As you’re sketching out your new restaurant dining space or redesigning an existing one, one of the critical aspects to consider is seating. What’s the restaurant’s atmosphere? How many tables can you fit? Do you want a mix of seating options?
Adding taller tables, like high tops, can create visual interest throughout the space and make efficient use of the available space. But what exactly is high-top seating in a restaurant, and how can you use it to your advantage?
How High Is High Top Seating?
High-top seating is when the tables and chairs are higher than other types of seating. In general, the chairs are 30 or more inches from the floor to the seat, and the table is anywhere from 36 to 42 inches from the ground.
As a rule, high-top tables take up less space than traditional dining tables, allowing you to fit more of them throughout the space.
Is High Top Seating the Same as Bar Seating?
Bar seating and high top seating are the same when it comes to height. A bar counter is anywhere from 36 to 42 inches tall, and a bar seat is 30 or more inches from floor to seat, whether that’s bar chairs or bar stools.
While the height dimensions are the same, bar seating and high-top seating are not the same when you’re talking about where guests dine.
Bar seating means guests sit at the bar. High-top seating means guests sit at a standalone set of high-top tables and chairs. However, restaurants often use high-top seating in the bar area, so guests may be seated in the bar but not at the bar!
What’s more, the bar is usually in one location, while high-top seating can be used throughout the restaurant, and you can use bar tables in the bar area.
Is High Top Seating the Same as Counter Height?
Counter height tables are 34 to 36 inches from the ground, with chairs that are approximately 24 inches from floor to seat. Though less common, some restaurants use counter height seating instead of or in addition to high and standard table sizes.
What Is Standard Seating in a Restaurant?
Standard seating is a table that’s 28 to 30 inches tall and chairs that are between 18 and 23 inches from the floor to seat.
While standard seating is the most common type of seating in a restaurant, some restaurants use a mix of high-top seating and standard seating throughout the dining and bar area.
Advantages of High Top Seating in a Restaurant
Though high-top tables aren’t the right choice for every restaurant, they have several advantages over standard seating arrangements.
Seat More People
High-top tables often have smaller overall footprints than a traditional restaurant table, meaning the tables and chairs take up less space. This allows you to fit more dining tables in the restaurant and seat more guests at the same time.
Feels Bigger
Though high-top seating is generally smaller than a standard size table, high-top tables also don’t feel cramped or seem smaller. This is due, in large part, to the taller chairs and tables. This “perched position” will provide guests with a bird’s-eye view of the restaurant, which makes things feel bigger.
Good For Groups
The smaller footprint of high-top tables also makes it easier to seat large groups in a busy restaurant. Pushing together a few high tops takes up less floor space than combining several standard tables, meaning you won’t crowd other tables or make it difficult for servers to do their job.
More Efficient Service
Finally, because high-top seating takes up less floor space, your servers can better serve guests. With more room to walk and serve, staff can more efficiently greet guests, take orders, and clear tables.
Do Guests Prefer High Top Seating?
Some guests prefer high-top tables because it feels less crowded than sitting at a regular table. They can see more of the restaurant, and the casual, social nature of high-top tables is appealing.
However, not everyone is comfortable with high-top seating options. Short people may have trouble getting into and out of the taller chair or may be unable to rest their legs comfortably. Some guests may feel that they’re “on display” sitting so far above others. And people with certain disabilities may not be able to use a high-top table at all.
How to Use High Top Seating in a Restaurant
While there are advantages to using high-top seating in a restaurant, they don’t always provide the right dining experience to guests. Restaurant owners need to consider their clientele and the overall type of restaurant they run before committing to high-top seating.
High-top tables are more casual and social than standard seating. While that can be fine for a neighborhood bar or casual restaurant, establishments with a formal dining setting or traditional feel may want to skip high-top tables.
In restaurants where high-top tables make sense, they are usually mixed in with standard seating options, like traditional tables, booths, and banquets. For example, you can use high-top tables in the bar or along walls and a mix of standard tables and booth seating in the middle of the restaurant.
If you use high-top seating, the table should be at least 12 inches higher than the standard tables. And if your goal is to have guests linger at the high tops, choose chairs or tables that allow guests to sit comfortably. Having multiple places to rest their feet and easily shift how they sit makes it more likely your guests will stick around for dessert.
