How much should I tip in restaurants now?

Here's the current unofficial standard: 20% is the baseline for good service, 25% for great service, 15% for mediocre service, and below 15% only for genuinely bad service. If you're at a nice restaurant with a sit-down waiter, 20% is expected — anything less is noticed. At fast-casual places with counter service, you don't need to tip (or $1-2 is fine). For delivery, $3-5 or 15-20% whichever is higher. If you're splitting a bill with a group, tip on the pre-tax amount. Here's a simple rule: take the total, move the decimal one place left (that's 10%), double it (that's 20%). Done. If the service was exceptional, go to 25%. If the person was rude or made mistakes they didn't fix, 15% is your way of saying "I noticed." Don't stress about it — just be generous and consistent. People in the service industry remember the regulars who tip well.