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I think that part of a college education should include a mandatory temporary job serving at a restaurant. I have been a server off and on for nearly 4 years now, while going to school. I have learned some valuable lessons in the process. The biggest thing I have learned is how to:
TIP YOUR SERVER
It really makes me wonder if people know that servers only make $2.13/hr. When taxes are taken out of the tips I claim during the week, my check on Friday has a big, fat ZERO on it. Meaning the only money I am making during the week is the tips I bring home. Which is why it is very important for people to dine at restaurants that they can afford. I serve at a seafood restaurant. As I am sure most of you are aware, seafood is not cheap dining. So I become very annoyed when couples and/or groups of people come in, order their food and act surprised when they see how much their bill ends up being.
First of all, READ THE MENU. If it says you're plate costs $20, guess what your bill is going to say? I understand that there are servers who are either inexperienced or just need to get a different job, but for the most part we are good at what we're doing and deserve to be compensated for it.
Aside from learning how to tip better, serving at a restaurant will make you a little more humble. When you have to deal with the public like that, you learn to treat others more like how you'd like to be treated. Just because you're having a bad day doesn't mean you need to take it out on your server. Try to keep in mind the mess you're making. It drives me crazy when parents bring their children into the restaurant; create a huge mess and leave (without tipping me well!) I want to follow them to the parking lot and ask, "Is this what your house looks like?"
All in all, the very least you should ever leave your server as a tip is 10%, if they made minor mistakes - remember you're not perfect either and leave them 15% and if they did a fantastic job leave them 20% or more. If you feel that your server truly does not deserve at least 10%, then you need to talk to a manager. Either something happened that was not in the control of the server, or the server needs a new job.
P.S.
Unless you saw the "golden arches" when you walked in the door, a medium-well or well burger/steak is going to take more than 5 minutes.