"Snack Tables" in restaurants

I was reading the post about the experience at La Scarola and the last one about the bad tables by the bar. One of my biggest peeves in a restaurant is what I will call the "snack table". This table supposedly accomodates two, but trying to eat a full dinner at one is challenging, to say the least, especially with condiments and table items and decorations on them. I understand the concept of using up as much floor space as possible, but there aretables for two available that are at least comfortable. This seems to happen in pricey places (Harry Caray's) as well as lower end. What's the deal? Don't they want you to order a full meal? Or do they figure that you came to eat, you will order and get out fast???