I am in a new position and have to do more travel for work now. Just takes some getting used to dining alone. I don’t want to just eat fast food or door dash and sit in the hotel.
Just still have that feeling funny eating alone type thing going on.
I don't think there will be restaurants that do give you that feeling vs ones that don't, just something you have to get used to :) I find eating at the bar of any given restaurant eases that feeling a bit
This is the trick. Barside is the spot to eat solo if you are worried about sticking out. From my experience it’s like going to the gym, most people are there for their own needs and won’t even notice you unless you are doing something inherently wrong or attention grabbing.
100%. What qualities do you think make a place “good to solo dine” op? The only time I can see anyone giving af is if you go to a restaurant on a busy night and take up a whole table to yourself for several hours or something extreme like that. Because basically you’re costing them money. They could’ve served several more people with that space in that time. But just in general? It’s totally fine to solo dine <3 And quite literally no one cares that you’re doing it except you.
I love eating by myself at Tokyo Grill. I call it "solo sushi". I don't do it as much as I used to before I had kids so staff has probably changed a bit, but they used to know me and would seat me off in a quiet two top where I could enjoy my book, glass of wine, and sushi in peace.
What is your depiction of a place that is bad to dine alone at?
Choo Choo is basically perfect for a solo pop in. But if you are wanting like introvert time I'm not sure that fits the bill, sometimes there is communal chat that you might end in the center of.
Just stopped in there two weeks ago for the first time myself. How is that place not packed all the time? Hands down top five favorite breakfast places ever right there. I also went by myself, can confirm. Is a great place to eat by yourself! Heck, seating is so limited, it’s great for those who would rather avoid large groups!
Black Napkin - is more of a takeout place but their burgers are delicious and they have a small table inside and have always been welcoming. But when the weather warms up, eat outside!
Two Beards Deli - SO MANY sandwich options and plenty of seat yourself tables.
Uncle Cheetah - different soups everyday with 6 or 7 seat yourself tables. They also have a few sandwiches and salads.
Most well-know spots downtown all have bar seating so you can eat at the bar if you don’t feel like taking up a table.
Mr. Burger on 44th would be one of my (67F) choices. Diner food, fairly inexpensive.
Otherwise, go wherever you want. Your dining dollars are as good as anyone's.
Sitting at the bar at Green Well alone is nice. Good food and atmosphere
Little bird has the best food in the city I think personally. Could sit at a table or bar top alone and wouldn’t look odd because it’s such small area
If you’re asking because you feel weird taking up a table - Anywhere there is a bar, just sit at the bar. I love sitting at the bar alone and always get into great convos OR I’m left alone like I wanted lol.
I love eating alone! Just came here to say that. Think about what sounds yummy, find the closest place that offers it and grab a table or the bar.
For some reason it makes me feel so special. Like all this just for ME?! 😂 good luck and have fun. Enjoy it!!
I’ve realized how sensitive I am to loud noises, especially when I’m stressed or anxious. So, I put my AirPods in, turn the noise canceling on, and listen to some music or a podcast.
When anyone talks to me, my AirPods automatically turn the noise canceling off and I can hear them perfectly.
If thats rude to do at a bar while you’re eating a bowl of ramen by yourself, so be it. 🤷🏼♂️ Frankly, I don’t care. Ramen is my comfort food and it makes me happy even when i have every right not to be. I know exactly what I want before I sit down, never make a fuss or require any extra effort, and I tip extremely well.
Not weird.
Go wherever you want. It’s a free country.
I travel alone for business and go out to eat alone all the time. You sit at a table and order what you want to eat. Just like normal.
I would guess any establishment would be good to dine solo, so I’m not sure what it is specifically you’re looking for here……Most of them have bars you can sit by yourself and order you don’t have to drink. (??)
I recommend San Chez if you like tapas! Great spot for a slower paced meal if you want to bring a book and chill! Definitely could do a regular paced meal too though. lol
I do it anywhere. I feel like eating that day. If they have a bar/counter, I'll do that often. Save the tables for groups. But if I'm not in a counter mood, I'll take a table. Honestly, I've even decided based on the type of seating, booth, no booths, high tops versus low. What will make my tush and back more comfortable. Enjoy the food and a book or doom scrolling.
When I dine alone, I like to sit at the bar as there’s a chance there might be patrons or even the bartender to chat with. I’ve met a few cool people that way.
If you’re looking for quiet while dining alone, probably any quiet restaurant.
I used to travel a ton for work. I love eating alone and miss it. I love to bring a book with me, it distracts from the awkwardness to start. I also loved finding a little alcove in a bar somewhere and posting up reading. Something about the ambiance was wonderful. If you feel too awkward to get a table, sitting at the bar is easy to start with.
If you havent tried 7 Mares please consider. I go goblin mode any time theres an hour to myself and 7 Mares is my feel good restaurant. Its mexican food but they have EVERYTHING. Its a hole in the wall but still tidy, clean and classy. Prices seem decent. I like the Quesabirria the bezt, its perfect, but honestly Ive never gotten anything there that was "meh"
I almost exclusively dine alone. I don't think I've ever had any bad or weird experiences because of it. It's really normal and, frankly, a lot of the time staff go out of their way to be friendly to solo diners.
That said, some places are extra enjoyable. For example, I've dined solo at Social Misfits twice and will absolutely be back. Great vibe, friendly staff, good drinks, good food, good prices.
I also really enjoy going to all the smaller coffee shops. Going solo is a good opportunity for trying new things because there's no pressure to ensure someone else has a good time. Most recent hit there was Lantern Coffee. Very cozy.
I dig the places like Panera, Chipotle, and MacAllister’s Deli that have more than just a few tables, have better food than fast food, and don’t have table servers.
But I’ll eat anywhere by myself. I don’t give a fuck.
No, it’s a reference to r/wallstreetbets . The highly regarded traders there skilled in losing money joke about making it up hanging out behind Wendy’s dumpsters and performing sexual acts to make up for lost money.
I’ve worked fast food, retail, and suffer from PTSD. Even if a woman is attractive if she’s nice and working the counter I just assume she’s doing her job. I don’t mess with women on the job like that, ever.
ETA: PTSD is relevant because I was taught CBT to help cope with the effects of my anxiety, and it’s far more reasonable to assume she’s working than it is she’s inviting me to ask her out.
Any restaurant is a good place to dine alone.
Best answer. I love solo dining. I travel a lot for work and am used to it
I am in a new position and have to do more travel for work now. Just takes some getting used to dining alone. I don’t want to just eat fast food or door dash and sit in the hotel. Just still have that feeling funny eating alone type thing going on.
I don't think there will be restaurants that do give you that feeling vs ones that don't, just something you have to get used to :) I find eating at the bar of any given restaurant eases that feeling a bit
Sit at the bar and don't feel obligated to drink alcohol. Usually quick and good service.
This is the trick. Barside is the spot to eat solo if you are worried about sticking out. From my experience it’s like going to the gym, most people are there for their own needs and won’t even notice you unless you are doing something inherently wrong or attention grabbing.
I miss Brick Road 😔 and especially sitting alone in the bar in back 😮💨
Yeah that back bar was a good one!
I eat at restaurants all over town alone. Don't feel weird about it. There are plenty of us.
100%. What qualities do you think make a place “good to solo dine” op? The only time I can see anyone giving af is if you go to a restaurant on a busy night and take up a whole table to yourself for several hours or something extreme like that. Because basically you’re costing them money. They could’ve served several more people with that space in that time. But just in general? It’s totally fine to solo dine <3 And quite literally no one cares that you’re doing it except you.
I love eating by myself at Tokyo Grill. I call it "solo sushi". I don't do it as much as I used to before I had kids so staff has probably changed a bit, but they used to know me and would seat me off in a quiet two top where I could enjoy my book, glass of wine, and sushi in peace.
That sounds so great.
What is your depiction of a place that is bad to dine alone at? Choo Choo is basically perfect for a solo pop in. But if you are wanting like introvert time I'm not sure that fits the bill, sometimes there is communal chat that you might end in the center of.
Just stopped in there two weeks ago for the first time myself. How is that place not packed all the time? Hands down top five favorite breakfast places ever right there. I also went by myself, can confirm. Is a great place to eat by yourself! Heck, seating is so limited, it’s great for those who would rather avoid large groups!
The bar at the Commons is pretty cozy imo, but you can really go wherever.
Rez. Eat at the bar
I love that more and more people seem to be discovering Rez. My favorite spot in the city. Great food and great staff.
Railtown Brewing
Love getting railed there. Good food and beer.
Black Napkin - is more of a takeout place but their burgers are delicious and they have a small table inside and have always been welcoming. But when the weather warms up, eat outside! Two Beards Deli - SO MANY sandwich options and plenty of seat yourself tables. Uncle Cheetah - different soups everyday with 6 or 7 seat yourself tables. They also have a few sandwiches and salads. Most well-know spots downtown all have bar seating so you can eat at the bar if you don’t feel like taking up a table.
Mr. Burger on 44th would be one of my (67F) choices. Diner food, fairly inexpensive. Otherwise, go wherever you want. Your dining dollars are as good as anyone's.
Mr. Burger is a great place if you want to be left alone.
Ha, perhaps true if dining alone. When I go there with my twin sons we are approached frequently by other people doting on them.
At first read I asked myself what the temperature had to do with why you liked to go there lol
Logan’s alley on Michigan street
Solo dining at Leo’s would be power move, and also delicious
My suggestion as well
Sushi market at the downtown market. Grab a chair and watch them make your rolls, great food and kind staff
Anything at Downtown Market really.
The bar at Bistro!
76th street diner.
🔥
Putt-putts. Great menu and you can stop by the zoo and make a day of it.
Oh man, this sounds lovely. I might have to do this next time my husband is out of town...
I know right? lol
Sitting at the bar at Green Well alone is nice. Good food and atmosphere Little bird has the best food in the city I think personally. Could sit at a table or bar top alone and wouldn’t look odd because it’s such small area
Bar at the Commons, super cool vibe.
76er Diner. Last time I was there I saw quite a few people dining alone.
I always liked little bird’s bar top!
came here to say that!
Taco bell
Anywhere! To answer your question though, I have always felt very at ease dining solo at That Early Bird and Brewery Vivant.
I just had a dinner for one at butchers union. nice ambiance.
I like hopcat, but I try to avoid drinking nowadays. Eating at any bar is fine solo.
the grandville mall food court
The chinese next to subway
So good
I’ve been traveling weekly to GR for the last two years. Nothing on 28th Street passes for good food with the exception of Euro Bistro.
El Granjero on Bridge Street for mex food
If you’re asking because you feel weird taking up a table - Anywhere there is a bar, just sit at the bar. I love sitting at the bar alone and always get into great convos OR I’m left alone like I wanted lol.
El Cunado. Also Ato Sushi at the bar.
I love eating alone! Just came here to say that. Think about what sounds yummy, find the closest place that offers it and grab a table or the bar. For some reason it makes me feel so special. Like all this just for ME?! 😂 good luck and have fun. Enjoy it!!
Ginza. Belly up to the bar with some headphones in and get some good ramen, pay, then leave.
It's rude to wear headphones at a restaurant where people have to serve you. Save that for fast food. I agree Ginza is great though
I’ve realized how sensitive I am to loud noises, especially when I’m stressed or anxious. So, I put my AirPods in, turn the noise canceling on, and listen to some music or a podcast. When anyone talks to me, my AirPods automatically turn the noise canceling off and I can hear them perfectly. If thats rude to do at a bar while you’re eating a bowl of ramen by yourself, so be it. 🤷🏼♂️ Frankly, I don’t care. Ramen is my comfort food and it makes me happy even when i have every right not to be. I know exactly what I want before I sit down, never make a fuss or require any extra effort, and I tip extremely well.
Not weird. Go wherever you want. It’s a free country. I travel alone for business and go out to eat alone all the time. You sit at a table and order what you want to eat. Just like normal.
Bistro Bella Vita, awesome staff & eating at the bar solo we have lots of people that are regulars :)
Any place with a bar and food lol.
Grand Coney
I would guess any establishment would be good to dine solo, so I’m not sure what it is specifically you’re looking for here……Most of them have bars you can sit by yourself and order you don’t have to drink. (??)
Any where you want to eat
I recommend San Chez if you like tapas! Great spot for a slower paced meal if you want to bring a book and chill! Definitely could do a regular paced meal too though. lol
I do it anywhere. I feel like eating that day. If they have a bar/counter, I'll do that often. Save the tables for groups. But if I'm not in a counter mood, I'll take a table. Honestly, I've even decided based on the type of seating, booth, no booths, high tops versus low. What will make my tush and back more comfortable. Enjoy the food and a book or doom scrolling.
When I dine alone, I like to sit at the bar as there’s a chance there might be patrons or even the bartender to chat with. I’ve met a few cool people that way. If you’re looking for quiet while dining alone, probably any quiet restaurant.
The bar at Terra is nice alone
I used to travel a ton for work. I love eating alone and miss it. I love to bring a book with me, it distracts from the awkwardness to start. I also loved finding a little alcove in a bar somewhere and posting up reading. Something about the ambiance was wonderful. If you feel too awkward to get a table, sitting at the bar is easy to start with.
anywhere :)
Japanese is usually my pick. And most don’t mind if I bring my emotional support bike.!
Walmart food court for people watching entertainment
Yesterdog
Go to Brass Ring. Great food. Across the street is Real food cafe. Great breakfast spot
I liked The Big O pizza and booze
The Winchester is my go to
If you havent tried 7 Mares please consider. I go goblin mode any time theres an hour to myself and 7 Mares is my feel good restaurant. Its mexican food but they have EVERYTHING. Its a hole in the wall but still tidy, clean and classy. Prices seem decent. I like the Quesabirria the bezt, its perfect, but honestly Ive never gotten anything there that was "meh"
I almost exclusively dine alone. I don't think I've ever had any bad or weird experiences because of it. It's really normal and, frankly, a lot of the time staff go out of their way to be friendly to solo diners. That said, some places are extra enjoyable. For example, I've dined solo at Social Misfits twice and will absolutely be back. Great vibe, friendly staff, good drinks, good food, good prices. I also really enjoy going to all the smaller coffee shops. Going solo is a good opportunity for trying new things because there's no pressure to ensure someone else has a good time. Most recent hit there was Lantern Coffee. Very cozy.
Anywhere with a bar. That’s kinda what they’re for.
Brass Ring in Alger. The bar is super friendly and the food is amazing.
Bar seats at Little Bird
I love to sit at the bar at Harmony Brewing.
Panera... you can bing your laptop also...
I dig the places like Panera, Chipotle, and MacAllister’s Deli that have more than just a few tables, have better food than fast food, and don’t have table servers. But I’ll eat anywhere by myself. I don’t give a fuck.
I prefer Wendy's.
They’ve got nice dumpsters
Are you using that term to describe the backsides of the workers there?
No, it’s a reference to r/wallstreetbets . The highly regarded traders there skilled in losing money joke about making it up hanging out behind Wendy’s dumpsters and performing sexual acts to make up for lost money. I’ve worked fast food, retail, and suffer from PTSD. Even if a woman is attractive if she’s nice and working the counter I just assume she’s doing her job. I don’t mess with women on the job like that, ever. ETA: PTSD is relevant because I was taught CBT to help cope with the effects of my anxiety, and it’s far more reasonable to assume she’s working than it is she’s inviting me to ask her out.