I once attended a restaurant that offered to place solo diners at a group table if they so desired. Has anyone else encountered this and where as it was pleasant.

Are you serious? A great many restaurants today have "communal tables" for singles. Even in our rather small town I can think offhand of five such places.

I'm not sure where to direct you, but on the Europe forum there has been discussion about communal tables in many destinations.

Myself, in Seattle I've been seated at them, but perfer a small table myself, or sit at the bar (that's just me).

Never heard of this in Massachusetts. I do usually go out to eat early around 5 so they are not crowded, but have never been asked if I want to sit with someone else.

Dining alone is relatively a new trend for me and if travelling on business I dine with colleagues.

I like eating at a restaurant alone, so for me would never seek out communal tables. Eating at the bar is often another option, if you don't enjoy for some reason having a table to yourself.

I haven't encountered a group table. I prefer to sit alone with my back to the wall taking it all in so I would most likely refuse. Unless the group were attractive local businessmen.

I'm sure I've seen this on The Food Network but have never seen or heard of such around here,Nation's Capitol and surrounding area. *shrugs*
I did experience it while dining in Dresden,Germany and I must admit I felt uncomfortable. I'd only been in the country a couple of days and wasn't fluent in the language. Not sure what they thought of the little black women sitting all alone.