as far as i knew, the $25 was not intended to be a tip. the birthday guy went up to the waitress (drunk, obviously) and wanted it put towards the bill. but she claimed he told her it was her tip. this was all before she even gave the table the bill. several of the guys in the group saw the money exchange go down.

i was buying my drinks at the bar directly since i didn't really know anyone so i wasn't involved in adding in any money.

i was just curious as to how other people would handle it. i feel like as a waitress and to keep the peace, i would have just apologized and said it was a misunderstanding and they were all set.. still walking away with a $17 tip which i believe was on like a $60 bill. so she made out either way.