This is a weird thread.

I've eaten alone hundreds of times and I've never given it a second thought. I'll eat at the bar if there's a game on TV I'm interested in. Even if there are TVs in the main dining area, it's more fun watching sports at the bar. Otherwise, I like having a larger table/booth than the more cramped bar area. But if it's a 30 minute wait for a table vs getting seated right away at the bar....bar it is.

But aside from that, I find it odd that people put so much thought into it and over-analyze. If a host/ess has an issue with me dining alone, that's their problem, not mine.

As for noise...I'm in a public place where there are a lot of other people talking. It's going to be loud, bar or dining area. If I want quiet, I stay in my hotel room and order food in, or go to the supermarket and buy something to take with me.

If 1/2 the place is empty and they stick you at a "bad table" as a solo, ask for a different table.