Texas bartender says ‘quality’ of his work depends on whether he is tipped or not, slams critics who are missing out on his ‘phenomenal service’

A Texas bartender has sparked a heated online debate after sharing his strategy for dealing with customers who do not tip. Pete, who posts on TikTok under the handle @pimpdaddypete_, uploaded a video of himself spinning a bottle opener in slow motion while ignoring patrons who are yelling at him. The on-screen text in the video reads, “When a non-tipper is yelling at me but they’re a non-tipper so I genuinely keep ignoring them.”

According to Brobible, the video has reached more than half a million views on TikTok and quickly drew strong reactions from both sides of the tipping debate. Pete, who earns $2.13 per hour, says the quality of his service is directly linked to how a customer treats him. When a commenter suggested he should simply do his job regardless of tips, Pete replied, “I’m paid $2.13/hour. I’ll do my job alright, the quality of it will depend on you however.”

The comment section became a battleground for opposing views on tipping culture. Some users criticized his approach, with one person telling him to just pour the drink and questioning whether he was truly that desperate for a $2 tip. Another user wrote, “Imagine wanting a tip after pulling a beer out of the fridge and opening it for me.” 

Pete clarified his position in a direct message, explaining the deeper context behind the viral video

Pete pushed back against those accusing him of poor work ethic, saying, “Your inability to tip has nothing to do with my work ethic. Go ask the great tippers about all the free drinks, deep convos and phenomenal service I provide!”

Some commenters sided with Pete, pointing out that if tipping were to disappear entirely, menu prices would likely rise to cover lost wages. Pete told Brobible that the video was not inspired by a single incident but by repeated experiences with entitled customers who had previously not tipped him and were now acting rudely toward him. Bartenders going viral for calling out rude customer behavior has become a common trend on social media.

He also said he makes a point to stay professional even on difficult days. “We all have our days where we’re in less than great moods & even on my worst days I don’t make it the customers issue because it’s not their fault I’m in the mood I’m in,” Pete said. He added that he still tips when he goes out, even when the service is not great.

“Hence why I think tipping should always be relevant because when I’m out, and get less than phenomenal service, I still tip, not as much as I would with said phenomenal service, but still something because I know how hard it can be.”

For those looking for guidance on proper tipping etiquette, industry experts have offered clear recommendations. Yu Jiang Zhao, the founder of Kobayashi Bar, said in an interview with The Takeout that tipping is important because it makes up a large portion of a bartender’s income in many states. 

He recommends tipping one to two dollars for a well drink and two to three dollars for craft cocktails. Bar-related incidents have also made headlines recently, including a case where a woman used her ex’s card at a bar and filmed it, sparking a wide debate online.

Zhao also advises leaving a 20 percent tip when closing out a tab at the end of the night. He noted that tipping early in a shift often leads to better service throughout the night, as bartenders pay attention to which customers are looking out for them.

Zhao added that while percentage-based tipping works well at craft bars where drink prices are higher, tipping by the drink is often more practical at neighborhood bars where prices tend to be lower.