The cafe on 3rd street near my place has this 'family style' seating and I swear everyone there becomes friends by the end of their coffee

2 comments

2 Comments

My local spot tried that setup last year. It mostly led to awkward silences and people staring at their phones. They switched back to regular tables pretty fast.

faith_thomas1mo ago

Bailey.sam's experience is more common in my opinion. Forced community seating only works if the cafe's whole vibe pulls people into talking. The place near me that does it well has board games and a really friendly staff who introduce people.