My dad is kind of a CF. Whenever we go out to eat, and even when we have a bunch of people with us, he will never tip more than 15%. And then that's also on the pre tax amount, and also discounts drinks still I'm pretty sure.
Because we have a family credit card (My parents each have one, and me and my sister have one for emergencies, or to buy myself a birthday present, etc.) whenever we go out to eat I always make sure that I'm the one that gets the bill so that way I know the server is getting a proper tip. If he gets the bill before I can get it, I'll even try to fill it in for him too. I like to say I'll do it because that way he doesn't need to get out his glasses.
Well, so many things to say here, aside from the "family credit card" - ugh.
First, my parents (mom/stepdad) used to be cheap too. Meaning, they didn't go out much so the really really didn't realize how much you are supposed to tip at restaurants. Now this is back in the "dark ages" when 15% was standard and they'd barely leave 10%. So I would always add more - started off by sneaking it in there, then they asked me about it. I pointed out that servers don't make minimum wage and you are supposed to tip 15% on decent service. So, they started tipping correctly.
Second, I understand people who are frustrated with tipping. However, tipping, for many many decades now, has been standard and expected. If you are not willing to tip at a sit-down restaurant, then you shouldn't eat out. Period.
However, I do have some sympathy. I am still somewhat confused about how now it's "standard" to tip 20-25% instead of 15%, and WTF about the guy above mentioning before taxes. Standard tip is, in fact, before taxes. (In fact, in a place with 8.75% tax, it's easy to just double the tax to calculate the tip).
I also get peeved with smoothie places, takeout places, coffee shops. etc, and their tip jars. Note: I worked in fast food, I did not get tips. I currently live in CA, and servers and everyone get minimum wage, at least.
Not that we go out that much. We don't. Well, turns out we went out way too much last year - lot of fast food - but that was more spouse/kids than me.