While tipping on takeout orders is not strictly mandatory in the same way it is for sit-down service, it is widely appreciated and increasingly common. Factors like packaging the food, checking for accuracy, and including utensils require staff effort. A tip of 10% to 15% is a standard guideline for takeout orders. If the order was large, complex, or brought out to your car (curbside pickup), tipping closer to 15-20% acknowledges the extra service provided by the restaurant staff.

Encountering bad service is frustrating, but withholding a tip entirely is often viewed as punitive to the wrong people, as tips are frequently shared among hosts, bussers, and bartenders. Instead of leaving $0, it is generally better to leave a smaller tip (e.g., 10%) to signal dissatisfaction without being hostile. More importantly, you should politely speak with a manager about your experience. This provides constructive feedback that can lead to improvements, whereas a $0 tip might just be interpreted as stinginess.