There are some disadvantages. Smoke, for one. Even restaurants that are completely no-smoking, such as the Grand Concourse at Station Square, permit smoking in the bar. And admittedly, it's not as comfortable eating on high bar stools or at a tiny cocktail table. But it can be a lot of fun.
Bars are casual, happening places.
That will help people like the Big Time Operator and his honey who sat at the little table next to us at Monterey Bay. He pulled an extra chair up to their table, put an ashtray for his cigar on it, along with his cell phone, a pad and pen. BTO made calls during dinner, and Honey smiled sweetly and chewed her steak. If you go, don't miss the swordfish with Parmesan sauce. The view from the windows by the high tables in the lounge at Antonini's is not so stunning - unless your taste runs to watching cars being parked.