Restaurants in the US follow a pattern that can feel strange at first, especially the tip. Here is a normal visit.
Sit-down restaurant: a server takes your order at the table. You tip.
Fast food and fast casual (order at the counter, take a number): no table service. Tipping is optional.
Coffee shops and bakeries: order at the counter. A tip jar or a tip screen is common; tipping is optional.
A sit-down meal, step by step
At the door, wait for a sign that says "Please wait to be seated". The host asks: "How many?" Say "Two, please."
The server brings menus and asks: "Can I get you something to drink?" Tap water is free. Say "Just water, please." Bottled water and soft drinks cost money.
When ready, close the menu. The server returns. Say: "I'll have the chicken salad, please."
Refills: soda, iced tea and coffee are often refilled for free in casual restaurants. Ask: "Are refills free?"
The server checks on you during the meal: "How is everything?" "Great, thank you" is the usual answer.
The server will not bring the bill until you ask. Say: "Can we get the check, please?"
The check (the bill) does not include sales tax on the menu prices, and usually does not include the tip.
To pay separately, ask before ordering or when you ask for the check: "Can we have separate checks?" Many places can split by card.
The server often takes your card away and brings it back with two receipts. On the merchant copy, write the tip and the total, sign it, and leave it. Keep the customer copy.
At a sit-down restaurant, a tip of 15% to 20% of the price before tax is normal for good service. Servers are often paid a lower hourly wage by law because they get tips.
Quick way: double the tax on the receipt (in many states this is close to 15% to 20%), or move the decimal point and double it: 10% of $40 is $4, so 20% is $8.
Check for "gratuity included" or "service charge" on the check, often added for groups of 6 or more. If it is there, you do not need to tip again.
Asking to take food home is normal. Say: "Can I get a to-go box?"
Waving or snapping fingers to call the server. Make eye contact or raise your hand slightly.
Leaving without paying because no one brought the check. Ask for it.
Tipping on a tip screen at a counter because you feel pressure. There it is your choice.