If the bartender is your friend are you still supposed to tip him?

Patric F · #1 (**permalink**) 12-18-2008, 11:50 PM

When I was tending bar I wouldn't take tips from my friends. Last night my friend (#1) was tending, my other friend (#2) tipped him, I didn't. Friend #1 didn't seem to care but friend #2 ragged on me about it.

Harley Lady · #2 (**permalink**) 12-21-2008, 09:22 AM

I have been a bartender and my friends have always tipped me. They would a stranger, so why not you?

Gaming_sage · #3 (**permalink**) 12-22-2008, 02:09 AM

you should....

Sharp Marble · #4 (**permalink**) 12-23-2008, 03:50 AM

Yes, you should definitely tip the bartender if they provide good service - friend or not.

cherokee_jack · #5 (**permalink**) 12-27-2008, 09:12 PM

Hell Yeah!You appreciate the service and reward them for it.

Josh G · #6 (**permalink**) 12-30-2008, 12:59 AM

Depends. If they were your friend first, no. If you met them as a bartender, and then began patronizing the establishment (or the friend is a woman) then, by all means, yes.Women bartenders and waitresses are notorious for this: you meet them, pal around with them (they are usually really friendly/flirty, so you're just hopin, you dog!) and they invite you to visit them at work. Bang! You've been pegged and you damn well better tip.If you have an understanding with said friend, about not tipping, be sure to NEVER, EVER, hassle them about getting served dead last, every time.

wtprider86 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-03-2009, 06:56 PM

word, at least attempt to, if he rejects, then thats one thing...but still gotta attempt to tip...especially if he is hooking you up with free/discounted drinks

Krime Dogg 146 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-04-2009, 06:33 AM

i'd tip him or her until he said not to, then I'd still do it.

Who Am I · #9 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009, 11:20 AM

Bartenders earn lousy salaries. They live off their TIPS.F.Y.I. - Most people think TIPS are an automatic thing. People don't realize it is an acronym for"To Insure Prompt Service."T.I.P.S. must be earned. I give good TIPS when warranted, but don't leave TIPS when I get lousy service which ruins my dining experience.

Tracy M · #10 (**permalink**) 05-19-2009, 12:14 PM

Yes I would still tip even if I knew the bartender....he is doing his job so should get a tip.

Rob T · #11 (**permalink**) 05-24-2009, 09:10 PM

It all depends.My mate is a taxi driver and he was quite insulted when I tried to tip him.I wouldn't accept a tip either if it was me but I felt I had to at least try and tip him, it's difficult.