Table for one or at the bar, depends on my mood.
At the bar I have to balance my purse or worry about it sticking out behind the chair.
I also don’t drink anything stronger than soda so I feel like I don’t really belong at the bar.
When I do dine alone I tend to eat at the earliest seating, and don’t linger if the restaurant is filled.
I would always go for the table.
For the 4 people who voted “I would never do this”, can you explain? I have a friend who told me that she’d never be caught dining out in a sit-down restaurant alone. She thinks it makes her seem lonely and loser-ish
I used to get a table for 1 all the time when I used to travel a lot - and of course I brought a book. I’ve never felt rushed.
I’ve got a followup question - what type of restaurants do you prefer when eating alone? I tend to steer away from fancy places since it is kind of a waste with no one else to discuss the food with. Sit down chain restaurants or similar non-chain but casual restaurants are my usual choices, with the latter being preferred but relatively rare where I stay. I also try to avoid hotel restaurants because I think they are usually overpriced and because I don’t want to be a captive audience.
I don’t mind eating alone at all but others in my family think it’s the next thing closest to hell. <shrug>
I bring a book and ask for the deuce by the door to the kitchen. I worked in a restaurant so the bustle doesn’t bother me, and most people don’t want it there. Makes me homesick for my old buddies from back then.
Table for one, and I always have a book and/or my iPad. I agree with other posters - I would prefer a larger table because most two-tops barely have room for my food. I dont drink alcohol, so I really don’t want to tie up a bar stool.
I’ve taken a table for one, and eaten at the bar. In my experience, eating a table is peaceful and I’m left alone. If I eat at a bar I have to constantly fend off men who don’t understand I am seeking food/drink and not sex. That really pisses me off, so from now on it’s table for one.
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!
But, but, but…a book IS company! I guess this is really a MMV thing, but I kind of like people watching in short bursts, and then returning to my book.
Places that try to push me into eating at the bar just because I want a table for one will not get my repeat business nor my recommendation.
Only when I used to travel for business. Then it was a table, with a book, in the corner if possible. These days the chances of me choosing to be around people when I don’t have to be approach zero.
I voted never, and while I agree with your friend, my real reason is that I only go to bars and restaurants to appease other people. I almost never have the desire to go to either, so it would never occur to me to go alone.
I voted for never do this, because I love to cook and would always rather make myself a meal than go out alone. I like to eat out occasionally with my husband (like, every couple of months) but if he’s not available, I’d rather cook something, even if it means going to get ingredients. Which it probably wouldn’t, because I also keep a very well stocked pantry and freezer.
However! After high school, I backpacked around Europe for a couple of months alone, and so frequently dined by myself. I generally got a table for one.
I would rather have a table for one. The bar is always too busy and noisy for me. A table for one and my book is all I need to have a nice solo meal.
Prefer the bar, more convivial atmosphere even if I have a book or smartphone with me and don’t want to talk to anyone.
Table for one. Can’t think if I have ever seen anyone eating at a bar in Australia, other than tapas places. Even having a meal in a pub no-one eats at the bar.
I eat alone a fair bit and love it. I can dawdle or wolf down my meal as whim takes me, read while eating, leave when I’m ready and talk to no-one other than to order and exchange pleasantries. None of these are possible with a dining companion.
I will not eat in any establishment that permits smoking in any part of it.
I know I’m in the minority on this board, but I actually like meeting and talking to strangers. I would never consider a solo table but I’ll belly up to the bar in a heartbeat. Heck, even about half the time my wife and I go out we prefer to eat at the bar (obviously not for a special occasion, but if we’re just grabbing a bite somewhere).
In fact, my wife and I were just in Downtown Indy in the days running up to the Superbowl. Everyone “knew” you couldn’t possibly get into any of the good restaurants during prime time without reservations. My wife and I picked a popular spot… walked past all the people waiting by the hostess… found one stool at the bar for my wife, and within 5 minutes the seat next to her opened up. We spent the next hour watching a good game, eating a nice meal, talking to the bartender and trying some of their brews, and chatting with several people from out of town. Much more fun than a book at a small table in my opinion.
Table for one . . . and there’s usually not enough light for a book. But I have no problem eating alone without a book. I’m not a bar-type person, so if the place is crowded and they suggest the bar, I’ll go somewhere else.