Going to restaurants alone

[FidelCashflow]

Going out to a nice restaurant seems to be viewed as a social thing. Is it weird for someone to just go to a nice restaurant by themselves? Would you do it? Would you think someone is some kind of weirdo/loner if you saw them by themselves at a nice restaurant?

Just curious what other people think about this.

 

[tiecollector]

I do it all the time. I have had some luck picking up chicks along the way. Sometimes I enjoy eating alone sometimes it is lonely. I suppose it is a little weird seeing people eating alone in nicer restaurants.

 

[Notreknip]

No offence intended, but didn't we just cover a good portion of this discussion in this thread (http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=59564) also on the first page?

 

[Karo]

I have no problem eating alone.

But for a nice restaurant; wouldn't it be more of an overall experience like the atmosphere, the company, or the 'pride' of dining in a fancy restaurant with someone. I probably wouldn't dine alone unless the food is devine or have deep pockets.

 

[SoCal2NYC]

No problem at all with it.

Best place in NYC is L'Atelier Joel Rubchon at the Four Seasons.

 

[JayJay]

I enjoy dining alone on occasion and even prefer it. It happens most when I'm on business travel but I'll do it locally, too.

It doesn't bother me to dine alone but I've had a few experiences when it seemed to bother others. For example I've had servers offer to bring me something to read, which I always decline. I've had on lookers make comments about how it must be awful dining alone. Servers at upscale restaurants often prefer that I eat at the bar, if available, which I also decline. People sometimes seem not to understand that I've chosen to dine alone, and that I enjoy it.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by SoCal2NYC

Best place in NYC is L'Atelier Joel Rubchon at the Four Seasons.

I agree, it's definitely one of the best.

 

[crazyquik]

Occasionally someone will think you're a food critic.

 

[blackplatano]

At worst, you can look lonely. At best you can look like a connoisseur.

 

[Gus]

I do it all the time when I travel. I find that I can use the opportunity to take more time to talk with the hostess (especially if she is cute) , the waiter, bus boys, etc. By giving them more attention I get more attention from them and an enjoyable dining experience.

 

[Roikins]

Originally Posted by JayJay

I enjoy dining alone on occasion and even prefer it. It happens most when I'm on business travel but I'll do it locally, too.

It doesn't bother me to dine alone but I've had a few experiences when it seemed to bother others. For example I've had servers offer to bring me something to read, which I always decline. I've had on lookers make comments about how it must be awful dining alone. Servers at upscale restaurants often prefer that I eat at the bar, if available, which I also decline. People sometimes seem not to understand that I've chosen to dine alone, and that I enjoy it.

Wow, that's never happened to me. Most staff give me better attention when I'm alone and are more likely to strike-up a conversation, thinking that I'm "in the industry" or just a person who really appreciates food and should have good service. And yes, lots of people will think you're a critic -- on a few occasions I've had people stop at my table as they were leaving to ask who I wrote for, and even had a woman seat herself at my table mid-meal to ask me what I thought of the food and if I could recommend other good restaurants in the area since I must be a critic. What's interesting is that when I return to a restaurant I've eaten at alone, the staff usually remembers who I am since I've had time to talk to them, and they provide even better service, often times sending freebies along, like a few cocktails or an extra course. It's positive reinforcement like that which makes me not care about dining alone.

 

[greg_atlanta]

It's awkward if the restaurant is busy, and the waitstaff will hate you since you're hogging up a table with room for two or more and reducing their potential tip. But it's perfect for a late lunch or slow weeknight -- you'll normally be served faster.

 

[Gus]

I have known two major newspaper food critics. They NEVER dinned alone! It is funny that it is the perception.

 

[Violinist]

Originally Posted by FidelCashflow

Going out to a nice restaurant seems to be viewed as a social thing. Is it weird for someone to just go to a nice restaurant by themselves? Would you do it? Would you think someone is some kind of weirdo/loner if you saw them by themselves at a nice restaurant?

Just curious what other people think about this.

So you flew solo to Mr. Chow?

 

[matadorpoeta]

Originally Posted by tiecollector

I do it all the time. I have had some luck picking up chicks along the way. Sometimes I enjoy eating alone sometimes it is lonely. I suppose it is a little weird seeing people eating alone in nicer restaurants.

i can't believe there is a nice restaurant in sacramento.