The next time you step into your favorite restaurant, you may notice large tables seating multiple parties. So-called communal tables are trendy in the restaurant industry these days, but today's eateries are just breathing new life into an old tradition.
Until the 19th century, communcal tables were the most common seating arrangement in inns and dining halls in Europe. Private tables weren't introduced until the mid-18th century, first in Paris, then across the Old and New World. Elsewhere, including in Japan and other Asian nations, communal tables remained more common, even as private tables became the norm in the West.
These days, communal tables are making a comeback. They've spread like wildfire in high-end foodie markets, including New York, Chicago, and Boston, and now they're proliferating in smaller cities as well. Proponents of communal tables argue that they encourage social interaction and encourage diners to step outside their comfort zones. In an era when it's easy to hide behind digital screens, communal tables make it easier for strangers to talk to each other — and maybe even become friends.
Communal tables which typically seat between 8 to 16 people, also make good business sense for restaurants because they help pack more people into the space. And when larger groups need a spot to share, restaurants can simply direct them to a communal table instead of the usual patchwork of smaller tables.
Some diners may be a bit hesitant the first time they sit at a communal table, but many go on to find the experience fun and memorable. Not sure if communal tables are right for you and your friends? Keep in mind that the stranger across the table might simply be a friend you haven't met yet.