The internet offers a lot of good interaction, but this is confined to the nether nether land of cyberspace. Unlike big cities, small towns lack the gay hiking groups, social clubs or political organizations. Attempts to put these together rise and fall through the years. Apathy runs high. When everyone sits at separate tables, there isn't much more community than when everyone sits in their separate homes.
Restaurants offer little interaction between the tables.
A few tables may have isolated couples. Others have one person sitting alone. There will be tables for groups, but little interaction between tables. Bars and restaurants are often thought of as being cliquish. Table arraignments contribute to this.