity of $20-50 is appropriate for a private server depending on the size and complexity of the event. For more formal occasions such as weddings, the gratuity should be between $50-75.
When taking a taxi in Chicago, it is appropriate to tip, though this is not always required. A tip of 10-15% is customary, and an additional gratuity should be included for taxi drivers for large orders.
In summary, it is important for those visiting Chicago to remember to always tip their servers, bartenders, private servers, and taxi drivers. The amount varies depending on the service, but 15-20% is the average gratuity amount in Chicago. For larger orders, additional gratuities should be considered. As a sign of appreciation for the services one has received, gratuities should always be left in cash. Ultimately, it is essential for visitors to Chicago to keep these guidelines in mind when considering tipping customs to remain in good standing with those who have serviced them.
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