# Dining out alone **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 9, 2012, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338 "2012-02-09T19:50:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Ahoy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/50afbb/32.png) [@Ahoy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ahoy)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/41 "2012-02-10T06:42:02Z")
I like eating alone but I do travel a lot. I don’t mind doing my own thing when my wife goes off to do things with her friends or takes the kids, and I do like to eat. I like eating breakfast alone more than eating dinner alone, but it’s not a big deal or anything. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/42 "2012-02-10T12:29:31Z")
I eat out at restaurants by myself a lot, maybe over 300 times a year. If the bar looks comfortable I’ll go with the bar, but a table by myself is fine, too. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/43 "2012-02-10T13:10:11Z")
I voted table. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten at a bar, and given my hatred of tall stools, I don’t think I ever will. Just tuck me in a quiet corner and keep my glass full. ---
**Author:** ![kittenblue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ba8739/32.png) [@kittenblue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kittenblue)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/44 "2012-02-10T13:23:00Z")
I dislike having my feet dangling, and I feel conspicuous enough without being (possibly) the one person eating a full meal at the bar while everyone around me is drinking and laughing and jostling and the bartender is standing right in front of me half the time. Give me a table with room for my coat, purse and space for a book, and my feet touching the floor. ---
**Author:** ![Tapiotar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3be4f8/32.png) [@Tapiotar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapiotar)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/45 "2012-02-10T13:24:54Z")
Ditto the posters who mentioned awkwardness of the purse, the discomfort of high bar stools, and the lack of space for books and journals. I like a table with room for writing, as I love to write in cafes and restaurants (if the latter isn’t busy – I won’t take up a table for non-eating pursuits if it is). Also, I can’t quite get over feeling sleazy if I sit at a bar alone, even though I have attained an age and figure that keep men from hitting on me much anymore. ---
**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/46 "2012-02-10T13:35:54Z")
It depends. Since I tend to drop by neighborhood places at off times, there’s usually a small table or booth available. Of course I bring a book! In a surprising move, a number of upscale places have been opening up nearby. Not all white tablecloth formal, but a step above the Tex-Mex/Burger/Cajun/Italian favorites. There, the bar is a good bet. I can have a couple of nice glasses of wine, locally brewed beers or “artisanal” cocktails. And a tasty appetizer or other small dish. Often I’ll read but will sometimes talk to the bartender if he isn’t busy–or even with other guests; these places don’t attract many douchebags & I generally look like I’m more up for conversation than a quick screw. (And those places tend to have comfortable barstools–with backs & places for your feet.) Tip well & you’re a “regular” by the second visit! (Houston banned smoking in restaurants & bars some time ago; smokers can brave the occasional cold or not so occasional scorching heat to smoke on the patio.) ETA: Who “writes” in cafes any more? The formerly buzzing bohemian cafes are now filled with the silent tapping of fingers on keyboards… ---
**Author:** ![Tapiotar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3be4f8/32.png) [@Tapiotar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapiotar)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/47 "2012-02-10T13:43:35Z")
> [@Bridget\_Burke](#): > > ETA: Who “writes” in cafes any more? The formerly buzzing bohemian cafes are now filled with the silent tapping of fingers on keyboards… I do. I journal by hand, on good paper with a good pen, and I write first drafts by hand. More visceral, more creative for me. I edit when i transcribe into my computer. ---
**Author:** ![Scubaqueen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c0e974/32.png) [@Scubaqueen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scubaqueen)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/48 "2012-02-10T19:00:39Z")
> [@butler1850](#): > > When I traveled on business, it was always dining at the bar. I’m not going to tie up a table on a server, when I can grab a single chair at the bar to eat, and linger afterwards with another beer. Like Moonlitherial, book in hand, and I’m good to go. This. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/49 "2012-02-10T20:00:58Z")
I love dining alone. As long as it is not crowded, I take a table and a book. ---
**Author:** ![tr0psn4j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/958977/32.png) [@tr0psn4j](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tr0psn4j)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/50 "2012-02-10T20:38:58Z")
I usually get a table for one. Barstools are uncomfortable. It feels weird sitting that high up. I don’t mind eating at bars but I rarely do it. When I’m in the mood for a dinner from a restaurant and don’t have company, I’ll usually just order it to go and eat it at home while talking to friends online. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/51 "2012-02-10T21:27:28Z")
The only place I’m likely to be eating alone where this would be an issue is at California Pizza Kitchen. (Otherwise, I’d be going to local Indian or Thai places that don’t have bars.) My local CPK is laid out so that every customer is led in through a narrow channel between the bar and a low wall. Eating at the bar means having people constantly brushing by your back. No thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/52 "2012-02-10T21:50:16Z")
> [@zombywoof](#): > > I also tend to stay away from fancy places when eating by myself (except sushi bars), I never eat at chains and usually am more comfortable at “casual” (often ethnic) places, always bring something to read and can’t think of a time I’ve ever been rushed - BUT it sounds like you’re talking about business travel? In that case I wouldn’t hesistate to eat solo at the nicest/most interesting places my per diem would cover! It’s not the money. I just don’t feel a book is appropriate at a place where you should be concentrating on the food, and I much prefer company for a high class meal. I’ve been traveling on business for over 30 years, and the chance of finding a good looking non-chain place is a lot lower than it used to be. I’ve been to lots of sushi bars which I wouldn’t call fancy. They are definitely high on my list, and are seldom chains which is another plus. ---
**Author:** ![Purd\_Werfect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e47c2d/32.png) [@Purd\_Werfect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Purd_Werfect)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/53 "2012-02-10T22:22:35Z")
Generally I prefer to eat at a table rather than the bar, and I prefer to drink at the bar rather than at a table. I always bring a book and I enjoy dining alone as much or more than with companions. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/54 "2012-02-10T22:42:56Z")
For me, food never took much concentration. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2012, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/55 "2012-02-11T22:10:16Z")
Always the bar for me. I can eat, play with the iPhone, and maybe chat if I’m in the mood. That is where the tvs are going to be, so I’ll watch a game as well. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/56 "2012-02-12T22:18:54Z")
Table for one, please. I do this from time to time and it never bothers me. And if I’m smart I’ll have remembered to bring along a book! ---
**Author:** ![SharkB8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/977dab/32.png) [@SharkB8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SharkB8)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/57 "2012-02-12T22:24:13Z")
Bar and BS with the bartender. They’re people, too. ---
**Author:** ![Lanzy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/74df32/32.png) [@Lanzy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lanzy)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338/58 "2012-02-12T22:43:07Z")
Table, there always seems to be some stupid sports on the TV at the bar. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dining-out-alone/612338.md?page=2)