Along with the previously mentioned reasons, booths also have traffic on only one side of them, vs a table that has traffic on all four, which means more interruptions, more having to move for other people, and more chance of having food/drink dropped on you Additionally, for people with certain disabilities a booth allows them to stretch out to relive pain and not stand out as much for people to stare/point at, as well as settle a service animal thanks to the aforementioned extra privacy and reduced foot traffic.
I like booths for the feeling of privacy and the cushier seat. I don't really like sitting at a table in the middle of the restaurant floor. It makes me feel exposed and vulnerable to my adversaries. A table by a window or right next to a wall is OK though. Kor
Back corner, back against the wall facing the door or gtfo. Prefer booths, I find them generally more comfortable.
I prefer booths to tables, generally speaking and for the reasons people have stated. However, there are exceptions. In one restaurant I frequent, because I love the food, it's as @teacake said: the clearance between the table edge and back cushion is inexplicably so narrow in most booths that the table is pressing into my stomach.
First, I NEVER demand. I ask politely. But I usually prefer a booth. I just find it more comfortable. The main exception to this is if I'm eating somewhere with the salad bar, like Soup Plantation, where I'll be getting up a lot.
I like booths because the tables tend to be a little higher and the booths generally feel better against my back.
I prefer booths when I'm with family and/or good friends, UNLESS it's a buffet, in which case, a table is the best option so people don't have to get up and down when others want to. I also prefer a table if dining with professional acquaintances - I don't want to be that close to near strangers. Up until a few months ago, I was also often forced to take tables at many chain restaurants because my fat ass couldn't fit in the tightly arranged booths there. I'd ask for "fat people seating". But I've lost 50 pounds so far (out of a planned 120 pounds), and can seat wherever I need to or would like to, now.
Quieter. Restaurants in my area like to play music at 476326896.7 dB, thus patrons talk at 476326896.8 dB so as to be heard. I have a slim chance of hearing my companions in a booth.
From my years in the restaurant biz: most people prefer booths - unless they have a hard time getting in our out of them or they want to enjoy the view... then it's tables.