[RWebb]

in most states, the server does not get the normal min. wage - in Oregon they get the full min. wage - so that is a difference when thinking about the tip

I usually tip 15% here for decent service; if they do something special (like no corkage in exchange for sending wine back) I tip ~20%. I have tipped 25% or more.

from the hypo above, I can't tell if that was good service or great service.

One thing I don't like is the practice of automatically having the computer add 18% to your bill. One place I like just started doing that -- NO notice on the menu or anywhere else. We had 7 people so that's ok with me. But for a party of 4 or something, an automatic 18% does not sound right to me.