Yes it is plebeianism.

I love eating at the bar itself as i like the bustle of the bartenders etc. i do not like to eat at hightops because i just don't like the high tables and chairs and inevitably something is rickety or i drop something.

I never see people socializing with random people at a bar hightop. I always assumed those tables are for people boozing, who might get some small food items. I don’t think you’re supposed to sit there if you’re going to eat a full meal.

Anonymous wrote:To those who think there’s no difference — if some rich guy like Bezos randomly walks in you think they’ll put him and Sanchez at an avail bar hightop table or will they suddenly find room at a nice table in the main dining area?

If Bezos sat at the bar (or because this is DC, some Senator or Cabinet level official) presumably people would walk up to him, take his picture, and generally disturb his meal. That doesn’t happen to normal people.

FWIW I used to work between the White House and Farragut metro when La Bise was The Oval Room and I had the pleasure of sitting at a regular table, elbow bumping distance, from Supreme Court Justices, the Speaker of the House, and The Secretary of Defense at various times. They got the same tables and same lunch special menus as everyone else.

I don’t think it’s lower status, but I do think it depends what the purpose of the dining experience is. If it’s our anniversary or my birthday, I would expect we have a reservation at a “real” table. If it is a popular, highly rated restaurant that we have wanted to try, I am 100% fine with the bar if my choice is to eat in the bar or wait 2-3 months.

I do not care what other diners think of my seating choice.

To those who think there’s no difference — if some rich guy like Bezos randomly walks in you think they’ll put him and Sanchez at an avail bar hightop table or will they suddenly find room at a nice table in the main dining area?

I’ve never understood it. If there is a wait but the bar has seating (table if I’m more than 3 people) I always take it. Many places will even let older kids (10 plus) to sit at the high tops. Same food, same service.

Anonymous wrote:What? It isn't a "perception issue," it is a comfort one. It is a lot more comfortable to sit at a regular table, and in most places it is a lot quieter. You can face each other and have a conversation, whereas at the bar you are facing the bartender. And I hate sitting in those tall chairs at hightop tables -- not comfortable.

Is it "plebeian"? Lol. Ugh, you desperate class-obsessed MC DCUM folks never change.

Strivers who want to be seen at nice restaurants absolutely give mindshare to where they’re sitting. To them, those walk in hightop tables are low rung. They want a “good” table or at least a table that signals they have clout with reservations. Restaurants are literally in the business of creating and making money off atmosphere and illusion of status.

DH and I sit in the bar area as much as possible - it's faster to get seated when you tell the hostess you'll take bar seating + those areas are usually restricted to anyone over 21, so less likely to encounter loud or misbehaving children/parents who don't monitor their kids. We don't care what people think, we just want to eat a meal out in relative peace and quiet.

I feel like sitting at the bar is something to do if you are there alone; to me it signals you are inviting conversation from others and open to being social. Same goes if you sit there as a couple.

High top tables aren’t the same thing. They are just small and uncomfortable if you are getting more than drinks.

What? It isn't a "perception issue," it is a comfort one. It is a lot more comfortable to sit at a regular table, and in most places it is a lot quieter. You can face each other and have a conversation, whereas at the bar you are facing the bartender. And I hate sitting in those tall chairs at hightop tables -- not comfortable.

Is it "plebeian"? Lol. Ugh, you desperate class-obsessed MC DCUM folks never change.