Is a "second tip" even legal? See why this restaurant's request has diners talking!
- Replies 1
Dining out is meant to be an enjoyable experience—a chance to savor a good meal without the hassle of cooking or cleaning up.
But what if, instead of leaving the restaurant feeling satisfied, you walked away questioning an unexpected request?
That’s exactly what happened to one diner, whose experience has sparked a heated discussion about tipping etiquette and whether a restaurant’s controversial request crossed the line.
The debate began when a customer, who had already tipped online, was asked for a "second tip" when picking up their meal.
Frustrated, they took to social media to share their experience, and the response was immediate.
Some diners were just as shocked, calling the practice unfair, while others saw humor in the idea of tipping… for tipping.
The diner shared on social media that he had already left a $1 tip when placing his order through the restaurant's website.
However, when he arrived to pick up his meal, he was given a receipt with a space for an additional tip.
Frustrated by the request, he declared: "If I choose to go back, it’ll be zero tip."
One user responded: "That's beyond ridiculous. I am glad I am not the only person annoyed by the tip entitlement."
Another added: "Corporate greed is always looking for new ways to screw the customer."
Someone else joked: "Tip for the tip with an additional tipping fee."
Meanwhile, another commenter shared that rising costs have made them hesitant to dine out altogether.
Tipping culture in the US has always been a hot topic.
While gratuities are meant to show appreciation for good service, a 2023 WalletHub survey revealed that nearly three-quarters of Americans feel tipping has become excessive.
Many also admitted they often tip out of social pressure rather than genuine gratitude.
Source: Reddit / TheLarlagar.
Interestingly, attitudes toward tipping differ by age.
Research from Blueprint suggests that Millennials tend to be the most generous tippers, while older generations, including the Silent Generation, are more conservative with gratuities.
This generational divide highlights how perspectives on tipping continue to evolve over time.
But let’s get to the big question: Is a "second tip" even legal?
Technically, yes. In the US, tipping is voluntary, not mandated by law.
However, many restaurants anticipate a 20-25% gratuity, and customers often feel an unspoken obligation to tip.
Source: TikTok / alanaaedson.
While asking for an extra tip isn’t illegal, it does blur the lines of customary practice, leaving many to wonder: should tipping be an act of appreciation, or is it becoming an expectation?
Here at The GrayVine, we know that dining out is more than just a meal—it’s about the experience.
While tipping is a common way to show appreciation for great service, the majority of people believe it should ultimately remain a personal choice.
As tipping norms continue to shift, it’s important to ask ourselves: Are we tipping because we’re truly satisfied with the service, or simply because it’s expected? Have you ever been asked for an extra tip, and how did you handle it? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
But what if, instead of leaving the restaurant feeling satisfied, you walked away questioning an unexpected request?
That’s exactly what happened to one diner, whose experience has sparked a heated discussion about tipping etiquette and whether a restaurant’s controversial request crossed the line.
The debate began when a customer, who had already tipped online, was asked for a "second tip" when picking up their meal.
Frustrated, they took to social media to share their experience, and the response was immediate.
Some diners were just as shocked, calling the practice unfair, while others saw humor in the idea of tipping… for tipping.
Would you leave a second tip? This restaurant’s request has diners divided! Image Source: Unsplash / Blake Wisz.
The diner shared on social media that he had already left a $1 tip when placing his order through the restaurant's website.
However, when he arrived to pick up his meal, he was given a receipt with a space for an additional tip.
Frustrated by the request, he declared: "If I choose to go back, it’ll be zero tip."
One user responded: "That's beyond ridiculous. I am glad I am not the only person annoyed by the tip entitlement."
Another added: "Corporate greed is always looking for new ways to screw the customer."
Someone else joked: "Tip for the tip with an additional tipping fee."
Meanwhile, another commenter shared that rising costs have made them hesitant to dine out altogether.
While gratuities are meant to show appreciation for good service, a 2023 WalletHub survey revealed that nearly three-quarters of Americans feel tipping has become excessive.
Many also admitted they often tip out of social pressure rather than genuine gratitude.
Source: Reddit / TheLarlagar.
Also read: Tipping fatigue? Why America's generosity is reaching a breaking point
Generational Perspectives on Tipping
Interestingly, attitudes toward tipping differ by age.
Research from Blueprint suggests that Millennials tend to be the most generous tippers, while older generations, including the Silent Generation, are more conservative with gratuities.
This generational divide highlights how perspectives on tipping continue to evolve over time.
Also read: This woman left a 100% tip at Starbucks—or did she? Discover what happened and how to protect yourself!
Legalities and Expectations—Where’s the Line?
But let’s get to the big question: Is a "second tip" even legal?
Technically, yes. In the US, tipping is voluntary, not mandated by law.
However, many restaurants anticipate a 20-25% gratuity, and customers often feel an unspoken obligation to tip.
Source: TikTok / alanaaedson.
While asking for an extra tip isn’t illegal, it does blur the lines of customary practice, leaving many to wonder: should tipping be an act of appreciation, or is it becoming an expectation?
Here at The GrayVine, we know that dining out is more than just a meal—it’s about the experience.
While tipping is a common way to show appreciation for great service, the majority of people believe it should ultimately remain a personal choice.
As tipping norms continue to shift, it’s important to ask ourselves: Are we tipping because we’re truly satisfied with the service, or simply because it’s expected? Have you ever been asked for an extra tip, and how did you handle it? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
