Report: These U.S. Cities Have the Best Tippers

Tipping at restaurants is a hallmark of American dining culture, though exactly how much to tip is often debated. The standard gratuity gratuity for dining out typically falls between 15% and 20%, but this varies significantly based on the type of restaurant and the quality of service. To find out which U.S. cities have the most generous tippers, the dining rewards app inKind analyzed data from restaurant-goers across the country. Drawing from 4,500 restaurants and 3 million app users nationwide, the report analyzed everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to fast-casual restaurants and coffee shops. Can you guess which U.S. cities dish out the highest gratuities?

10. Chicago, Illinois

Average tip: 19.87%

Chicago is a city with well-established culinary traditions, from deep-dish pizzas and specialty hot dogs (never with ketchup!) to an award-winning fine dining scene. Diners here tip generously, an average of nearly 20% across the board, whether they’re enjoying a Chicago dog at a ballgame or indulging in a multicourse omakase experience.

Chicago’s oldest continuously operating eatery is Daley’s Restaurant, founded by Irish immigrant John Daley in 1892. Today, it serves up homestyle classics like breakfast plates and fried chicken. More recently, Bon Appétit named farm-to-table restaurant Feld America’s Best New Restaurant for 2025.

9. New York, New York

Average tip: 19.91%

New York City boasts one of the world’s most renowned culinary scenes, where you can enjoy authentic ramen in an underground food hall, experience a tasting menu at a Michelin-starred eatery, or grab a late-night slice, all within the same city block. But convenience and variety come at a price, and the Big Apple ranks as the most expensive city in the U.S. based on the cost of living.

Still, NYC restaurant-goers tip an average of nearly 20%. And there are plenty of places to do so: According to a recent data analysis by the online reservation service OpenTable, it would take 22.7 years to eat at all of the approximately 8,200 New York City restaurants listed on the app — but that’s less than half of the total number of restaurants in the city, which is estimated at around 17,600. If you’re wondering where to start, consider Semma, which The New York Times named the top restaurant in New York City in 2025.  

8. Washington, D.C.

Average tip: 20.1%

While the cost of dining out in the nation’s capital soars to nearly twice the national average, visitors and locals are spoiled with options. D.C. is home to numerous award-winning restaurants, including 25 Michelin-starred establishments and several James Beard Award-winning chefs.

D.C.’s innovative immigrant community has helped transform the city into a global culinary destination, especially for Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and Ethiopian dishes. Immigrant Food, a local fast-casual chain, focuses on social activism while offering a menu of dishes from around the world, curated by Michelin-starred chef Enrique Limardo.

7. Phoenix, Arizona

Average tip: 20.12%

The only city from the Southwest to make the list of U.S. cities that tip the most, Phoenix stands out from the rest of the region when it comes to tipping. Interestingly, the tipping habits in Arizona’s capital put it ahead of the rest of the state, which ranks among the worst-tipping states in the nation.

Phoenix’s dining scene features a unique mix of American Southwest, Indigenous, and Mexican cuisines. For instance, frybread, a traditional Navajo dish made of fried dough, is a must-try at spots like the James Beard Award-winning Fry Bread House. 

6. Portland, Oregon

Average tip: 20.2%

Portland is renowned for its food scene, so perhaps it’s no surprise that most diners are willing to tip a little more for a great experience. The city’s chefs create innovative dishes from local, fresh ingredients, reflected in Portland’s recent ranking as one of the best cities in the world for food by Time Out.

Portland is also home to many James Beard Award-winning chefs. In fact, James Beard himself began his career in Portland, where he revolutionized the world of fine dining. For a more casual and affordable experience, head to one of Portland’s food carts or farmers markets, where great meals come without the fine-dining price tag.

5. Houston, Texas

Average tip: 20.28%

The most populous city in Texas boasts around 13,000 restaurants that represent cuisines from more than 70 countries. While Houstonians are willing to tip for great-quality food and service, food prices are relatively affordable compared with those in other major U.S. cities, with a three-course dinner averaging around $80 for two.

As an international destination and a hub for immigration, Houston’s global culinary scene reflects a mix of flavors, including Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Cajun, French, and Latin American dishes.

4. Miami, Florida

Average tip: 20.43%

Miami is a top global tourism destination, and one of its greatest draws is its world-class food scene. The financial website WalletHub recently named Miami America’s No. 1 city for foodies, over mainstays including Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco, California.

Every type of global cuisine can be found in this oceanside city, from authentic Latin and Caribbean fare to locally sourced seafood. And while fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants are popular here, you don’t have to break the bank to experience some of Miami’s best cooking. Food festivals are another popular way to sample the best of what Miami has to offer.

3. Seattle, Washington

Average tip: 20.98%

Seattle is among the most expensive cities in the country for the cost of living, yet diners don’t skimp on tips. In Seattle, tips average nearly 21%, which suggests restaurant-goers must be happy here — and why wouldn’t they be? In a recent survey, Seattle was ranked as the third-best food city in the U.S. and was also listed as the top city for food diversity. This culinary diversity is influenced by the city’s role as an international melting pot of cultures, particularly from Asian countries, while Seattle’s seaside location in the Pacific Northwest allows it access to fresh seafood, which is a staple in restaurants here.

2. Austin, Texas

Average tip: 21.06%

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the tips — especially in Austin, where the average diner adds more than 21% to the bill. The backbone of the Austin culinary scene relies on Tex-Mex, barbecue, food halls, and food trucks. The city’s chefs also prioritize local and seasonal ingredients, sourcing meats from local ranches or produce from nearby farms at establishments such as Franklin Barbecue and Michelin-starred Hestia.

1. Denver, Colorado

Average tip: 21.18%

Colorado’s capital city is home to the most generous tippers in the U.S. Why are Denverites more inclined to tip? Several factors may influence this trend, particularly relatively affordable restaurant prices compared to those in other major cities. In Denver, a three-course meal for two can set diners back around $85, according to the cost of living database Numbeo, compared with more expensive cities like Miami, where the same meal would cost $120. Thus, Denver diners might be willing to spend a little more on the tip.

Aside from more affordable restaurant prices, Denver offers a diverse range of dining options. This includes 32 Michelin Guide-listed restaurants, most of which hold Bib Gourmand status for providing “good quality and good value,” according to the guide. Some of the city’s most beloved dishes — from Denver omelets to green chile-smothered breakfast burritos — can also be found at classic diners like Sam’s No. 3, featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.