Germany Beirgarten question...

[addicted2dizney]

I have been to the Germany restaurant many times... A friend of mine would like to try in on their next visit however she has anxiety and is not comfortable eating at the same table with strangers. Is it possible to get a table for 2? Are they offered? I can't say for sure as I've always eaten and been put with other people.
Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Alesia]

Nope.

 

[HopperFan]

- Agree, no. No tables for two. Most seat 8.
- Sometimes they have gathered us all at the door and sat us and sometimes they gather a few, then in the next 5 minutes or so more join us.
- They will leave a million tables empty while filling tables.
- One time an older couple asked to sit alone, was told no, they left.
- I've never had rude table mates but have had them where they only talked among themselves.
- We've had some great convo with other guests.
- Servers are also great to talk to and ask about Germany, where they live, etc.

https://disneydorktom.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/biergarten-restaurant-gallery07.jpg

 

[Susie*Q]

I love a community table. You can learn so much when breaking bread with someone new.

There is a Basque restaurant in Bakersfield California, Noriega's. Their dining room is nothing but 20 foot long tables and everything is served family style. Everyone enters the dining room at the same time and to leave a seat between you and your neighbor is impolite.

 

[tomatecerise]

It's like eating at la Cabane à Sucre, i hope They leave more room for your arms! It's crazy How it's Packed but this is seasonal (They have to put the more guest per table)

 

[smcabee]

No tables for 2, they will sit with others but there is no rule that they have to speak with everyone else. My wife and I go and just enjoy each others company. Dont let sitting with others at a table get them anxious. They ride with others on rides, they sit with others watching shows, the only thing different here is that they are eating. Go around showtime and watch the show and dont worry about anyone else.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

she has anxiety and is not comfortable eating at the same table with strangers

1) They do have tables for 4 and 6,
2) These are against the wall on the upper level.
3) However, they do not typically fill them until the community tables are full.
4) This is communal dining, and they want to maintain the spirit.
5) As mentioned by smcabee, you do so many other activities at WDW with strangers, communal dinner should not be difficult.

 

[punkin712]

I love a community table. You can learn so much when breaking bread with someone new.

There is a Basque restaurant in Bakersfield California, Noriega's. Their dining room is nothing but 20 foot long tables and everything is served family style. Everyone enters the dining room at the same time and to leave a seat between you and your neighbor is impolite.

Family style...even with people you don't know?! I don't think I could do that! I have enough germ-anxiety with members of my own family

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Family style...even with people you don't know?! I don't think I could do that! I have enough germ-anxiety with members of my own family

1) I can understand this thought.
2) But, no worse than a Character Buffet where people reach for their food using the same serving utensils with dirty hands..
3) Or, a normal salad bar with people sneezing or coughing and using the same utensils.

NOTE: And, we haven't even broached the topic of all the germs on handrails, guest ropes, or ride vehicles at WDW.

 

[Dis703]

No, there isn't an option for just a table of 2. The tables are all set up for 8, and they will fill them if they are able.

I agree with pp though, I'd try to think of it as no different than being on the buses, rides, or waiting for the parades with a crowd of people. Although, for myself I do find it more enjoyable when we sit with guests who like to interact. It's a lot of fun if she can get over her anxiety about it.

 

[nkereina]

We hate the communal table concept at Biergarten too, but we enjoy the food and entertainment. Last trip, we were sat between a family of four who did not speak English and an elderly couple who kept to themselves. So, no awkward conversations but it was awkward eating in such close proximity since the seats are so close together. It was difficult to get up and down sometimes too. All that being said, I think its worth the hassle.

 

[shortchange1026]

I suffer from extreme anxiety which I take medication for. I have never had a problem eating at Beirgarten at the communal tables. Like other posters said, sometimes people interact and talk, other's don't. But we've always had a good time and meal there.

 

[mommyboys3]

Family style...even with people you don't know?! I don't think I could do that! I have enough germ-anxiety with members of my own family

Unless something has changed in the last few years, Biergarten is a buffet (not family style). It has communal seating but you get up & go to the buffet for food. Family style means they put platters of food on the table to pass around. I've eaten at a family style restaurant that had communal seating. Asking total strangers to pass something down to the other end of the table was awkward.

Biergarten was very loud so I think if someone wanted to keep to themselves it wouldn't be too awkward but if a person has anxiety over it then it's not worth it. The food was good, but not worth being uncomfortable.

 

[nkereina]

Unless something has changed in the last few years, Biergarten is a buffet (not family style). It has communal seating but you get up & go to the buffet for food. Family style means they put platters of food on the table to pass around. I've eaten at a family style restaurant that had communal seating. Asking total strangers to pass something down to the other end of the table was awkward.

I think the poster you quoted as referring to another restaurant that a PP brought up, that is in fact served family style at communal tables. That would be much worse than Biergarten!

 

[disnut8]

My husband and I love the Epcot Biergarten and this is a big reason why. He actually went to a real German Biergarten with a friend while they had leave from a military duty. They sat on opposite sides of the communial table and, by the end of the meal, his friend was still on the other side of the table but six people down from where my husband was. He said it's just continual people coming and going and people siding down the seats to accommodate the others. He remarked that no one, in any way, thought this was uncommon and "weird".

 

[BabyFu18]

No tables for two, sorry. We ate there last year and I wasn't thrilled with the table setup but we didn't like the food either so no worries since I know we won't go back. I am glad we tried it at least once though, we were set with a couple (no kids), some of my family members are very outgoing and tried to engage the couple in a convo but they weren't really having it. So after a few times trying to get them to talk to us, we just left them alone and conversed amongst oursleves. It was actually fine, though like I said, it's not my preference to sit at a table with other families. If you (or your friend) want to try the food I'd suggest to just give it a show and see if the table setup is something your friend can handle for a short period of time. Also, if you don't want to converse with the others at the table most people can figure that out pretty quickly!

 

[nilla]

A friend of mine would like to try in on their next visit however she has anxiety and is not comfortable eating at the same table with strangers.

The great thing about Biergarten, which I'm stunned no one has brought up yet, is that they actually offer something to diners that can help remedy social anxiety:

 

[Mikka]

As someone with major anxiety, I can sympathize. One thing your friend can do at Biergarten (or teppen edo) is request to sit on the end, and then you can sit next to them. There will still be a stranger across from them, but it feels a bit less surrounded that way. If they'd like to work up to trying Biergarten, I would suggest trying a habachi place near home (or I guess Epcot). It's communal seeting, but with a show and less likely for conversation to happen besides maybe 'this is yummy, huh?' It would be a good test to see if they can handle Biergarten. Good luck to them!

 

[HopperFan]

The great thing about Biergarten, which I'm stunned no one has brought up yet, is that they actually offer something to diners that can help remedy social anxiety:

That be a given. Food is good, atmosphere good, love the desserts but we go for the beer and pretzel rolls.

 

[disnut8]

The great thing about Biergarten, which I'm stunned no one has brought up yet, is that they actually offer something to diners that can help remedy social anxiety:

And to add - if that beer is too big (trust me, my husband did a cost analysis to figure out the price per "ounce" and found out it's a good deal) and you can't finish it, you can just ask for a To Go Cup. If we have lunch at the Biergarden, I order one of these and then get the cup and it lasts until Illuminations.