5 Best Tables at Local Restaurants

What makes a great restaurant table?

Restaurant tables are like term papers in English lit class. There is no magic formula that makes an absolutely great one. Success is subjective. While the professor’s whim may play some part in the outcome of your grades, you have to know what you’re doing to get an A. You have to employ some recognizable theme or strategy that makes sense. The relationship of a restaurant table to the guests sitting around it is similar. These five southwest Missouri establishments all get A-pluses… for very different reasons.

1. SIGHT AND AIR

Patio table at the Candlestick Inn (127 Taney St., Branson, 417-334-3633).

“The patio is killer,” says 25-year-old Springfield resident (and circulation manager of this magazine) Dylan Whitaker. Simple eloquence to describe this restaurant’s blufftop view, a soaring classical-Ozarks vista. Look to the north or south, and you see Lake Taneycomo curving around the green bluffs.

Look west, and there’s Branson—both the historic center and the Vegas/Riverwalk–inspired shopping and dining area, Branson Landing. Hang around in the evenings, and you’ll even see the fire-and-water show.

2. ROMANCE

Half-booth, half-table at Touch (1620 E. Republic Rd., Springfield, 417-823-8383).

“When my husband and I are on a date,” says Logan Aguirre, of Springfield, “we like to sit next to each other before the food arrives and sometimes during dessert. It’s best if you can get one [of these tables at Touch] and no one gets seated next to you. During drinks and dessert you can cozy up on the bench against the wall, plus you have a great view of the restaurant for people-watching. Then during dinner we can sit across from each other.” Makes the practical business of the evening go smoothly, all better to prepare for after-dinner treats.

3. PRIVACY

Window seats at Gallery Bistro (221 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-866-0440).

In the eyes of some, one thing that makes a good restaurant table is being near the door: You can see who comes in, preferably before they see you. That’s the case here in Gallery Bistro’s showcase seats, where privacy (at least from the other diners in the restaurant, if not from bustling Walnut Street) is at a premium. Perfect for date night or serious business.

4. SHEER GLAMOUR

Center stage at the new Ocean Zen (600 E. Battlefield Road, 417-889-9596).

Since it opened in 2005, Ocean Zen has always been cutting-edge. When it decamped to a huge former Tony Roma’s and reopened May 31, Ocean Zen added “spacious” to its list of qualities—a sharp contrast to the cramped Glenstone Avenue former–burger joint where it used to live. While some diners might not appreciate TV screens (“It distracts from conversation,” says a frequent-diner friend), the dim lighting near the bar at this restaurant makes everyone look as good as the surroundings.

5. JUST PLAIN FUN

The outdoor tables at Sub Shop (1721 E. Seminole St., near Glenstone Avenue, Springfield, 417-887-3804).

Calling it “outdoor dining” might be a stretch as far as certain snobs are concerned, but what better way to enjoy a weekday impromptu picnic than the tables at Sub Shop? Yes, the charming sights of South Glenstone Avenue are nearby to make your eyes sore, but this place sells just about the best simply good sandwiches in town. (No pesto-mayonnaise here!)