Originally posted by ihasa To be honest, in this day and age, service should be included.
First of all, wait staff IS a real job. You work hard and if you move up in the business (higher-end restaurants) you can make three figure salaries. Not the norm, but neither is the CEO of a bank. If you like doing the work, go for it.
And service should not be included in the price. TIPS is an acronym, really, standing for To Insure Prompt Service. I have had service from some of the "service included crowd" and it was no great shakes. A waiter/waitress working for tips is far more attentive and quick to get the order out. If you are a waiter/tress and not getting tips, you are just customer service. Like being in sales and not getting a commission for what you sell, same idea!
And folks, treat your waiters/waitresses nicely. Remember, they are serving you your food!
Regards,