NYC tipping guide to help you understand how tipping really works in New York.
From restaurants to rides and hotels, many workers depend on gratuities to supplement low hourly wages, making proper tipping part of everyday city life.
How Much to Tip in New York City (Standard Rates)
Many New York City service workers rely on tips as a major part of their income, especially from visitors.
This NYC tipping guide explains the basics, with 15–20% as the standard and 20% a solid starting point.
Tipping amounts can vary depending on the type of service, order size, and overall experience.
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NYC Tipping Etiquette for Restaurants and Servers
Unless you've received extremely poor service, you should always tip Waiters between 15–20% of the total bill.
Lately, 20% has become the norm, especially in higher-end establishments in NYC.
You can also round up the total if your tip leaves the bill just short of a whole number.
For example, on an $80 bill, a 20% tip brings the total to $96, which many people round up to $100 for good service.
In some restaurants, especially in tourist areas or with large groups, a gratuity may already be included as a service charge.
Bartender Tipping in NYC: What’s Expected
You should tip Bartenders in New York at least $1–$2 per drink. Many people simply round up the total, so a $7 drink often becomes a $10 payment.
If a Bartender provides personalized service, such as crafting a custom cocktail or adding special garnishes, tipping more is common.
Bartenders who also entertain, like flair Bartenders, or those working in cocktail-focused bars are typically tipped higher since the drink experience is the main service.
Host and Hostess Tipping Etiquette in NYC
In most cases, you won't be tipping a Host or Hostess in a restaurant or bar. Hosts/Hostesses typically get a portion from a tip pool with other front-of-house staff members.
However, if you have a special request, you should definitely hand a tip to your Host/Hostess to increase your chances of being accommodated.
How much you tip is up to you, but most people tip in the $5–$10 range. In high-end establishments, you may even want to up the tip to $20.
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Sommelier Tipping Etiquette in New York City
The job of a Sommelier is to recommend wine and food pairings in upscale restaurants.
While tipping them is considered optional, they can be instrumental in your overall dining experience. In that case, you should consider tipping them $10 to $20.
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NYC Tipping Guide for Hotel Staff
When staying at a hotel in NYC, it's customary to tip various staff members who assist you during your stay.
This quick TikTok video also explains common tipping practices for hotel staff in the city.
For housekeeping, leaving $2 to $5 per day is customary, preferably each day to ensure the person cleaning your room receives it. For Bellhops, tipping $1 to $2 per bag is standard.
If the Concierge provides a special service, such as securing hard-to-get reservations, a tip of $5 to $20 is appropriate, depending on the complexity of the request.
Valet Tipping in New York City
The appropriate amount to tip Valets is between $3 to $5. You can tip them before or after the service. Most people tip after.
If you think the Valet provided an exceptional service, consider tipping $10. The same applies if the Valet works in a high-end establishment or if you drive an expensive car.
General NYC Tipping Etiquette to Know
Now that you know typical tipping amounts, a few best practices can help. Many service workers prefer cash, so keeping small bills handy is a good idea.
Always check your bill for an included gratuity or service charge to avoid double tipping, and tip based on the pre-tax total.
At coffee shops and fast-casual spots, $1–$2 is common, but tipping is optional if no real service was provided.
Tipping Other Service Workers in NYC
This NYC tipping guide covers tipping beyond servers and bartenders, including hotels, transportation, delivery, and tours.
- For hotels, tipping a Concierge is optional unless they go above and beyond, in which case $5–$10 is appropriate.
- Housekeeping is typically tipped about $5 per day, with more for special requests.
- Taxi and rideshare drivers are usually tipped 15–20%, especially if they help with luggage.
- At bars, $2 per drink or 15–20% of the total tab is standard, including bottle service.
- For food delivery, rounding up or tipping around $5 is common.
- Tour guides are typically tipped $5–$10 for half-day tours and $10–$20 for full-day tours.
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NYC Tipping Guide: Final Takeaways
Tipping in NYC isn’t just a courtesy it’s a way to show respect for the people who make your experience unforgettable.
From Bartenders to hotel staff, these workers often rely on tips to supplement their income and your generosity can go a long way.
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Written by Mitko Terziev
With over eight years of experience in the field, Mitko is a seasoned content specialist who has penned thousands of articles covering a wide array of topics. Before writing, he spent a few months working as a Bartender in one of the best bars in his hometown. In his free time, Mitko enjoys immersing himself in the worlds of gaming and nature.
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