I'm a great server. I consistently have people going up to my managers and complimenting me. I make great money. I make sure that anyone I come in contact with is better off then when I found them. I haven't had a complaint in a LONG time. But I expect to get paid.
So you tip 15%. On a $15 check that's $2.25. That is not worth my time. ESPECIALLY if there are other customers waiting to sit down. It's not about the fact that you spent $15, it's about what I can make with the table you're sitting at. Time/Value of money. If a table spends $100, I expect a good tip. If they sit there for 2 and a half hours chit chatting after they're done, I expect a better one. My money is rarely made of off one table. It's made turning tables over. In a night I generally have 15-20 checks in a 3-4 table station. That's what makes me money. Eat, have a great time, sit and enjoy some coffee for a few, and get out. You want to sit and chat, go to Starbucks.
Understand, that as a server, my tips are my wage. In the entirety of a night, I will make well over minimum wage, so getting stiffed on a $100 check is just $15-20 I lost. Not only that, I tip out 3-4% of sales. So that table actually cost me MONEY, not just my time. Other places the tip out is even more. Nothing personal about it. I provided a service. A great one. My wage isn't built into the check. Pay me.
I could write a book on this stuff.