Louisiana diners aren't the biggest tippers
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Louisianans diners tip less than the national average, according to Toast data.
Why it matters: Tipping expectations are rising, even as diners grow more confused — and sometimes frustrated — about when and how much to tip.
The big picture: Tips in Louisiana averaged 18.6% in the last quarter of 2025, per Toast's latest restaurant trends report.
- That's below the national average of 18.8%.
Yes, but: Cash tips aren't included. The data also only reflects restaurants using the Toast platform.
Zoom out: Delaware, West Virginia, New Hampshire and Indiana are home to America's best tippers, with diners leaving roughly 21% or higher on average, Toast says.
- At the bottom of the list for overall tipping are California, Washington, D.C., and Washington state, where averages are less than 18%.
- Louisiana was in the bottom 10 states.
Zoom in: Louisianans, like other Americans, tip differently based on the type of service.
- At full-service restaurants where a server handles everything, Louisianans tipped 19%, Toast found.
- At quick-service restaurants where you order at the counter, Louisianans tipped 15.9%, the data shows.
- The national average is 19.2% at full service and 15.8% at quick-service spots.
The intrigue: What about tipping for takeout orders? Diners are often unclear on what's expected, Beyond Etiquette founder Bonnie Tsai tells Axios.
- A 15%-20% range is still standard for sit-down restaurants. For takeout or fast-casual, it's "optional and often smaller," she says.
- That means giving a couple of dollars or just "rounding up" is perfectly acceptable, regardless of the pressure a prompt screen poses.
- If an order is large or complicated, consider giving 5%-10%.
The bottom line: "Don't feel guilty, but do be intentional," Tsai says. "Consider the level of service involved rather than reacting to the screen alone."