I Love That Shaq Dropped A Massive Tip While Visiting A Restaurant, But I’m Also Chuckling At How He Playfully Trolled His Server

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As a devoted cinephile, I’ve always admired Shaquille O’Neal for his unparalleled skills on the basketball court and his charismatic presence in media. Yet, what truly sets him apart is his compassionate nature, often demonstrated through unexpected acts of generosity. Just this past weekend, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers star proved it once again when he surprised a restaurant employee with an unusually large tip. Admittedly, I couldn’t help but be touched by that act of kindness. However, let’s not forget the mischievous sparkle in his eye as he playfully trolled the very same employee!

Beyond being recognized as “The Diesel”, the man paid a visit to Original Ninfa’s Uptown in Houston – an esteemed restaurant known for its exceptional Mexican cuisine. As reported by CultureMap Houston, Shaq dropped by this popular eatery for lunch, leaving quite a memorable impact on both the staff and fellow diners. Unlike many VIPs who might choose to dine privately, Shaq opted to share a meal with other customers. Moreover, he was gracious enough to pose for photos with patrons. To add to the surprise, the 15-time All-Star generously tipped his server an impressive $1,000.

Shaq’s actions at The Original Ninfa’s were more than just a simple gesture; they were incredibly generous. Not only did he cover his own meal, but he also treated another table of customers nearby. This selfless act aligns well with Shaq’s past generosity – remember when he paid for an entire restaurant during a date? He didn’t stop there. In 2022, after the Buffalo supermarket shooting, Shaq made a charitable donation to aid those affected. And if that wasn’t enough, he even surprised a child he met at a mall by buying them a pair of shoes.

It’s truly impressive that Shaquille O’Neal left such an enormous tip for his server. And honestly, it doesn’t surprise me at all that the veteran broadcaster added a touch of mischief to his restaurant visit. As it turns out, Executive Chef Patti Delgado was the one who brought Shaquille his three delicious tacos. In an interview with CultureMap, she disclosed that Shaquille had some fun at her expense: he playfully pretended to be disappointed when the tacos were served on a small plate, jokingly asking for a larger one.

I placed the plate in front of him, and when it hit the table, he paused and questioned, “Hold on, what’s this?” To which I replied, “Your ordered crispy tacos.” Shaq then looked at me with a smirk and said, “I didn’t order that!” But just as quickly, he joked, “No, I’m only teasing! Check out your reaction!” He’s known for his humor and genuine nature.

Reflecting on what a memorable occasion it was, I’m guessing Chef Delgado won’t easily forget about it. Shaquille O’Neal’s visit even made it onto the restaurant’s Instagram, so you can take a look at the picture they posted for yourself below:

Shaquille O’Neal’s character consistently shines through during his time on “Inside the NBA,” a talk show he’s been co-hosting for almost 15 years now. His humor with Charles Barkley is first-rate, making the show a popular choice among viewers. Fortunately, their fun banter will continue when the show returns this fall on ESPN for its new season. It’s safe to say that O’Neal will be back, considering he recently signed a significant TV contract to stay with the program until the end of the 2025 television schedule and beyond.

There’s still a lot of time before Shaq joins his fellow hosts again on air, and I can’t wait to see what else he has in store for the summer. In particular, I’d be interested in hearing more anecdotes that showcase his kindness and wit, much like the stories from his visit to The Original Ninfa’s Uptown.

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2025-07-15 15:08