Restaurants with the "party of one"
Oct 28, 2014, 9:05 pm
#32
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 4,329
I often dine alone when traveling on business. In such situations I tend to sit at the restaurant's bar-- assuming a reasonable menu of food is offered there. Service is faster, as there's usually no waiting to sit and it's easier to flag the bartender's attention when I'm ready to order than it is to catch a waiter's attention. Sitting at the bar also offers opportunities to socialize, both with the bartender and with fellow customers.
Oct 28, 2014, 10:33 pm
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
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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.
Oct 29, 2014, 7:18 am
#34
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Mass
Programs: Independent
Posts: 4,829
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 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.
Oct 29, 2014, 4:32 pm
#35
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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 do hate the question of "anyone else joining you?". It does have a negative connotation to it.
Oct 29, 2014, 6:17 pm
#36
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Northern California
Programs: UA Premier Gold, 1.5 Million Mile Flyer
Posts: 3,547
Oct 30, 2014, 11:18 am
#37
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: EWR-SEA-IAD
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Posts: 977
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.
Oct 31, 2014, 8:19 am
#38
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: SAN
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Posts: 23,315
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 do hate the question of "anyone else joining you?". It does have a negative connotation to it.
Oct 31, 2014, 8:26 am
#39
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,438
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.
Oct 31, 2014, 8:35 am
#40
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Mass
Programs: Independent
Posts: 4,829
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.
Sometimes bars with small booths when you can find them are better.
Oct 31, 2014, 12:56 pm
#43
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: SAN
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Posts: 23,315
American bars are a place to hit on the opposite sex and/or get drunk.
Oct 31, 2014, 1:54 pm
#44
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Nov 10, 2014, 7:48 pm
#45
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 12 stops from ORD
Programs: UA, AA, DL
Posts: 992
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.