← Tipping by US City
Tipping in Los Angeles
California
Tip 18–20% at restaurants, 15–20% for rideshares, and $3–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
What to tip in Los Angeles
| Service | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurants | 18–20% | LA restaurants often include a service charge for large groups. Check your bill before adding extra. |
| Bars & pubs | $1–2 per drink | Standard per-drink tipping. For craft cocktails at upscale bars, $2–3. |
| Taxis & rideshare | 15–20% | Most visitors use Uber/Lyft. You can tip in the app after the ride. |
| Hotel housekeeping | $3–5/night | Leave cash daily — different staff may clean your room each day. |
| Valet parking | $3–5 | Very common in LA. Tip when your car is returned, not when you drop it off. |
| Food trucks & tacos | Not required | Many have tip jars. $1 is a nice gesture for street food. |
| Stadium food & drinks | Not required | Concessions at SoFi typically do not expect tips. |
What's different here
- •Many LA restaurants now add a “service charge” or “health surcharge” of 3–4% to the bill. This is NOT a tip — you should still tip on top of it.
- •Coffee shops almost always have tip screens. $1 or 15–20% is normal for specialty drinks.
- •Beach vendors and food stands: tipping is not expected but always appreciated.
- •Valet parking is extremely common. Always carry small bills ($1s and $5s).