Dining Out…Alone
There was a time in the not so distant past when the thought of dining out alone would be cause for cold sweats.
What would people think? Would they stare at me? What do I do? What do I look at?
But, now…I’m over it.
I’ve come to think of this recently, as Kyle and I were eating out a week or so ago, when a solo diner was seated just a couple tables away. This normally wouldn’t catch my attention, except that this particular diner was clearly uncomfortable eating alone.
How do I know?
He talked on his cell phone the entire time. Okay, I get it if you enter the restaurant and you happen to be finishing a call. Actually, no, that’s rude and I don’t understand that either. But let’s say I did. This is a nice restaurant (cloth napkins…you know what I mean) – you just don’t do that.
His talking on the phone was so awkward that the server actually avoided his table for awhile, until it reached to a ridiculous level of avoidance. At that point, she apprehensively approached him to take his order. And what did he do?
He held the phone a couple inches from his ear while he ordered! He then continued talking once she left.
Um, Sir, you might rethink your next solo dining trip and just get take-out.
Tags: restaurants
December 15th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
I agree about the cold-sweats thing. I’ve recently had to get over it or deal with eating alone in my car while parked in a grocery store parking lot (though there are worse things in life, at least I get to pick the music). I do usually have my iphone to keep me company, but in the internet way, not the talking way. I’ll play scrabble or catch up on twitter. This might be rude still, but I at least know to ignore my phone while the server is at the table. Some people…
December 16th, 2009 at 8:49 am
I used to travel for my past jobs and had to dine alone all the time. First I’d only do takeout and bring it back to my hotel room. Then I realized that is way too lonely, so I quickly got over my fear of dining alone. I’d be the one either chatting at the bar or reading a book in the corner depending on my mood.
December 16th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
I don’t mind dining alone at all! I think it started because sometimes it’s more fun to work from bars than coffee shops, and when I was in college, I did a great deal of studying, solo, at Old Chicago, where I’d have a beer and enjoy happy hour from a booth by the window. Years later, I still don’t mind that and will grab a paper or something if I want something to “do” other than watch people (though that’s fun too
).
December 17th, 2009 at 3:38 am
[...] Cannon on how not to dine out alone, Cake Eater Bakery is opening in the former Cliquot Club space, specialty wine shop Vino 100 is [...]
December 17th, 2009 at 7:23 am
One of my favorite breakfast experiences was the first time I ate at Zumbro Cafe. All I had to accompany me was a great cup of coffee, an awesome frittata, a good book and Mr. Bob Marley on the system. It was late morning so their rush was over, but there were still a good number of folks there. Stayed for about and hour and a quarter and was unexpectedly comfortable.
December 17th, 2009 at 7:59 am
That is so awkward when a person dining near you is on their cell phone. For some reason, I can’t tune out their voice, even though everybody else around me is talking, too.
December 17th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I just dined alone last night at Punch. If I’d had a book, I would’ve read it, but I didn’t. So I just sat there placidly eating my delicious pizza, then I left. It was just fine.
December 17th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
M.F.K. Fisher had no second thoughts about eating alone, and neither do I – please! I find it extremely comfortable, and once your server understands that you’re comfortable, there’s nothing in the way of your fantastic evening, eating what you like as long as you like. Cheers!
December 18th, 2009 at 7:23 am
Galamaria – Great point about the server understanding that you’re comfortable when eating alone. I just ate out alone last night and was seated at an oddly placed table that only faced outside. I wouldn’t normally feel so isolated, but it felt like a dunce table. As well, the server could not have been more awkward. You win some; you lose some.
December 18th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Good god! Get over it people. Lots of things in life are just fine done solo, some are even better that way. Don’t talk on the cell, don’t stick your nose in a book. Sit and enjoy the view, the people around you, and the food. If people wonder why you’re alone, who cares? You can’t live your life according to what other people think or expect of you. Put on your best smile, your best attitude, and go out and experience the world. If you smile, others will smile back!
An only-child who learned that going solo is great a long time ago!
December 19th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Dining out is my fave! I used to do it about once/week and now my budget means only 1/month. I’m a people-watcher and an eavesdropper (only with strangers!) so dining out is a fun way to indulge in these bad traits!
December 29th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I’ve had some really fantastic fine dining experiences alone. I think that the service staff get that you’re really there for the food and can be fun dinner companions even if they can’t actually sit down and share your meal.
January 5th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
mgroveland: I agree! I had amazing solo dining experience eating at the bar at 112 Eatery. That’s another great option for solo dining – hit the bar.