The average hourly wage for Servers in the United States is $17.05 (excluding tips). However, Servers in fine dining establishments can make significantly more, with the average hourly wage being $27.20.
In addition to this base pay, tips play a crucial role in boosting a Server’s income. This is especially true for those working in high-end restaurants, where generous tipping can significantly increase their take-home pay.
So if you’re looking to know the answer to “What restaurants do Servers make the most money?” — read on. We’ll explore some of the top-paying establishments across the U.S., including specific spots in New York City and Miami.
After that, we’ll discuss how location and restaurant type can affect a Server’s earnings, and how to secure a Server job that pays well.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Servers in the US
The following restaurant brands are known for offering excellent earning opportunities for Servers, whether through higher base wages, generous tips from customers or both.
Here’s the list of the top five.
1. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
[Source: Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille]
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is renowned for its upscale dining experience, where Servers can earn impressive tips thanks to the restaurant’s high average check size.
With locations in cities like Denver, Chicago, Miami and Nashville, Perry’s remains a top choice for diners, thanks to its commitment to quality selection and outstanding service that reflects its roots as a neighborhood butcher shop.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille interior | Source: Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille’s Facebook page
- See all Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille locations in the U.S.
2. California Pizza Kitchen
[Source: California Pizza Kitchen]
Known for its casual yet quality dining, California Pizza Kitchen offers Servers competitive wages and a steady flow of customers. The restaurant’s popularity contributes to a high volume of sales, which in turn enhances tip potential for its staff.
- See all California Pizza Kitchen locations in the U.S.
3. The Cheesecake Factory
[Source: The Cheesecake Factory]
With its extensive menu and lively vibe, The Cheesecake Factory attracts a diverse crowd. Here, Servers benefit from a diverse clientele, leading to consistent earnings from both hourly wages and tips.
The Cheesecake Factory in Gainesville, FL | Source: The Cheesecake Factory
- See all The Cheesecake Factory locations in the U.S.
4. Outback Steakhouse
[Source: Outback Steakhouse]
Outback Steakhouse combines a casual dining experience with a loyal customer base. Servers here often report good earnings, especially during peak dining hours when tips are more likely to come more frequently and in higher quantities.
- See Outback Steakhouse locations in the U.S.
5. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
[Source: Sullivan’s Steakhouse]
Sullivan’s Steakhouse offers a fine dining experience that attracts affluent diners. Servers can earn significant income through both their hourly wages and tips, particularly during busy evenings and special events.
- See Sullivan Steakhouse locations in the U.S.
Best-Paying Restaurants for Servers in New York City
The Big Apple offers numerous opportunities for Servers aiming to boost their income. With its lively dining scene and plenty of local and tourist clientele willing to spend, many NYC restaurants provide competitive wages and substantial tips. Take a look at the top five choices.
1. Marea
[Source: Marea]
Marea is a high-end Italian seafood restaurant where Servers have the opportunity to earn over $100,000 per year through a combination of base pay and tips. Its reputation for exquisite dining attracts wealthy patrons willing to spend generously.
Marea NYC staff | Source: Marea’s Facebook page
- Address: 240 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019
2. Scarpetta
[Source: Scarpetta]
Scarpetta is known for its modern Italian cuisine and lively atmosphere. Servers here enjoy high earnings due to the restaurant’s popularity and the affluent clientele it attracts.
In addition to the NYC location, Scarpetta has branches in the Hamptons, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Rome, London, Tokyo and Doha.
- Address: 88 Madison Avenue (The James Hotel Nomad), New York, NY 10016
3. The River Café
[Source: The River Café]
With breathtaking views of Manhattan, The River Café is a go-to for those willing to splurge on a scenic, fine dining experience in Brooklyn. This then results in generous tips for Servers, especially during holidays and whenever guests are celebrating a special occasion.
View of the Brooklyn Bridge from The River Café | Source: The River Café’s Facebook page
- Address: 1 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
4. Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House
[Source: Wagyu Shabu Mikiya]
At Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House, the focus on premium Wagyu beef attracts food lovers ready to spend a little extra. This, of course, often leads to higher tips for attentive Servers who are able to make the dining experience truly worthwhile.
- Address: 954 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 1002
5. Shota Omakase
[Source: Shota Omakase]
Shota Omakase provides an intimate dining experience with a focus on high-quality ingredients. Servers at this establishment benefit from the high price point of meals, leading to lucrative tipping opportunities.
- Address: 50 South 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Miami Restaurants Where Servers Can Earn a Lot
Miami boasts a range of restaurants where Servers can score a solid paycheck. These restaurants not only provide competitive pay but also attract clientele willing to tip generously.
Moreover, given that Florida residents don’t pay individual income tax, Servers working in Miami get to keep a significant portion of their hard-earned money.
Now, let’s explore the top five picks.
1. Sexy Fish Miami
[Source: Sexy Fish]
Sexy Fish Miami is a trendy restaurant that combines an extravagant atmosphere with exquisite cuisine. Servers here can earn substantial wages thanks to high-ticket sales and generous tipping from patrons enjoying the lavish experience.
Server at Sexy Fish Miami | Source: Sexy Fish Miami’s Facebook page
- Address: 1001 S Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33130
2. Papi Steak
[Source: Papi Steak]
Papi Steak is a stylish restaurant located in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. Thanks to the lively atmosphere and a menu of premium steaks and seafood dishes, Servers at Papi Steak often benefit from generous tips from its high-end clientele.
- Address: 736 1st Street Miami Beach, FL 33139
3. Komodo Miami
[Source: Komodo]
With its South Asian dishes, innovative cocktails and lively ambiance, Komodo Miami attracts affluent diners. Here, Servers can significantly boost their earnings through both salary and tips.
Evenings at Komodo Miami | Source: Komodo Miami’s Facebook page
- Address: 801 Brickell Avenue Miami, FL 33131
4. Flanigan’s
[Source: Flanigan’s]
Flanigan’s offers a casual dining atmosphere paired with tasty seafood specialties. Meanwhile, its strong customer base fosters a positive tipping culture where attentive service can lead to rewarding earnings.
The combination of a diverse menu and a welcoming atmosphere makes Flanigan’s a popular choice for both diners and restaurant staff alike.
5. OMAKAI Sushi Coconut Grove
[Source: OMAKAI Sushi]
At OMAKAI Sushi in Coconut Grove, diners enjoy high-quality ingredients and outstanding service. This focus on excellence translates into competitive pay for Servers, who also often receive generous tips from satisfied patrons.
- Address: 3304 Mary Street, Miami, FL 33133
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Server Earnings
The type of restaurant a Server works at plays a crucial role in determining their earnings. Fine dining establishments usually offer higher wages and better tipping opportunities due to their upscale reputation and clientele willing to spend more on meals and drinks.
These venues often have higher check averages, so even a small tip percentage can lead to substantial earnings. Plus, fine dining often requires specialized knowledge like wine pairing and in-depth menu familiarity, which further justifies the higher pay.
On the other hand, casual dining establishments might offer a lower base pay. However, with a constant flow of customers, Servers can still earn competitive income through tips.
Even though the tipping culture in casual spots varies widely, there is still significant potential for good earnings during peak hours. This is particularly true for restaurants with loyal, repeat customers or those located in popular areas.
See also: How To Split Tips by Hours: Tip Pool Formula Explained
How Location Affects Restaurant Server Salaries
Geographic location plays a major role in how much a Server can make. Cities like New York, Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles offer higher wages due to the higher cost of living and the concentration of affluent local-resident diners. These urban areas also attract a large number of tourists, which can lead to increased customer volume and larger check sizes.
In contrast, restaurants in smaller towns or rural areas often experience lower customer traffic and smaller check amounts, which can result in reduced earning potential for Servers.
That said, check out the interactive map below to see how Server salaries vary across the U.S.:
Server Salary by State
[Data calculated using our salary estimate methodology]
This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data.
How To Find and Land Higher-Paying Server Positions
To secure a higher-paying Server position, follow these steps from your job search to the interview process:
1. Research your local restaurant scene
Start with identifying upscale restaurants in affluent neighborhoods or those with a track record of excellent customer service. You can do this by checking out online reviews or asking local hospitality workers about the best-paying establishments.
High-end and fine dining spots have higher menu prices and are frequented by wealthy customers which results in higher earnings for Servers.
2. Tailor your resume and cover Letter
In your resume and cover letter, highlight your Server experience in fine dining or high-volume restaurants.
Emphasize skills such as communication, multitasking, handling demanding guests and delivering personalized service. These skills will help increase your chances of making it into the employer’s shortlist of qualified candidates.
3. Apply early
Since you’ll be focusing your job search onr Server roles at restaurants that cater to an affluent clientele, available positions may be very popular among other Servers as well.
So, make sure to keep an eye on job postings to apply as early as possible. You can do this by setting up job alerts on popular job boards and regularly check restaurant websites for new openings.
Also, consider walking in to submit your application and to make a personal impression. However, we recommend doing this during non-peak hours. This allows managers to have more time to speak with you and appreciate the initiative without being distracted by the ongoing service.
4. Ace the interview
Prepare thoroughly by studying the restaurant’s menu, service style and clientele. You can also refer to our Server job interview guide so you have a better idea of how to answer common questions.
During the interview, demonstrate your knowledge of fine dining etiquette and your ability to provide top-tier customer service.
Make sure your body language, tone and demeanor convey confidence and interest. Practice your handshake and maintain good eye contact throughout the interview to leave a lasting, positive impression.
Carolina Franco, Human Resource Director for Renaissance Hotels, also emphasizes the importance of dressing well for an interview:
“When you dress to impress, it shows you want the job you applied for. The way you present yourself is extremely important, because the hiring manager knows only your resume but not your personality. So, you need to show that you care.”
5. Negotiate your pay
Once you’ve been offered a position, don’t be afraid to negotiate.
Find out how much Servers in similar-style restaurants in your area are making, then use this information to discuss your compensation. Highlight your experience and how it makes you an asset to the restaurant.
If the base pay is non-negotiable, ask about other benefits that can lead to higher earnings.
Our Criteria for Choosing High-Paying Server Jobs
To compile this list of restaurants where Servers earn the most, we conducted thorough research across popular job boards that post Server job ads, including insights from hospitality forums and Reddit discussions.
