But at the table, they may gently say, “I’m putting food talk off limits.” Miss Manners’ guess is that the guests will be relieved to eat — or not eat — in peace.

One guest scrolled through social media during appetizers, texted throughout the main course and even stepped away from the table twice to take calls.

Table Talk SRQ also hosts trivia nights that begin at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and offers birthday party rentals. Tables are set six feet apart and masks are required when not eating, because of the ...