Here at MetroWize, we are big on helping you pickle your liver and having fun while doing it. Whether it is a guide to tequila or top 10 ways to get a bar tenders attention, you get the idea by now that we enjoy a good night out and we want you to as well. In this down economy, the value of a dollar has gone up and we thought it appropriate to remind you to not forget that guy or gal that brought you to your table, served you that Mojito or brought that plate of rolls and Nigiri to your table. It’s the MetroWize bare bones guide to tipping.

The Host/Hostess
When it comes to getting that VIP treatment, there is one person you need to make sure to take care of. The door guy/host/hostess. Let’s start with old school greasing. It seems that lately young up and comers are forgetting the fine art of greasing a host or a Maitre D' or Bouncer for a better table or chance into a packed club. If it’s Friday night and you want a table at the hottest spot but don't have a reservation, then fold up a $50 into your palm and shake hands with someone who's dealing with seating (leaving the $50 in their hand of course). A restaurant host is probably making under $10 and hour so they'll definitely be happy to help. The amount of money you need to slip them depends on severity of their title, certain bouncers or doormen routinely see $100 handshakes so gauge the situation before you make an ass of yourself. Sometimes, no matter how much you try to grease someone, you won't be able to get in somewhere or get a table. It’s OK, don't loose your cool - don't demand the money back and just relax. You've set precedence for the next time you arrive and you will be treated well.

Tipping your bartender
The general rule of thumb if you're at a club or bar is to tip a dollar a drink but this only works for the low end stuff. For example, if you have a beer it'd be a dollar but a nice 25 year old single malt scotch is a little more of a tip - at least 3. Now the reason for this is that most times when you're buying a beer you're in and out - a high end scotch, port or cognac means you'll be camping out for a little bit because you're not rushing your drink. A great way to ensure that you won’t be stuck in a swarm of people trying to get a drink the next time you come up for that jack and coke is to slip the bartender a $10 or $20 when you get your first round from him. You don’t need to tip that heavy every time but don’t think that your one time tip gets you out of tipping for the rest of the night.

Tipping the Waiter
Now, if you're having dinner at some place where you don’t order and pick your food up from a counter, the median is 18% not 15%. The restaurant industry survives on tips, if you can't afford to tip well when you go out then don't go out. There is no shame in being poor, but there is shame in doing a thing poorly. We're not saying you need to be like Robert Deniro in Good fellas and slip Frankin in every uniform you pass but the main thing is that if you take care of people in the industry they remember, they tell their friends and colleagues, reputations are made, drinks are poured more freely and everything about your restaurant/club/bar experience flows a lot better.

Other people you should think about tipping well...

Coat Check
Want to make sure your date isn't standing outside in the cold when you are ready to leave... Coat check person holds the key.

Valet
This ones obvious but tip the valet well to ensure your car comes back to you quickly and in one piece.

Cabbie
Tip big next time you ride in a cab and get the drivers card. He'll remember you next time you call and he will be quick to pick you up.

Let us know who we are missing...