Why the layout of American cafes sucks (and why it may be about to change)

I like coffee, but I despise cafes. At least what we Americans have come to call cafes.

I respect the coffee bar, or espresso bar, as it's done in Italy. There coffee is not some fatuous beverage to be nursed. It's fuel, energy, a shot in the arm. There are few or no stools in a coffee bar and there damn sure ain't any couches. You walk in, put your foot on the rail, remain standing, maybe exchange a few words with the barista; he gives you your drink, you do it like a hot brown shot and then, most importantly, you get the hell out.