From the server's perspective: I'll never pick up the check accidentally. If I grab the receipt with your tip, it's to send a clear message. Maybe I need your table because I can't make additional tips if you don't leave and it's been a long time since you finished dessert. Maybe I've had cash walk away in the past. Maybe I'm about to be done with my shift and I want to make sure that I receive the tips I earned. If that's the case, I probably owe you a heads-up as to why I'm snagging the check or a well-timed question about whether or not you need change.
From the diner's perspective: This one feels about as kosher as a server who asks if I'm done with my food while reaching for my plate. I don't want to feel rushed and I don't want my tip to be the fastest thing you've grabbed all night — that just leaves a sour taste in my mouth. If you've picked up the tip, it also suggests that I'm not getting any more water or coffee refills, even if that's not the case.
The verdict: While not entirely out of line, this move seems to be poor form. A server can be in a hurry to settle up the bill or run a card, but the meal's final moments shouldn't feel hurried. What do you think? Is it ever OK for a server to pick up the tip before you've left?
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I think it's much tackier to take someone dish away while others at the table are still eating. It's as if these restuarants only have a few plates and serving utensils and have to rush them back to the kitchen so others can eat. I have to ask them to leave the plates.
I always advise against it. It is tacky. The biggest reason that servers do it not listed above is that they want to make sure you leave at least one copy of the credit card reciept. About once a month a very happy and pleasant table will stiff me by taking both copies of the credit card reciept. This is a real bummer with bigger checks.
I still don't think it is worth making the guest uncomfortable by snagging the check while they are there. Although, I think all the commenters have a good point. People who tip well are rarely made uncomfortable by this. I also think there is a correlation between not tipping well and servers who would do something tacky like this.
I tip & I tip well so I don't really care. I actually want to make sure you receive it rather than it getting taken by anyone else. However, I hate weird servers and speaking of Tanners - they have them. I have had my servers sit in the table right next to me and just openly bitch and moan about co-workers. So, yup, I get awkward with that place. I'll never go back actually.
If I've paid my tab and left cash on the table, I don't care if the server comes at picks it up. Would rather them grab it so I know they have it then leave cash on the table and some punk or asshole coworker steals it before the server gets to it.
Of course when I ask for the bill I'm ready to go, so you can't really hurry me, I don't sit around and talk for 20 minutes.
Overall, don't really care. There have been plenty of times when a server or bartender has let me know their shift is ending and I make sure they have tip money before the changing of the guard.
This was actually funnier than it was tacky, but one night at The Corner they were crazy busy and so a dishwasher actually had to wait on us. Every time a customer settled up with him he'd literally stand in the middle of the section counting out their tip. It was kind of awesome.
It doesnt strike me as tacky at all.
I always tip in cash, and prefer to hand it to the server, and thank them while looking them in the eye.
I don't like being rushed, either. But I usually tip on my credit card, so this whole argument is a moot one for me, really. I'm trying to get more in the habit of tipping in cash, so we'll see if my feelings change on the issue. (I don't think they will.)
I'm really more offended when the server or a bus person tries to take my plate before I'm done with my meal/signal that I'd like it removed. It's happening more and more lately, and it's just weird. My fork was in my hand once, even. And I had to clarify that I was still eating. The hell is up with that???
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