Books and periodicals. While this thread is about tables, I've always brought a magazine or small book into bars to hang around for a couple hours and have a couple of top shelf cocktails. I like the energy of the places, but don't always want to engage in conversation. Or sometimes a good looking woman will inquire about what I'm reading, and there's my opening...
The proprietors and service staff never complain because I tip very generously.
That table exists for the proprietor to make money.
You sitting there, drinking, reading, and TIPPING GENEROUSLY, makes money.