When you're out with someone who used to wait tables, you can almost always tell. "Could I please have a water whenever is convenient?" she might ask the server, leaning over the table with a giant smile. Former servers always tip 20 percent — and sometimes 30 percent. They have a zen patience about kitchen errors, accepting a cheeseburger even though they ordered avocado toast. Sometimes it's good to take a break from thinking about what you want from a restaurant in order to consider what servers wish you knew. So we asked! Here are tips from pros across America.

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