Tipping culture in the US has long been debated. On the one hand, it provides servers an opportunity to earn a scalable salary based on their performance. It ensures that restaurants provide the best possible experience for their patrons. On the other hand, servers don't have a set hourly wage and can often struggle to make ends meet.
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That's why Burdell has taken a different and seemingly controversial approach. According to one customer, who took to making (a now deleted) Reddit post, the restaurant is adding an automatic 20% service charge onto its bill.
"Tipping in the US has an ugly past, allowing the continuation of underpaid labor," the message on the receipt says, via SF Gate. "We don't like that history. Included on your check is a 20% Service Charge, which we use to pay hourly staff a consistent and livable wage, not dependent on archaic tipping customs or chance. No need to add anything else. Thank you!"
Burdell is clearly trying to do right by its staff. The cost of living is skyrocketing, and salaries are struggling to keep pace. Furthermore, adding the automatic service charge ensures that all servers are tipped fairly, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation.
Nevertheless, Burdell has received a string of one-star ratings for its decision.
Burdell Was Once Voted as the Top Restaurant in the US
According to Food&Wine, Burdell was the best restaurant in America throughout 2025.
"The restaurant is a must-visit in the destination celebrated for its incredibly diverse food scene. Many locals contend that the Bay Area's best dining is in the East Bay, but this neighborhood of Temescal has seen many exciting flavors come from recent openings, like hand-rolled bagels at Poppy Bagels, natural wine at Snail Bar, and the hot dog and martini scene at Tallboy," Becky Duffett wrote for Food&Wine.
Given Burdell's controversial service-charge decision, it remains to be seen whether it's still considered a top destination for foodies. After all, reviews can make or break a business. But, if you intend to tip anyway, and the service is above average, the service charge is unlikely to be too much of a sticking point, or so you would hope.
