I'm going to suggest that the communal table isn't a big deal in this context. With the noise of the cooking and the way you are seated all in a row facing the grill, there is not a big compulsion to converse with the others if you're not inclined to do so. Also, if you're seated on an end, you could put DH in that end seat, and you would be on the corner. There wouldn't be much of a way he could chat with the other party, even if he wanted to. (Just a suggestion for if you really, really want to go to this place. If it's not high on your list, sure, go to another place and he'll be happier.)