I don't really have a problem with it, though it's not something I'd seek out. I have to say I think it'd be more enjoyable in a more downscale sort of establishment, more "picnic tables at the fish and chip joint" than "fine dining with the foodies".

I had a good time at Durgin Park in Boston, which serves traditional Northeasterner food like pot roast and Boston baked beans at long shared tables.

I think I'd hate this as a solo because when I'm dining solo I have a book with me and don't want to talk to anyone. But on a date with the missus or out with friends, I think it could be fun. I'm a chatty guy. As long as no one brings up politics, nobody gets hurt.

I like sitting with people I don't know, but I wouldn't sign up for a service like this.

Over at Salumi, there's so little space that you inevitably end up sitting with people you don't know, and it's always fun.

I don't know why, but there's something about it being an "intentional experience" that seems unpleasant to me. But suddenly finding yourself eating with a stranger is kind of cool.

Best breakfast we had on the road in recent years was when we visited Santa Fe on a very bitterly cold Sunday morning before things were open and found a small restaurant that was very crowded with as many as 20 people waiting. Because we were willing to sit at a large central communal table we were seated ahead of all the others within 10 minutes.

We had a great breakfast, wonderful Mexican hot chocolate, fun conversation with some 6-8 strangers. We got warmed both in body and soul and went out to enjoy the rest of the chilly day, actually leaving for a fun drive down the Turquoise Trail back to Albuqueque shortly thereafter.

I have no interest in the service described in Ms. Clement's article.

As for communal tables they can be hit and miss and are NEVER my first choice. The tables at Serious Pie are too close together and are somewhat awkward when sharing with strangers but are OK. The long communal table at Tavolata is usually alright but I have only been seated there on slow(er) nights.

I do and always will prefer my own table when dining alone or with a group of friends especially at upscale/fine dining establishments.

This would be rad.. Community means to come together and not just with people your are already familiar(Family) with. In Europe this has been happening for thousands of years in the Pub which stands for Public House. In Asia it happened in the public bath houses. It fosters community and socializing.

No, I wouldn't care for that. I don't like it on Amtrak, and I don't think I'd like it here (caveat: I don't mind it at really casual places). Most of the time, when I'm dining out, it's meant to be romantic, and it's hard to have a heart-to-heart with someone, flirting and talking about things that really matter, when you have an audience of strangers.

If I'm going to a bar or pub, I expect to have a lot of interaction with strangers. I certainly don't object to striking up a conversation at a coffeehouse or sandwich shop. But my dinners out aren't family dinners. They're dates. Two people, or sometimes, if I'm lucky, four.

No.no.no....

I love communal tables! But I live in the bay area. :) In my experience, there's not actually a ton of interaction outside of your party, although there can be more than being at separate tables.