Waiters here get minimum wage in some places, in others they get paid by the hour. In either case, though, it's customary to tip. There's no "expected" amount, but most people tip 10-15%.
Prompt, polite, discreet service. That's all I ask. In return, I'll be equally polite, and genereous with my tip. Overbearingly "nice" waiters are just as bad as neglectful ones. If you want advice from fellow waiters/waitresess, try bitterwaitress.com. Just don't copy the sense of...