Diners enjoy a meal at a communal table at Telegraph.
The Bristol
Part of the fun of eating at The Bristol is seeing your neighbors react to Chris Pandel’s innovative and delicious use of uncommon cuts of meat—then flagging down your server to order the same. 2152 N. Damen Ave., 773-862-5555; thebristolchicago.com
DMK Burger Bar
The grass-fed burgers, gooey mac ’n’ cheese and super-thick milkshakes are easy conversation starters with any dining neighbor, especially if said diner is willing to swap his or her decadent Parmesan-truffle cream fries for your healthier sweet potato fries served with lemon-Tabasco aioli. 2954 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-360-8686; dmkburgerbar.com
Girl & The Goat
Reservations at Stephanie Izard’s meat-centric restaurant are still nearly impossible to score. Our secret? Post up at the communal table stretching off the bar to snack on wood-oven-roasted pig face and pan-fried shishito peppers. 809 W. Randolph St., 312-492-6262; girlandthegoat.com
Grange Hall Burger Bar
Grange Hall promises hormoneand antibiotic-free beef and turkey burgers; hearty veggie burgers; tempura-battered onion rings; fresh-churned ice cream; house-made pies, and more from the folks behind Sushi Wabi and De Cero. 844 W. Randolph St., 312-491- 0844; grangehallfarmburger.com
Hubbard Inn
Tucking into one of the Hubbard Inn’s cozy enclaves is fun, but when you’re perched at the centrally located communal table, you can see every inch of the boho-chic space while sipping on a well-crafted Manhattan or Moscow Mule. 110 W. Hubbard St., 312-222-1331; hubbardinn.com
The Publican
If you can’t get a private corral, don’t fret. You get the same expert service regardless of where you sit in this wide-open, beer hall-style spot. Don’t miss out on perfectly shareable dishes such as the bouchot mussels or the charcuterie plate, and have your server pair it with a killer Belgian beer. 837 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-9555; thepublicanrestaurant.com
The Purple Pig
The convivial intimacy of communal dining is in its prime here, with dozens of small-plate menu offerings (including cured meats, cheese, smears, antipasti, and more) that just beckon to be savored by a group. 500 N. Michigan Ave., 312-464-1744; thepurplepigchicago.com
Sunda New Asian
Not only will you savor some of the most delectable sushi in town, but with its long communal tables, you’ll be able to navigate the extensive menu with the help of fellow foodies. And with dozens of celebrity devotees, you never know whom you’ll dine next to. 110 W. Illinois St., 312-644-0500; sundachicago.com
Telegraph
Pull up a chair in this stylish boîte for a glass of German Krombacher pilsner or a pint of Belhaven Scottish stout while nibbling on braised-rabbit casareccia pasta, grilled foie gras tartine, or fresh angel hair pasta with veal heart. 2601 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-292-9463; telegraphwinebar.com
Urbanbelly
To snag an easy seat for a hot bowl of Bill Kim’s Urbanbelly Ramen—pork belly and shiitake in pho broth—or a plate of pillowy chicken and mushroom dumplings, go midweek for lunch or line up at dinner for a coveted communal spot. 3053 N. California Ave., 773-583-0500; urbanbellychicago.com
