DINE

Tired of your usual dining companions? A communal table could be the answer.

By Leslee Komaiko

Philippe the Original

White-collar and blue-collar workers (and everyone else for that matter) sit elbow to elbow at the big communal tables at this iconic Los Angeles eatery, which is two years shy of its 100th birthday. Everyone knows about the beef French dip sandwiches — available single dipped or double dipped — and 10 cent coffee. But there is also a smart little wine list.

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French dip, $4.90. 1001 N. Alameda St., L.A., (213) 628-3781.

M Café de Chaya

A big farmhouse-style table with bench seating near the counter makes it easy for singles and others with social tendencies to swing by for a quick, satisfying — and let's not forget healthful — breakfast of scrambled tofu with sweet potato hash or a tempura rice bowl lunch with black cod teriyaki. You just might meet some fellow macrobiotic types.

Scrambled tofu, $8.75. 7119 Melrose Ave., L.A., (323) 525-0588.

Nook

Here's proof that good things do come in small packages. This sleek 2-year-old American bistro is tucked into a little nook in the corner of a mini mall. In the center of the restaurant is a high table that can accommodate up to 12 customers. To eat? The maple-mustard glazed rib eye with skinny onion rings has a loyal fan club.

Rib eye, $22. 11628 Santa Monica Blvd., West L.A., (310) 207-5160.

Border Grill

Starting next week, in honor of Day of the Dead, the 20-seater communal table at Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger's lively Mexican eatery will be decorated with a colorful altar. But you can still grab a seat. It's especially popular during happy hour, when you can chow down on a variety of favorites like plantain empanadas, green corn tamales and beef brisket taquitos at bargain prices.

Happy hour food items, $3 to $5. 1445 4th St., Santa Monica, (310) 451-1655.

Reel Inn

It doesn't get much more kickback than fish tacos and a cold beer at one of several gargantuan communal tables at this popular eatery just across PCH from Topanga State Beach. You order at the counter, where the day's catch is displayed on ice, and wait for your name to be called.

Seafood taco, $3.50. 18661 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, (310) 456-8221.