Why is a tip at Starbucks expected, but it's not at McDonald's? AdvertisementA man asked coffee shop baristas why tipping at Starbucks is expected, but it's not at McDonald's. So, do Starbucks employees offer to tip the McDonald's employees? Basically, if you don't tip at McDonald's, then you should feel no obligation to tip at Starbucks. Ninety-two percent always tip at sit-down restaurants, while fewer are willing to tip hairstylists (78%), delivery drivers (76%), and bartenders (70%).