Dining & Tipping in the Post‑COVID Era: What’s Changed — and What Stays the Same

When the pandemic hit, dining out went from social outing to logistical feat. As restaurants closed or shifted to takeout and delivery, tipping norms changed dramatically. Now, with dining rooms reopened and life settling into a new rhythm, we’re seeing long-lasting shifts in how people eat — and tip.

A recent survey from CouponCabin offers a revealing look at these post-pandemic habits. You can view their original infographic here.

Key Stats from the Survey

• 1,007 U.S. adults were surveyed in August 2025 about their current dining and tipping habits.
• 33% of Americans say they tip more now than they did before the pandemic.
• 62% tip about the same, and only 5% say they tip less.
• The most common tipping amount was 20%, with 34% of respondents selecting it.
• 8% of people tip more than 20%, while 19% tip less than 10%.
• 35% of people now dine out more than they did pre-pandemic.

(Sources: CouponCabin, Newsweek)

What This Means for Tipping Culture

1. Tipping is rising — even with inflation

Despite rising prices and economic uncertainty, many Americans have continued to tip generously. That pandemic-era empathy for service workers seems to have stuck — but is it sustainable?

2. The 20% standard holds, but extremes are growing

While 20% remains the tipping “anchor,” more people are moving above or below that range. This signals growing frustration on one end — and growing pressure on the other.

3. Dining out feels more premium

Dining out is no longer the default. Many people treat it as a special experience — and tip accordingly. But when expectations rise in casual or takeout settings, it raises questions about fairness.

4. Tips are replacing wages

As tipping becomes universal — even for counter service or takeout — it’s clear that businesses are still relying on customers to cover what should be base wages. The line between tip and wage has never been blurrier.

What Can You Do as a Diner?

Be intentional. Tip when it feels appropriate, not just because the screen prompts you to. Don’t be afraid to customize. You don’t have to accept a default of 25% for a muffin and coffee. Support businesses that pay fairly. The best way to end tipping culture is to reward places that bake fair wages into their pricing.

Related Reading on EndTippingCulture.org

Tipping on Rideshare and Delivery Apps Tipping at Dog Groomers: Private vs. PetSmart Extreme Tip Prompts: What to Do When 100% Is an Option

Final Takeaway

The pandemic didn’t just change how we live — it changed how we tip. What started as a show of solidarity has evolved into a system that too often feels obligatory and unbalanced. As tipping culture continues to grow in scope and expectation, it’s time to have an honest conversation about where the responsibility lies — and whether this is the system we want to keep.