The Art of Dining Solo
For some unknown reason, society has grown to look at lone diners with curious and sometimes scrutinizing eyes. With the growth of booths for parties of 4 (or more) and larger portions, restaurants have naturally grown to call in guests for dinner for (at least) two and turn away those who have the courage to eat alone.
But why do we need to brace ourselves and spend twenty minutes thinking hard about how to sit, order, and eat alone before settling on ordering a takeout order of pizza and going back to the safety of our couch?
Recently, it's become more and more common to eat solo, but it's still something that brings on reactions fitting for a unicorn sighting or witnessing a robbery.
Sometimes, people in general can be overwhelming, and me-time is something important (and I think necessary) for a healthy mentality and lifestyle. So, here are some tips for your first (and hopefully many more) meal-for-one times to come.
START WITH A COFFEE
Many café's now serve wraps, sandwiches and other bistro style meals that are perfect for eating on your own without drawing too much attention on yourself.
Find a cute little coffee shop and order a cup of joe with a warm panini, situate yourself in a nice seat with a view, and dig in. The nice thing about eating in a coffee shop is that there's no rush. You can enjoy your food and drink without the pressure of having to leave and make room for new customers. (People practically live in Starbucks from Open to Closing time.) There's also the added benefit of having everyone around you engaged in their own business that they couldn't care less that you are there, alone or otherwise.
FOR THE NOVICE:
- Pick a busier and possibly franchised coffee shop like Starbucks or The Coffee Beanery, where drinking and eating alone is quite normal.
- Bring in something to read or watch while you're there. Alone time is enjoying your time alone, so why not read that novel you've been putting off or watch the movie you've had on your Netflix List since last year while you drink your coffee.
- Order something easy to eat. Maybe you don't want to draw attention to yourself by eating a fragrant chilli or a large sandwich you can barely fit into your mouth. Wraps, pastries, or anything you can eat with a fork are pretty safe bets.
LEVEL UP:
- If you're feeling pretty comfortable with eating alone, go find a nice cafe that may not have a lot of customers. As long as the coffee is good, we see no problem with this, but for the novice, the more quiet ambiance may come off eerie and pressuring.
Make a reservation
Despite what people have grown to believe, most establishments don't really give a second thought whether you come in alone or with a larger group. (They may actually prefer solo you as opposed to a party of 10.) For the first time lone diner though, a busy restaurant could seem nerve-racking, from the moment "For one." leaves their lips until the end of the meal (if they can get to it). Making reservations can help alleviate some of this pressure and make your dining experience much more enjoyable. When you call ahead, you've already alerted the restaurant of how many people are coming which gives them time to accommodate you with a smaller table or save you a spot in a more secluded area. But caution: some places may not let you reserve a spot for one person, which means you'll have to muster up some courage and go ask for a spot yourself.
FOR THE NOVICE:
- Start small by going to a local bistro where the place is generally smaller and encourages quicker mealtimes. Other diners will most likely be too busy finishing their meals to be paying any attention to you.
- Pick a time where people usually don't eat. If you make a reservation between 12pm-1:30pm or 6pm-8pm, not only will it be harder to get a spot, but you would have chosen prime times for lunch or dinner. If you have some leeway in your schedule, avoid these hours and opt for a late lunch or early (or late) dinner.
- Opt for a bar seat. If the restaurant you've chosen offers seating at the bar, take it! The stools are meant for one anyway, so you'll draw less attention to yourself if you're sitting away from the crowd. You'll also have some possible company by striking up conversations with other solo diners or bartenders.
LEVEL UP
- Just go to any restaurant you're feeling that night! Lack of dining partners shouldn't stop you from ordering that big plate of pasta or steak dinner you've been craving all day.
- Ditch the reservation and just go. A seat for one is pretty easy to get so don't waste your time by booking separately. You'll also look pretty cool going in alone. Just remember, confidence is key.
Enjoy the view
Everyone always says how much fun "people watching" is, so why not try it while you're enjoying your meal on the patio? Sometimes the most terrifying aspect of dining alone is entering the bustling restaurant interior. On a nice day when it's not too cold or wet, opt for a seat outside where there'll be plenty to enjoy and distract you from worrying about other people's opinions.
FOR THE NOVICE:
- Undercover patios help diners sit outside even when it's windy or snowing. And while this may offer a picturesque view, most customers want the warmth of the inside for the winter months. If the patio is open and you don't mind the cold, maybe a meal outside is a nice change of pace as well as offering even more solitude from other diners.
LEVEL UP:
- Pick a gorgeous day and head to a busy street where you can "people watch" properly. Along with fellow restaurant goers, you can also observe people passing by the restaurant. If they look your way, they're most likely looking at the delicious plate of food in front of you.
Like anything done alone, eating by yourself can be scary and sweat-inducing if you've never done it before. We rely on others greatly, more than we realize. But we guarantee, a few meals a month where you have nothing but your thoughts, good food, a nice glass of wine, and your own company, you'll find yourself appreciating yourself and the time you have away from the stress of small talk and entertaining others.
And we want to remind you: no one really cares if you're eating alone or not so don't pay too much mind! Enjoy your food and your time to yourself. Trust us, it's much needed.
"Dinner alone is one of life's pleasures."
- Laurie Colwin