Why to Not Tip Your Server in Idaho in 2025

Dining out is one of the true joys in life. You don't have to do dishes, you get a hot, delicious meal, and you typically get to enjoy a fun environment. When it comes to eating out in the Gem State, there are plenty of delicious options. It doesn't matter if you are in the mountains, a small farm town, or in downtown Boise, there are typically delicious choices in all types of areas in Idaho. Some can be more popular than others, while some can be small holes in the wall that are hidden gems. Typically when you go to eat out, it is expected that you leave a tip for your waiter or waitress, but in 2025, you may want to hold onto that tip.

Tipping in Idaho

When eating out at a restaurant, it is usually expected that the customer will leave a tip. Some people pride themselves on being a good tipper, and being generous to those that serve their food. While tips are expected commonly, they shouldn't be. They are something extra added on for good service. Society has come to expect them, but they are supposed to be earned off of good customer service. Those who are friendly and go above and beyond typically make a bigger tip than those doing the bare minimum. During the holiday season, most customers are more generous and will tip a little extra, but perhaps they shouldn't have, and as the new year begins, tipping should change as well. 

Not Tipping in Idaho in 2025

Should tipping be required? No, it is to be earned. Recently, my family and I went out to eat at a restaurant, and during our meal, one of us had to go to the kitchen to ask for refills, as well, as more food was never brought out when we ordered a certain food item that was supposed to keep coming until we cut them off. What made this frustrating was that from our table, we could see our waitress standing around chatting with her coworkers. This is a situation where the waitress did not deserve a tip and expected one, without putting in the work. A few days later, at another restaurant, again our waitress never refilled our drinks, making it frustrating and becoming a trend. If servers are unwilling to do the tasks their jobs require, then they should miss out on the extra money that those working hard deserve. 

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While not tipping will get you labeled as a 'Karen,' and ranting about bad service will as well, is it not acceptable in society to expect good customer service, and to reward it, while not rewarding those that fail to do their job at an acceptable rate? When it is crowded or busy, then the situation is different, but on a regular day, below-par service doesn't deserve a tip. Hold onto your money unless it is earned, in 2025 good customer service needs to return.