Having dined alone several hundred times, I cannot remember even one time when there was any awkwardness on the part of any restaurant employee due to the fact that I was dining solo. I also have never noticed a reduced level of service. Often it's markedly better. I seriously wonder if this is a perception issue related to personal feelings about eating alone. I certainly have known many who do not like it, and a few who WILL NOT do it, to the point of missing a meal. Deep strong feelings on this issue for sure.