Is eating at a restaurant bar or bar-area hightop tables considered plebeian?

[Anonymous]

I’m being a little cheeky with the title. Husband and I walked into an extremely busy and award winning restaurant last night. All of the real tables were full and reserved but we figured we’d try our luck with the bar area. Sure enough, there were a couple spaces at the end of the bar plus two high-top tables in the bar area to get seated immediately. Hostess seated us at a hightop table. We noticed couples walking in after us and turning down the bar spaces and hightop tables and driving away or electing to wait an hour plus for a real table. I’m assuming there’s a perception issue that is totally over our head.

[Anonymous]

No one I'm friends with would look down on high tops or bar seating. That said, I've had friends who don't prefer it. One of my friends is short and just doesn't find it comfortable to sit up high. When I was still recovering from a knee injury, I didn't find high tops or bar seating to be comfortable because I needed my foot to be on the floor. Another friend has hearing issues and isn't a fan of bar areas because they can be louder so he has more trouble trying to hear the people he's with.

I can think of lots of practical reasons why people would avoid high tops/bar seating.

[Anonymous]

I think some people find them less desirable, yes. I like sitting at the bar if I’m dining alone or just having a drink with someone, but if I’m having a meal with others I’d like a proper table. I never really like high top tables—they’re usually small and the table gets crowded with all the dishes and glassware.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s just a matter of preference. Usually the bar atmosphere is different and a lot of people do have issues sitting at high tables. DH and I usually prefer to sit in the bar area because it’s quicker and sometimes there are happy hour specials you don’t get in the dining room.

[Anonymous]

I think business trip people who are by themselves often do it. At least that’s who I often see at the bar tops.

I wouldn’t care either way.

[Anonymous]

I'm short. I find those tables uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

People here are so obsessed with appearance. Maybe they have a drinking problem and don't want to be near the bar. Maybe they have a balance issue and feel sturdier with their feet on the floor. Maybe aside from height the seats are different and the ones for "real" tables are more comfortable. Maybe a thousand things. Just do what works for you and don't worry so much about how you look.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People here are so obsessed with appearance. Maybe they have a drinking problem and don't want to be near the bar. Maybe they have a balance issue and feel sturdier with their feet on the floor. Maybe aside from height the seats are different and the ones for "real" tables are more comfortable. Maybe a thousand things. Just do what works for you and don't worry so much about how you look.

Ahh the fancy “wanting to be seen” crowd does not want to be seen in the walk-in area of a restaurant. They are important and had reservations, of course. That makes sense I guess.

[Anonymous]

I am short. I do not like high top tables but I love sitting at the bar and often prefer it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm short. I find those tables uncomfortable.

Funny you say that. I think that too. This restaurant last night has the foot rest thing on their hightop tables. Miles more comfortable.

And the food and drinks were amazing. The bar area bled into the restaurant, there really wasn’t a difference in atmosphere or anything. We could overhear the people in the real tables near us.

[Anonymous]

What the actual hell?

Jesus, you people are insane on this site.

Stop giving AF what other people think. Eat the bar all you want, no one cares. I actually think eating at the bar is a lot more fun. We've done exactly as you describe because we had no reservations at a busy restaurant many times. Full course meals sitting at the bar. The tender loves it too because they get a much bigger tip.

[Anonymous]

After reading this, I started wondering why places have high-top tables. I would think they would take up the same floor space. Are they easier to serve? Are there people who prefer them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After reading this, I started wondering why places have high-top tables. I would think they would take up the same floor space. Are they easier to serve? Are there people who prefer them?

I think it seems more casual? For the bar area. Probably promotes faster turn over of tables.

[Anonymous]

It’s more casual, less intimate. I prefer the bar. Many do. You’re wasaay overthinking this. If you had a reservation and it’s a hard to get one, you’re gonna use it, right?

[Anonymous]

When I'm at one of those tables I feel way more comfortable ordering 3 apps and no main if that's what I'm feeling, and not feeling like I have to rush.