I tend to go back to the same places over and over, so it's worth a little investment in the staff, and I find if I take care of the bartender, she takes care of me (bigger shots, not charging me for a round now and then, etc). I always give 20%ish+, with an absolute minimum of $1 (e.g., if there's a $2.50 special and I order one drink, she's getting at least $1 tip). On two beers and two shots, $15 total if it's happy hour special, I'd be giving her $4-$5. The extra couple of bucks means more to her than me, and I guarantee you my shots will be poured pretty huge compared to most, that is if she doesn't "forget" to charge me for this round.
Like Subraman I also always take care of the bartender because she will often be the one that I get to know before I even get familiar with the dancers. I have gotten some great dancer intel from knowledgeable. bartenders/waitresses and good tips keep the intel and referrals coming. Often once a bartender gets to know me they will make recommendations based on my tastes and sometimes will go get a dancer for me. Taking care of bartenders and waitresses can have a nice payoff.
Average service usually nets a dollar & whatever change there is from the drink; 3.50 or 4.00 beers are 1.5/1 tips. Two drinks means 2 + change, etc. Below average is less, I still try not to stiff them but I've given a $5 for a 4.75 beer more than once or 1 for 3/4 drinks (shots + drinks for a dancer & myself.) Above average is more, usually just an extra $5-$20 at after a couple drinks or couple visits. Hot waitresses/bartenders get more, as do those who are more friendly/informative. Conversely, ugly/bitchy/uninformative ones get less.
Its an art, not a science. I tip better when I there is perceived value, either already provided or expected in the future.
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Its an art, not a science. I tip better when I there is perceived value, either already provided or expected in the future.