Barry Finn wrote: "go to almost any bar or resturant in the US (fast food types are not included) & you're expected to tip ('If you can't or won't tip don't go out!') generally between 10%-20%. If I go out to a session (I only drink soda/pop) which at times cost anywhere from $1-$2, sometimes I'm only charged for the first drink."

I think another factor in this is, generally speaking - expensive restaurants aside and perhaps pre-credit crunch economy too - I've been told that going out to eat and drink is said to be cheaper in America than in the UK in the first place.

For what it's worth, the only place I know where I can get free refills on a coffee is IKEA!

Also, I often baulk at 'chain' coffee places having a tips jar next to the till when I've had to queue 5-10 minutes to get served at the counter (no finding a table and waiting for a waitress to take the order!) and then take my own drinks to a table. What is the (hoped-for) tip actually for in this scenario?