Unless I snag a Lounge, we won't ever be going back. I guess they are making a profit with the few they seat.
By experience and info passed on I've heard the line outside is (1) Restaurant reservations (2) Sitting at Bar only. No line for Lounge tables, which we would have preferred but they said NOPE.
I know on one trip I asked the server why so many empty tables when folks are trying so hard to get in, she said they can only seat what the kitchen can handle. They just are not staffed for a full seating.
The way I see it is ~ the cost of the restaurant was so high we did not order drinks. If we were seated in the Lounge not only would we be ordering a variety of food but also overpriced alcoholic drinks. Probably spend close to same.
I think it is more the staffing issue, keeping the kitchen more streamlined if less variety is sold.