I have been single for a long time. I know it’s hard to believe, but it is true. This has never stopped me from living life to its fullest. Sitting home on the couch is just not for me. I decided a long time ago that if I wanted to do something, I would go out and do it even if I was solo. If my friends are busy, it’s no problem. I will venture out on my own. One thing I love is good food, so you may find me eating alone at a restaurant. If you find the idea of this scary, read on for my tips on how to dine unaccompanied successfully.

Eating Alone at a Restaurant for Beginners

I understand it can be intimidating to walk into a restaurant by yourself and have a meal. You may imagine people are staring at you. Trust me. They are not. You may think they are wondering if you are friendless. Again, they aren’t, but it can still be frightening. The easiest way to minimize these fears is to pick a restaurant with a bar area for your first time eating alone at a restaurant.

There are a lot of pros to sitting at the bar. I can pretty much guarantee you will not be the only single person there. Most restaurants serve their full menus at the bar, plus there is often a smaller bar menu too. Depending on the time of day, you may enjoy reduced pricing due to happy hour specials. Bartenders are on hand for a little conversation, and I find fellow bar patrons are open to some small talk. If you don’t drink, you can order a mocktail. I have made many friends at the bar. In La Quinta, two spots with the friendliest bartenders are RDRNNR and Stuft Pizza.

The Next Step to Eating Alone at a Restaurant

So, you have mastered dining at the bar. The next step is enjoying a meal at a table on your own. I especially like sitting in the main dining room when I am trying out a new restaurant for dinner. The service is more focused, and I feel special. Some people like to bring a book, and you can if it makes you more comfortable. It is not needed though. I promise no one will be looking at you. Eating alone at a restaurant, particularly at a nicer establishment, lets you savor the meal as there are no distractions. I even recommend putting away your phone.

I highly suggest you make a reservation. This ensures you won’t have to wait by yourself for a table. Some restaurants don’t allow you to make online reservations for one. I hate this as it sends the message that my money is not welcome. If this is the case and you really want to eat there, call the restaurant instead to make the reservation. If they refuse, try somewhere else. They aren’t worth your time.

Walk in with confidence. Remember, you have the guts to take yourself out for a meal. Whether at a table or at the bar, kindness goes a long way. An extra smile and good manners have landed me a free dessert more than once. If you plan on returning, tipping a little extra makes a memorable impression.

Why Eat Out Alone?

If I never ate out alone, I would have missed out on some amazing food. The pictures above are all incredible dishes I sampled while out on my own. In each case, I had a terrific time and met new people. Give eating alone at a restaurant a try. You may be surprised by how fun it is.

Have you dined solo? Tell me about it in the comments section below.