Enjoying a Night Out - - Solo

Okay, the other day I was feeling a bit in need of a night out. It was Thursday, my friends are 40 to 1500 miles away from me and gas is $3.87. . . What's a girl to do?! Go to a bar alone.

Now, I know going to a bar alone use to be a sure stamp of desperation or an "out for profit" evening. But it has lost that stigma over the years. Right?

Am I the only woman who can saddle up to a bar and not think twice about an opinion of strangers surrounding me? Probably. Probably not. But, when it's the bar at Pappadeaux's in Bedford, TX (2121 Airport Frwy. 76021 (817) 571-4696 FAX (817) 571-3956) it doesn't matter. Once I looked up and realized I had a prime seat in front of a 72 inch Plasma HDTV all thoughts of people around me ended.

Now, normally I wouldn't give a flying fig about any sporting event. But when I saw Kevin Garnet and that cute Ray Allen flash across the screen, I knew I would be staying.

I ordered the decadent Lobster Bisque, garlic bread and iced tea. The draw back to dining out alone is that I had to forgo the delicious Frothy Fraw (daiquiri with extra vodka) I know and love at Pappadeaux's. As I waited for my food to arrive and the game to begin I was entertained by the Spelling Bee which was on.

I love watching those kids excel, stammer and shrill with glee as they conquer those monstrous words in an effort to secure a scholarship and the brainiac award of the year. Plus that kid who fainted last year was the poster boy for determination. That coupled with the chatter of new relationships building, business men texting and girlfriends dishing was and interesting pre-game distraction.

As my food arrived the game began with the opening high fives, low fives and overt posturing by the players of both teams. Kobe came out looking like the son I never had. Vladimir Radmanovic gave me a headache because his name is too damn long and I sat looking really crazy trying to make sense of the vowel structuring.

Aside from that the seating was perfect, the bisque was awesome and I had a really good time watching the game in the midst of people who are true, die heart, b-ball fans; unlike my pseudo-enthusiastic self. All in all, this was a fantastic night out!

So, if you're a single girl, want a good seat for the playoffs and aren't afraid to venture out alone (and don't own a 72 inch Plasma HDTV) let's put Pappadeaux's down as one of ten great places to go in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and just hang out.

Here are the others for your consideration:

1. Pappadeaux's (just about any of them)

http://www.pappadeaux.com/pdxlocations.htm

1304 Copeland Rd. @ Collins
Arlington TX 76011
(817) 543-0545
FAX (817) 543-0548

** This location always seems to be packed. I was there this evening just to get a carryout and had to wade through dozens of people. They do not have a large screen TV. But there are several TV's at the bar with a decent view from just about any seat. BUT, get there early!

2. Dave & Buster's

http://www.daveandbusters.com/

3. Gloria's

https://gloriasrestaurants.com/location.php

4. Brooklyn's Jazz Café

http://www.brooklynjazzcafe.com/wst_page5.php

5. Sambuca's

http://www.sambucarestaurant.com/

6. Thursday Night's (bring a lawn chair and dinner basket)

http://dallasmuseumofart.org

Jazz Under the Stars

8:00 p.m

Dallas Museum of Arts

Ross Avenue Plaza, Free

1717 North Harwood
Dallas TX 75201

7. Billy Miner's

GET THE CHILI CHEESE DOG!!!

http://cyberrodeo.com/billyminers/

150 W. 3rd Street
Sundance Square
Downtown Fort Worth
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone: 817.877.3301
Fax: 817.336.4133

8. Mi Cocina

http://www.mi-cocinarestaurant.com/

Beautiful atmosphere and the best Mojito I have ever had!

9. Victory Park

http://www.victoryparktheatre.com

They have 13 restaurants to choose from not to mention live entertainment.