Table for One: How to Enjoy Dining Alone in a Restaurant

Many years ago, in what now seems like another lifetime, it was rare for anyone to eat in a restaurant alone. It just wasn't proper. If by chance a solo diner flaunted the rules and dared to dine alone, they were regarded with curiosity, annoyance and even contempt.

Times sure have changed. The advent of cross country and world travel, coupled with hectic lives and the increase in the number of single people, has made solo diners a commonplace occurrence. People rarely look twice at someone dining alone. Yet, the solo diner often still feels uncomfortable about eating alone. They sometimes feel as though the entire restaurant is staring at them or worse, feeling sorry for them.

I must confess that I don't quite understand why the solo diner would feel uneasy. Perhaps I have just gotten comfortable doing things alone and don't think twice about dining solo or going to the movies by myself. In any case, my advice for anyone who feels embarrassed about dining alone in a restaurant, is to try to let go of this outdated feeling and embrace the solo dining experience. Honestly, no one else is giving that empty chair at your table a second thought. They're not wondering what's wrong with you that you have to eat out by yourself, so why should you?

If you're single and you like to eat out, but there's no one to accompany you--go alone! Not only that, go out to eat with the intent that you are going to have an enjoyable time, and most likely you will. If it still bothers you that you're dining alone, take along something to do while waiting for your meal. Crossword and Sudoku puzzles, the newspaper, a book, or a small handheld electronic game like 20 Questions are all good ways to pass the time. Anything that is unobtrusive and can be quickly put away once your food arrives is acceptable.

If you prefer a casual atmosphere for your solo dining, look for restaurants that have a counter. Singles flock to the counters like bears to honey, and who knows, you might even meet someone interesting to talk to while you wait. If there isn't counter service, try not to be offended when the waiter gives you that tiny table in the corner. It's not an insult, and they're not trying to make you invisible to the other patrons because you're dining alone. They simply must save the larger tables for bigger parties.

On the other hand, if you go out to eat at a time when the restaurant is completely empty, don't be afraid to request a bigger table in a better location. A good restaurant will have no problem with your request because they want their patrons to have an enjoyable experience whether they're dining alone or with a big group.

The most important thing to remember is that solo dining is nothing to be self-conscious about. No matter what your reason is for wanting (or needing) to eat out alone, you should go to the restaurant with the expectation that it can be a pleasant experience for you. Bon appetit!