This. From the moment our kids were old enough to sit in a high chair we were sitting down for dinner at the table. When we lived in Orlando (7+ years ago) we would sit at the kitchen table. In our house here in Clearwater we don't have a kitchen table, so we sit in the dining room probably 4-5 nights a week.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks like this. I know that we've had this discussion on here before, but you're a bvllshit parent if you can't even muster control of your little shitheads at a restaurant. It's really not that freaking hard. Parenting is tough work and you have to set the tone and expectations very early on. Miss that opportunity and you're likely screwed. Our kids have NEVER, EVER acted up at a dinner table (let alone anywhere else) in a home or restaurant and we have NEVER, EVER had to put Spongebob or Dora or some painting app or Texas Hold 'Em on for them in order to achieve that. Be courteous to your fellow diners - you don't own the restaurant and no one else should have to see the flickering light or hear the obnoxious sounds.
We do eat as a family, but in the living room at the coffee table. Just easier for my 2 year old to sit in her tiny chair and eat, vs sitting in a regular chair at the dinner table. Once they are both big enough to fit at the regular table, we will switch over.
