Stammtisch

A Stammtisch (German for "regulars' table", [ˈʃtamtɪʃ]) is an informal group meeting held on a regular basis, and also the usually large, often round table around which the group meets. A Stammtisch is not a structured meeting, but rather a friendly get-together. Traditionally, the meeting table is marked with a somewhat elaborate sign reserving it for regulars. Historically, a Stammtisch was an all-male affair that might involve socialising, card playing (such as Skat or Schafkopf), and often political or philosophical discussions. The words Stammtischpolitik (Stammtisch politics) and Stammtischniveau (Stammtisch level) describe the simplified nature of Stammtisch discussions, and have an established metaphorical usage in describing simplified political and social discussions beyond the Stammtisch itself.