Should I tip on top of a service charge? In most cases, the answer is yes. Since a service charge is not guaranteed to go to the server themselves, leaving a tip is a great way to thank your waiter for their hospitality.

As a general rule in 2026, you are not expected to add an additional tip if a 20% "service fee" or "automatic gratuity" is already included on your bill. In many US cities and for large parties (usually 6 or more), restaurants have made this charge mandatory to ensure fair pay for the staff. If the line item specifically says "Gratuity" or "Service Charge," that money is intended to cover the tip for the server, food runners, and bussers. However, it is important to read the receipt carefully: some restaurants now add a "Wellness Fee" or "Kitchen Appreciation Fee" (usually 3–5%) which is not a tip for your server. In those cases, you should still tip the standard 18–20%. If you received truly exceptional, "above and beyond" service, adding a small "extra" cash tip or an additional 5% on the "tip" line is a kind gesture, but it is entirely optional. Peer-to-peer etiquette suggests that if the house has already taken 20%, you have fulfilled your social obligation to ensure the staff is well-compensated for their labor.