Am I obligated to sit at the bar?

[Anonymous]

When I first started solo business travel, I noticed the same thing - seated at the bar or if there was no bar, the tiny back table near the bathroom. I don’t necessarily mind sitting at the bar because the stools are not uncomfortable for me and sometimes I appreciate the company when I am solo. BUT if I want a table, I say that with no reason/excuse other than that I prefer a table, thank you. I have had occasion to point to the table I want and say that one will do. Have also had occasion to leave when I get too much pushback. Too bad for them since I am usually on a pretty generous expense account.

[Anonymous]

I’d ask to speak to the manager and tell them you’re handicapped and a stool is a fall risk and you need a chair. Let us all know if anyone refuses so we can boycott them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have health problems where blood pools in my legs so I just announce that when they try to seat me at the bar.

If you are being dismissed then I would work through the following script:

"I'm so sorry but I have to ask you to accommodate my disability . . . " and then smile expectantly like you know they will give you a table. If they keep trying either cup your ear and say, "I'm so sorry, could you repeat that?" or just laugh airily and say, "Oh, I wouldn't wish that on you . . . last time I was seated at a bar I fainted!" And finally, make sure you get the name of the person and say, "Just to be clear [Name], you are stating that this establishment cannot accommodate my disability, and that this is your official policy?"

DP. Sounds like fun. But who has time or energy for all that drama? "TABLE for one" and if asked to sit at the bar, "No thank you. Table for one." Glare. Done. They don't need to know my blood pools in my legs. or anything else. If they persist, say, "I have a medical issue that makes sitting on barstools difficult. Are you going to seat me or should I take my business elsewhere?"

I am not sure causing trouble before they serve you is the best plan.

I'm amused that this is considered "causing trouble." You're the customer and you've stated your seating preference. If there aren't tables available you should be willing to wait, but shouldn't be forced to sit at the bar.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think it’s fair for one person to order an entree and water at a 2 top. If you tip for 2 then I think it’s fine.

[Anonymous]

"Would you mind if I had a table for two all for myself? I promise I am a good tipper". Then be a good tipper.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think it’s fair for one person to order an entree and water at a 2 top. If you tip for 2 then I think it’s fine.

Most travel policies don't allow that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That is awful, OP. Particularly the Phoenix place. Flat out lie. Table for 2. Then the other person is running late...oops! Could not make it.

I am short and no way could comfortably dine at a bar height table/stool/chair. Also on a business trip as lone female, I would not want to be hanging out for my dinner in a bar. Not safe. Guys drinking. Someone slips something in your drink. No thanks.

OP, if you don't drink you can also make it a religious thing. I grew up in a town with a ton of Southern Baptists and other evangelical types that not only did not drink, they were very vocal about the evil of it. They would flat out tell me - the hostess - that the bar was unacceptable as they didn't believe in drinking alcohol and they'd wait for the dining room.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think it’s fair for one person to order an entree and water at a 2 top. If you tip for 2 then I think it’s fine.

Omg. No. What’s the difference then with seating two people at a four top which happens allllll the time.

Raise your standards. Hospitality matters in a restaurant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm also a frequent solo diner and have literally never had a problem being sat at a table. I don't prefer to sit at the bar and rarely do so.

Same here.

+1 same here.

I hope you wrote a scathing review, including your prior love of the place.

[Anonymous]

You don’t have to lie! What’s with all the scheming and lies? You are a customer and a big fan of their business. You may have a damn table with a smile on their face and gratitude in their hearts. Or you can leave in which case they are a terrible business.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think it’s fair for one person to order an entree and water at a 2 top. If you tip for 2 then I think it’s fine.

Most travel policies don't allow that.

Then sit at the bar or “gasp” pay out of your own pocket.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think it’s fair for one person to order an entree and water at a 2 top. If you tip for 2 then I think it’s fine.

Omg. No. What’s the difference then with seating two people at a four top which happens allllll the time.

Raise your standards. Hospitality matters in a restaurant.

Servers make money by tips. Sitting two people at a four top is not fair to the server either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think it’s fair for one person to order an entree and water at a 2 top. If you tip for 2 then I think it’s fine.

Omg. No. What’s the difference then with seating two people at a four top which happens allllll the time.

Raise your standards. Hospitality matters in a restaurant.

Servers make money by tips. Sitting two people at a four top is not fair to the server either.

Uh, most tables seat four. You're saying couples shouldn't be allowed to eat out?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think it’s fair for one person to order an entree and water at a 2 top. If you tip for 2 then I think it’s fine.

Is it fair for three people to sit at a 4 top or should someone in the party similarly be relegated to the bar in this scenario to maximize space? Also, where did op say she was drinking water/just ordering an entree? I must have missed that post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think it’s fair for one person to order an entree and water at a 2 top. If you tip for 2 then I think it’s fine.

Life is not fair I have found.

I don't think it's fair for a mom and 2-3 kids to order cheap meals and/or share, and hog up a table for 4, when 4 adults would buy more expensive food, drinks, etc. and yet there is no table for them.