Why You Should Tip on Vacation: Insights into the Worst (and Best) Cities for Servers
By
Jane Shaw
Senior Editor Updated: 01/05/2024
We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert. Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.
US Cities for Food Servers
Being a server can dish out unexpected interactions ranging from heartwarming connections to rude dismissals – no matter what city you’re doing it in. That said, some places are definitely worse than others for servers (looking at you, tourist cities), in an already tough industry to begin with.
We crunched the numbers from our survey of 2,000 current or former employees in food and hospitality to paint a picture of the worst cities for servers, and the trends aren’t pretty. But in order to change them, the data needs dishing: Where does your closest city stand?
The Ill-Mannered Meter: Where Do Major Cities Stand?
On a scale from 1 to 10 measuring the overall rudeness of customers across the country (with 1 being the kindest and 10 being the rudest), it seems appropriate that the national average is almost exactly in the middle at 4.9 – with popular destination cities being among the worst.
Leading the charge in the rude department is the ever-touristy Virginia Beach, VA, clocking in at a hefty 7.6. While we don’t want to make assumptions, it’s fair to say that the transient nature of the place results in rushed, antsy customers looking to eat and get on their way. (We also think it’s fair to say that can’t be good for tips.)
Following closely are Cincinnati, OH, and Jacksonville, FL, both claiming a solid 7.0 even though they are overall less popular destinations. The list goes on with three more cities in the six range, with Oklahoma City and Providence, Rhode Island both at 6.3 and Milwaukee at an even 6.
Below that is a mosaic of 16 cities from 5.9 to 5.0 where navigating customer attitudes resembles a minefield of passive aggression: big visitor cities like New Orleans and Las Vegas are both at 5.8, the iconic New York and Nashville, Tennessee sit at a modest 5.3, and Buffalo, NY along with Sacramento are dead center at 5.0.
While these numbers smack-dab in the middle don’t automatically mean a negative or rude customer experience, not knowing what to expect when you go to work almost sounds worse.
Encounters of the Rude Kind
Ever had a day sprinkled generously with rude encounters? We hope not, but a staggering 45% of servers have, saying they face at least two run-ins with rude, impolite customers daily.
So, what could possibly fuel these unpleasant exchanges? The top offenders on the bad behavior list according to those surveyed include finger-snapping – with 34.5% saying it was the worst – and complaints about things beyond a server’s control at 27.7%. (These might include things like the food taking too long from the kitchen, a steak cooked wrong, or waiting for a beverage when there is a line at the bar.)
All people in the service industry know there will always be encounters of the rude kind. It’s just part of the job. But the demand for special treatment, refusal to believe in the tipping system, and being plain rude makes it a tough world out there for those balancing trays – AND temperaments.
Demographic Drama: Who’s the Worst – and When?
Age and wealth are two factors often tied to perceptions of behavior, and the data agrees: 73.3% believe older adults are more prone to rude behavior as customers, and 72.9% also think wealthier-looking individuals tend to be the same.
To boot, what is supposed to be a day of enjoying downtime – Sunday – is the opposite for over a third of the servers we asked, with 35.3% pointing fingers at it being the worst. While improving that data point is necessary, it’s also necessary to recognize that not every city is the worst place to be a server.
Unveiling the Cities with the Most Courteous Customers
While every server’s dream involves memorable interactions, smooth service, and great tips, reality serves up a mixed bag (the data speaks for itself). But we’ve uncovered the cities where customer courtesy is the flavor of every day – and prove to be the best cities for servers.
Leading the charge in being awesome while dining out is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, boasting a commendable 2.0 on the ill-mannered meter – the only city in this number range. Under the 4 mark (but still in the acceptably pleasant range) are cities like Memphis, Baltimore, and Austin, making servers’ lives easier at 3.0, 3.7, and 3.8 points low, respectively.
Five others are tied at 4.8, including Salt Lake City, Boston, and Dallas, and right below the median number of 4.9, which belongs to both Orlando, Florida (let’s face it, how could you know what to expect there?) and Washington, D.C., where toeing the line is simply part of the city’s bones.
Rude Wars: Politeness Strikes Back
If you have personal experience working as a server (or know someone who is), you know that each day has the possibility to be a ton of fun or a ton of tears. For 28% of servers, being treated with appreciation and enjoying their jobs because of it is a daily reality. And for exactly a quarter of them, rude behavior from customers is a rarity.
Servers in these kind cities often find themselves fueled by customer understanding and gratitude, helping to create a culture where respect is the currency and kindness the common language. These statistics offer hope in the service industry, where a simple ‘thank you’ or a few extra dollars – even if the restaurant experience wasn’t perfect – can make all the difference.
Navigating Tough Terrain and Celebrating Civility
Although the service industry as a whole is tough terrain, these statistics offer both a reality check and a roadmap for improvement – and we don’t just mean for customers. Lots of well-meaning patrons have also gotten poor or unruly service, sub-par experiences, and a lot of rude from servers, too. This means that it is up to everyone involved in the hustle bustle of a restaurant to just simply be considerate.
In a world where courtesy sometimes feels like a rare commodity, the impact of mutually-polite interactions has the potential to uplift communities. So, the next time you’re vacationing to the Big Apple, on a bachelor party in Vegas, or taking a weekend cruise, be thankful you’re having fun, exercise patience (alongside your wallet) – and don’t forget to tip your server.
