How much should you tip in New York 🇺🇸?

In New York City, tipping is not mandatory but is a customary practice to show appreciation for service. The standard tip percentage is typically around 18-20% of the total bill. However, it's not uncommon for some establishments to automatically add a 20% gratuity to the bill, regardless of the party size, a practice that has become more popular since the COVID-19 pandemic. Some restaurants may even include a 25% gratuity for larger parties, usually of six or more. While there are instances of establishments suggesting or automatically adding higher tip percentages, such as 25%, 30%, or even 35%, these are not the norm and have been met with some resistance from customers. If the service is poor, customers can question an automatic tip, but generally, tipping below 15% is considered below average in New York City.