Further complicating the ADA issues is the fact that not everyone who is disabled is disabled in the same way. 36 inch wide doorways don’t help the deaf, for instance. Or, to return to wheelchairs, there’s a large difference between a parapleigic with full use of his/her arms and someone who quadraplegic and using a breath-operated controls on the wheelchair to get around.
Wow. Gr8cat, this really made me think. Wow. I never quite considered how rough this is…wow. Please know that in blowing off steam you did educate someone along the way, someone who swears to do her best to make things easier for people from here on out.
I would second or fifth the suggestion to contact the restaurant. It might help if they see that it is, in fact, causing someone a problem, instead of just being a theoretical possibility. Personal testimony might have more clout than regulations. Based on the style and tone of your OP, I have no doubt that you would be an eloquent communicator for the cause, should you decide to take this up with them.
I am continually amazed by the things I learn from people who have had different life experiences from my own. Thank you.