It's probably so obvious that it isn't worthy of mention, but "party of one" always strikes me as the ultimate oxymoron.

Totally agree with this especially now that smoking isn't allowed at the bar. I like the friendly service of the bar and find the bartenders to be very attentive to solo diners.

I have no objection to being seated at the bar. From the restaurant's point of view, if I sit at a table, they'll get only one cover for two seats, whereas they get maximum occupancy at the bar (or at communal tables). I respect that in busy establishments.

I tend to find it more uncomfortable. I hate the high seating and the lack of comfortable foot space at most bars, seating is too tight, and if I wanted to be seated next to someone I could just share a table. Plus I tend to find that unless the restaurant is dead, the bartenders tend to have too much to do to concentrate on serving food, and often aren't very knowledgeable about the menu.

I have, on the flip side, had some nice experiences eating at the bar. But that has always been during non-busy times with particularly interesting people sitting there.

I travel alone a lot so I'm often dining alone and I don't want a seat at the bar. I've found that if I'm reading a book when the server ambles by, they'll assume I'm solo and I'll get attention quickly.

I do hate the question of "anyone else joining you?". It does have a negative connotation to it.

I vastly prefer the higher seating at bars. I would rather eat at the bar even when I'm not alone in almost all cases.

Yeah high end places are the worst when it comes to awkwardness. Which is why my wallet thanks me when I try to find a cheap alternative thats just as good. Not always successful in that regard, but sometimes you'd be surprised.

I ate on my own two nights ago for the first time in a while. I deliberately selected the quietest part of the bar so I could read in peace and eat/drink at my own pace with little to no interruption. Unfortunately it filled quickly with the local society types so my peace was interrupted a little but the book certainly helps avoid that feeling of being on one's own.

I now substitute my iphone for the book in that situation. Greatest time killer there is

That's another problem with eating at the bar. There can be a lot of commotion, and you end up squeezed in. And it feels awkward sometimes when everyone else all around you is socializing over just drinks and you are trying to eat a meal.

Sometimes bars with small booths when you can find them are better.

That only works where there is a signal :p

I wonder why there isn't an equivalent of British pubs, where you can get food, and going by yourself isn't weird.

It's historical - british inns formed the heart of british rural and urban life where people congregated and ate/drank socially. They also served as rest stops for travellers.

American bars are a place to hit on the opposite sex and/or get drunk.

Agreed. A newspaper or crossword puzzle also does the trick ^

It's only weird because you're making it weird.


:rolleyes: Uh. No. Disagree. I eat at bars on my own at least a couple times a month. It's all about what you make it. You can socialize with the bar staff and the others sitting at the bar, or you can stare at your phone or a TV and not say a word to anyone.