It turns out that Washingtonians aren’t just generous with other people’s tax dollars, they’re also generous with their tips.
According to the Zagat Survey, Washington-area diners tip to the tune of 19.2 percent, a bit better than the national average of 19.0 percent.
Perhaps they can throw their cash around a bit more because inflation has been kind to area diners. According to the survey, the price of a meal here only rose 0.6 percent in the last year, to $35.13.
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There is one number, however, that should give area restaurateurs pause: 75 percent of those surveyed cited poor service as the most irritating thing about dining out. (Even while they’re throwing around 19.2 percent tips? Wow, we’re generous and forgiving.)
What establishments scored best in the new guidebook? In a bit of a surprise, the tiny Makoto on MacArthur Boulevard outpaced perennial favorite the Inn at Little Washington on the food front, although the margin was small, as both scored a 29 out of 30 for food. Close behind were Komi, L’Auberge Provençale, CityZen and Marcel’s.
Michel Richard still reigns in the popularity front, however. His Citronelle was tops in overall popularity, and his new Central bistro came in fifth. In between were Zaytinya, Jaleo and Kinkead’s.
