We eat at the bars alot at the Swolphin. The Cabana Bar is our favorite lunch place. BlueZoo is our favorite dinner place. If there is a big convention, you may find the bars to be very crowded and might not be able to eat there. In that case, a table might be easier.
True. With big conventions lots of folks just head to the bar/lounge. No way to tell tho until you actually arrive and take a look.
But in any case--we always eat at the bar at Shula's and Blue Zoo. The bar at the Zoo is a bit larger than the one at Shula's. Must say that we've always gotten a seat at either bar--we usually get there around 5:30 or so.
The bar at Shula's is very nice when eating single as is Kimonos in the Swan if you like Sushi. Both are 2 of my favorite dining options. Have a great trip.