Hi

Not wishing to embarrass myself by getting it wrong, or even worse, failing to follow ettiquette and ending up never being served again at a US bar.... What is the procedure for tipping bar staff / waitresses in bars - as I have been told this is routine in the USA.

Ie. - Assuming this is true is there normally a "Tip jar" on the counter that we could put appropriate tips into after getting our change from a round of drinks at a bar. Also I have been told that waitress bar service is more common in the USA than in Britain - so would I also tip waitresses per order delivered to the table or a lump sum at the end of the night etc? And how much is it usual to tip for drinks served by a bartender and by a waitress?

I must seem very stupid, but out in the sticks where I live we only have good old fashioned pubs - where tips are generally not required, apart from rare special occassions by way of "One for yourself" really. Although I am, of course, familiar with the usual 10% -15% tip for service at a restaurant.

I know it's not a big thing in reality but I dont want to upset any staff by seeming ignorant when I am visiting a bar or two for a couple of drinks over in the USA. The Americans seem to have made tipping a massive deal over there (I appreciate the reasons why - lower service wages etc) and I just want to do what the locals do with regards to it. I'm going to NYC by the way - if that makes a difference. Also visiting Ontario in Canada too, where I assume the ettiquette will be largely the same?

Thanks!!