I want a dining table with a cubby -- like a school desk

Oh I'm checking out everything! I don't have a spare $2400 for a table.

But the way I look at it -- I can spend half that and buy something now that I won't be entirely happy with or I can wait and get what I want.

The Joinery is pretty cool. They have a catwalk that you can stand on and watch the people build things. (Mo and I have killed a few hours there. It would be fun to watch them build something for us.) I've looked at some of their furniture used so I know it holds up really well. I like to shop local when I can. It has quite a few things going for it.

I'm still open to suggestions if anyone comes across a cubby-table though!

I think you should look into making an addition to an existing (preloved) table.

You should be able to pick one up at goodwill /2nd hand pretty cheap and have a crack at modifying it. (Have mr B take a crack at it).
The worst that can happen is you end up with a dodgy garden/outdoor table/workbench. You could even cover it with pot plants.