Tips for dining solo
I’ll admit, even after all these years of sneaking in to do food reviews or just having no other single friends to eat with, I still sometimes flinch at the thought of eating alone. Depending on the restaurant, there’s a certain self-consciousness that I need to get past, especially in Hawaii.
You probably won’t be going out solo today — Valentine’s Day — since a seat at most restaurants will be scarce and there’s security in numbers when you’re inevitably going to be surrounded by happy (?) couples. But for the rest of the year, here are some tips for enjoying your own company.
Make reservations, if possible. Sometimes if the restaurant knows you’re arriving alone, they’ll seat you in a spot where you’ll feel more comfortable and less conspicuous. On the other hand, if you don’t get to make reservations, not to worry. It’s almost always easier to get a seat for a solo diner in a busy restaurant than it is for a group.
Sit at the bar. This is probably the most common tip from veteran solo diners. You can watch the kitchen staff or make friends with the bartenders, it’s a little more casual, and you’re most likely to be surrounded by other singletons. This isn’t to say you can’t sit where you want; if the restaurant is homey, I may take a table. Places with good bar areas for solo diners: Doraku Sushi, Jade Dynasty, Hiroshi, Goma Tei.
Bring reading or writing material. Thank goodness for the advent of smartphones, so I can surf the internet to keep myself busy. And since I’m often gathering information for my blog, you’ll find me scribbling into a notebook or typing into my phone. But if I’m traveling, I might also have a guidebook handy so I can get situated. At some places, I may even bust out my laptop, if the table is big enough. Places that have enough tables and space for my laptop: Yogurstory (free wifi), Good to Grill (free wifi), Giovanni Pastrami, Bac Nam.
Project confidence. This was hard for me at first, but you get used to it. All it took was a couple of times where the staff gave me pitiful looks or pats on the arm to make me want to show the world that I was okay with it. Exude confidence that commands the respect you deserve, and the restaurant staff will give it to you.
Make friends. Dining solo is the perfect opportunity to chat up other people around you, especially if you’re seated at the bar. On the other hand, if you’re a woman and don’t want to be bothered…
Buy a fake engagement ring. I have three fake engagement rings that I keep on hand, just in case. If you follow me on Twitter, you may be familiar with the incident at Palace Station’s Oyster Bar, where the trucker wanted to hook up within five minutes of sitting next to me. That’s not quite the dinner conversation I’d hoped for!
What about you? Do you have tips for dining solo, or favorite places that don’t make you feel conspicuous? Let us know!
