There is zero evidence it actually leads to superior service. What’s more, tipping distorts both the performance by servers (for example servers have been observed giving inferior service to patrons of color because they assume they will be poor tippers) and is often discriminatory to servers who are subject to the whims of patrons’ prejudices. It also adds to income insecurity for servers. And it’s getting even more insane as restaurants keep adding ludicrous “service fees” to their menus. It needs to stop: pay the servers a living wage, reflect actual prices on the menu, and stop this absurd charade.

I have been to several restaurants where tipping has been done away with entirely and observed absolutely no decline in quality of service.

(Of course until then, don’t be a jerk, tip servers doing their jobs 20%.)