Diner at Chicago’s Boka Leaves $2,000 Tip on $769 Meal

A visitor from Seattle was really impressed with his Sunday dinner at Boka in Lincoln Park. The food and service from Boka Restaurant Group’s flagship restaurant made him so happy that he gave each of the restaurant’s 17 employees $100 bills. That $1,700 came in addition to tipping 39 percent — or $300 — on his $769 meal for six. The man, only identified as “Mike from Seattle” by a Boka spokesperson, tipped a total of $2,000.

“Mike” took a kitchen tour and presented each worker with a $100 bill, the spokesperson added. He lauded the restaurant by telling staff the meal featured the best food and service he’s ever experienced. He then posed with the staff in the kitchen for a photo.

The $100 bills felt like stocking stuffers. Mix in the snow, and there’s a “Christmas in April” feel to it, the spokesperson added. It’s also quite a coincidence. Boka’s service has already been recognized nationally. The owners of the 15-year-old Lincoln Park spot will find out next month if they win the Beard Award for Best Service against a competitive field that features some of America’s best restaurants. The Beards are a prestigious honor for American restaurants and the gala now annually takes place in Chicago.

Boka shared the news via a Facebook post, and readers are already responding. If anyone knows the identity of “Mike from Seattle,” feel free to share in the comments.