<p>What are some cheap restaurants at Berkeley with low prices (<= $8.00 per meal) but big meals (~1000 calories). Preferably something not like McDonalds where I'll get coronary heart disease and a slew of other obesity problems in the next four years.</p>
<p>Also, how much tips do you guys pay when you go sit down at a restaurant? 20%? 10%? 0%?</p>
<p>There are tons of cheap restaurants nearby, especially near Telegraph. Most of Asian Ghetto falls under your price range, and they’re open until late. I’m not sure of their exact caloric count, but they give you plenty, enough for more than one meal. There are also a couple of Chinese and Mediterranean places that are cheap… Come to think of it, most of the Telegraph area has meals under $8. </p>
<p>I personally tip 15%, but it would depend on the service you receive.</p>
<p>I just double the tax on the restaurant check when I tip. Tax is 9%, so my tip is around 18%.</p>
<p>If you’re talking $7.00/$8.00 meals, it’s silly to try to figure out 10/15/18/20%. If you’re a poor student, just drop a buck as a tip on a meal at this price. If you’ve moved beyond poor student status, leave $2.00.</p>
<p>The question for me is always the coffee can tip jar when you order at the register, they call your number, and you pick up your food at the counter and find your own seat. I think it’s acceptible for a poor student to skip tipping in those altogether. I admit I skip those about half the time.</p>
<p>Tipping is weird, but it’s supposed to be for <em>personal service and attention</em>, not just “I would like some extra money because they don’t pay me much and I’m working hard” (we all are). I gladly tip a waiter or barber 20% - or more if it’s a very cheap meal/haircut - but the barista at Starbucks…sometimes yes, sometimes no. Mostly no.</p>
<p>Not a sit-down restaurant, but per a recommendation my son and I tried Top Dog while we were there for Cal Day and I have to say it was by far the best hot dog I have ever had.</p>
<p>Nothing here is healthy or cheap. It’s all loaded with MSG and sodium.</p>
<p>Just go to McDonald’s or cook at home.</p>
<p>best: Chipotle
worst: Asian Ghetto & Hearst Food Court</p>
<p>So it’s generally agreed that 15%-18% tip is reasonable, or a dollar if it’s under eight dollars. Have you guys ever not paid tips at a sit-down restaurant before? </p>
<p>And to all you non-resident hall goers, do you go out to eat everyday? If so, what are some restaurants you usually go to on a constant basis?</p>
<p>If you like asian food, I recommend Moccacino Cafe. I just love their lunch boxes, it’s only $5.85 for a choice with rice, and sides with steamed vegetables, spicy tofu, and a tea egg.</p>