Where Can I Eat Where in Denver Servers & Bartenders Keep Their Own Tips?
I’ve worked as a server and bartender, so I understand how much tips, sections, and management decisions affect people’s income. Because of that, when I tip someone, I want the money going to the person who actually created the experience — not disappearing into a giant pool.
I was out with a group recently and planned to tip extra on top of the auto-grat. The server explained that the gratuity gets split across the floor, so very little of it actually goes to her personally. She and the bartender were exceptional, so I ended up getting her Venmo and tipping her directly later when I ran into them outside of work.
I understand tipping out support staff, but I also think strong servers and bartenders should benefit from the experience they create. At this point I honestly want to know — what restaurants still let servers keep their own tips instead of pooling everything?