Server Says People Who Can’t Afford To Tip 20% ‘Don’t Deserve To Eat Out’

In the ongoing debate over tipping culture in the United States, a controversial statement made by a restaurant server has reignited discussions on dining etiquette, wages, and affordability. The server, whose comment went viral on social media, claimed that customers who cannot afford to tip at least 20% “don’t deserve to eat out.” The statement has since drawn intense reactions from both restaurant industry workers and customers, sparking discussions on economic disparity, fair wages, and the ethics of tipping.

The Controversial Comment

The debate began when a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) featured a screenshot of a server’s comment: “If you can’t afford to tip 20%, you don’t deserve to eat out. Period.” The post quickly gained traction, with thousands of likes, shares, and heated responses. Some users supported the sentiment, arguing that tipping is essential to supplement the notoriously low wages that many service industry workers receive. Others, however, pushed back, stating that dining out should be an accessible experience rather than a luxury reserved for the wealthy.

One user wrote, “Restaurants are already expensive. If I have to add 20% on top just to be treated decently, then maybe it’s the industry that needs fixing.” Another countered, “Servers rely on tips to survive. If you can’t tip properly, you shouldn’t be dining out at all.”

The Struggle of Service Workers

For many restaurant employees, tipping isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity. The federal minimum wage for tipped workers in the U.S. is $2.13 per hour, meaning that a significant portion of their income comes from gratuities. In states where this wage floor is upheld, workers often depend entirely on customer generosity to make ends meet.

“I make $3 an hour before tips,” said Lisa Carter, a server in New York City. “Without tips, I wouldn’t be able to pay my rent, let alone afford groceries.”

A common argument in favor of mandatory tipping is that it ensures servers receive fair compensation for their work. However, critics of the system argue that tipping shifts the burden of paying workers from restaurant owners to customers, allowing businesses to keep wages artificially low while customers cover the difference.

Should Tipping Be a Requirement?

The United States has long been known for its tipping culture, but this isn’t the case everywhere. Many European countries, for instance, pay restaurant employees a livable wage, making tipping more of a bonus rather than an expectation. In Japan, tipping is even considered rude, as workers are expected to provide excellent service without financial incentives.

In recent years, some American restaurants have experimented with a no-tip policy, opting instead to raise menu prices to ensure their staff earns a fair wage. Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group made headlines in 2015 for implementing a “Hospitality Included” model, eliminating tipping altogether. However, the policy was largely reversed in 2020 due to customer resistance and financial struggles exacerbated by the pandemic.

A Deeper Economic Divide

Beyond the restaurant industry, this debate highlights broader economic disparities. Inflation has driven up the cost of dining out, making meals more expensive than ever. With rising rent, student loans, and other financial burdens, many Americans find it increasingly difficult to justify eating out when additional tipping costs must be factored in.

“I used to go out to eat once a week,” said Jeremy Klein, a 32-year-old marketing professional in Chicago. “Now, with rising prices and the expectation of a 20% tip, I feel guilty if I don’t leave enough. It makes dining out feel more stressful than enjoyable.”

On the flip side, service workers argue that those who can’t afford to tip should simply opt for fast-casual or takeout options rather than sit-down restaurants. “If you can’t afford to pay for service, don’t use the service,” said one bartender on Reddit. “It’s that simple.”

Possible Solutions

As the debate rages on, several possible solutions have been proposed:

1. Raising the Minimum Wage: Many argue that the best way to resolve tipping conflicts is to raise the federal minimum wage for restaurant workers. This would reduce reliance on customer tips and ensure a stable income.
2. Including Service Charges: Some restaurants are adopting a mandatory service charge in place of tipping, ensuring that servers are compensated fairly without customers feeling pressured.
3. Educating Diners: Some industry professionals believe better education on tipping etiquette is necessary. Many customers do not realize how little servers make in hourly wages and may tip poorly out of ignorance rather than malice.
4. Encouraging Employer Responsibility: Instead of relying on customer generosity, some argue that restaurant owners should take on the responsibility of paying their workers better wages, even if that means slightly higher menu prices.

The Future of Tipping in America

Despite ongoing debates, tipping remains deeply embedded in American dining culture. While some restaurants may experiment with alternative models, the reality is that most servers still depend on tips to make a living. Until the system changes, discussions on tipping will likely continue to fuel passionate debates online and in dining establishments nationwide.

Whether or not customers “deserve” to eat out if they can’t tip 20% remains a polarizing question. However, what’s clear is that the conversation highlights much larger issues—income inequality, labor rights, and the true cost of dining out in America.