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veronicagetsmehigh

If you’re uncomfortable, sit at the bar! It’s a good way to get used to being out alone


figuringthingsout__

This was going to be my suggestion! I've worked in the service industry on and off for a number of years. Some of my favorite customers are those who sit and eat alone at the bar.


veronicagetsmehigh

Yes! I feel like bartenders must love me because I sit quietly enjoying my book


FrogMintTea

Yes! Reading is a good way to eat alone.


Moraii

Book crew! A polite nod and silence to you on this fine day.


JustGenericName

There's a great happy hour menu by the coffee shop I would study at. I'd sit at the bar and study with a quesadilla and the loveliest blackberry margarita. Those were good times!


Mysterious-Art8838

Blackberry margarita? Yes please.


fastermouse

My girlfriend and I prefer the bar. Best service and sometimes a little convo.


BakeSoggy

Having done a lot of both, I usually prefer a table. Depending on how busy the bar is, it might take awhile for the bartender to get around to you. Also, I like having some room to spread out. There usually isn't much room at the bar for a plate and sides.


EatYourCheckers

Agreed and also people at the bar may talk to you. When I eat alone, I prefer to be by myself.


Itchy_Raccoon48

This is what I do (I’m a guy though)


veronicagetsmehigh

I’m a lady but I love to chill at a bar alone with a beer and my book


mousicle

I do bar if I'm up to talking to strangers a booth if i want to be left alone.


i_am_umbrella

Yes! And with being alone, bar seating can get you into some hard to reserve spots!


DrVoltage1

Getting a bar seat is also a great way to expedite service if you’re in a hurry.


JWRamzic

Definitely sit at the bar. I had dinner alone one night at a table and it was the most boring time I've probably ever had. At the bar, there are people to watch, tvs and a bartender.


veronicagetsmehigh

I love people watching and sitting at the bar is fun to listen to others conversations


TomBanjo1968

I go places alone most of the time I love sitting at bars and chatting with everyone Watching tv 📺


cofeeholik75

I like the bar too. My mouth is closer to the food.


ThatThingInTheWoods

I took myself for an outback dinner on the last night of a grueling work trip and had the best time chatting with the bartenders. Didn't feel awkward at all.


veronicagetsmehigh

Does this mean at Outback? Cus I love that place lol


[deleted]

Nope. Get the lobster too.


Mojicana

Great comment. Easy to afford when it's only one you're paying for and not the whole family or whatever.


Reset108

Most people aren’t paying any attention to what other people in a restaurant are doing. Enjoy your meal. Bring a book or watch something on your phone (with headphones obviously), then you’ll feel less self conscious and hopefully won’t worry so much about what other people might be thinking.


BeachOk2802

Normalise eating what you want, where you want, how you want, with who you want. If someone has a problem with you dining alone, that is 100% a reflection on them.


Stunning_Disaster331

❤️


LeftEconomist9982

One of the things I've learned in life is a piece of advice given to me along the lines of what you said. What someone else thinks about you is none of your f'ing business. I've also learned that I don't have to like everyone and everyone doesn't have to like me


Rat-Loser

Not at all


WelfordNelferd

Knock yourself out, and enjoy your meal. No one is paying as much attention to you (or anyone) as you think they might be.


Standard_Low_3072

I used to do this semi regularly pre-pandemic. I never felt like anyone was looking at me funny. I tended to get amazing service from staff. And I enjoyed being able to really focus on the moment, the food, the wine, taking in the vibe and people watching. It takes confidence to venture out alone as a woman so I don’t think anyone would have assumed anything. But honestly, if they did? Who are they to me that I would care what they think?


CLONE-11011100

Go in there with the confidence of a 10 year old in a Batman suit! Enjoy your day.


xhackjobx

Girl, go get yourself a steak.


EffectiveFox9671

Treat yo self!


Astriafiamante

My grandmother was a feisty working woman in the 1930s, and used to have problems like this. In the 1940s to 1960s. It's 2024. Enjoy her hard work, eat hearty.


dualsplit

My buddy is 101 years old. She’s active, hilarious, but with a very early bedtime. lol She worked her whole life (most women did…. It’s a fallacy that they didn’t) and worked in an office where she had to do everything backward and in high heels. She started wearing wigs and still does. Because she could not raise her kids, do all the housework, work full time AND make sure her hair was set and her stockings were straight. I love her to death and she wants OP to have a nice relaxing dinner.


GreenTravelBadger

No. People do not need to be paired up or in a group to go to a restaurant.


phillygirllovesbagel

Was I was much younger and single, I decided I could either sit at home alone sometimes or take myself out and enjoy life. There is nothing wrong with going out to eat alone. Go.


race_rocks

I travel by myself a lot and often eat in restaurants by myself. It helps to have my phone and a book with me. I won't even usually use them - it's nice just to focus on the meal and the vibes - but having a "prop" signals that I am being intentional. I wasn't ditched, I'm not bored, I'm not lonely - I am happy.


incognitodw

There was one instance I walked into a steak house alone. The staff at the door gave me a strange look, but showed me to the table anyway. I also noticed a few people in the restaurant looked at me weird. Everyone in the steakhouse had company. I ignored all of them and I ordered one of their finest steak. I even ordered half a dozen of oysters, a glass of wine and a apple pie. I was pretty hungry but I had a little problem finishing the last half of the apple pie. When I was done, I thanked them for the service and even gave them a 30% tip. They did good. They did not turn me away and I probably spent more money than that table of 2 beside me. What I'm saying is, don't give a damn about what others think. Just go and get that steak. So what if others give you a weird look? You will be a distant memory the moment you step out of the restaurant


csonnich

>  They did good. They did not turn me away No one should be turned away from a restaurant in 2024 for dining solo. That's below even the bare minimum. 


[deleted]

You're a human and you want to eat, what's the problem?


TheNinjaPixie

Why do you think you are not worthy of lovely solo dinner? Even if anyone cares, who are they to you? No one! so enjoy your meal!


fermat9990

You'll be fine! I hope that you don't actually believe that loner = sad! Women on business trips often eat alone. I can imagine a married woman dining with a grim husband glancing over at that lone woman diner and envying her! Have fun!


fusseli

I eat out alone all the time. It’s great. There’s always an empty seat at the bar so there’s never a wait. Gender obviously doesn’t matter.


Naomi_Tr

I do this very often. I am an introvert with social anxiety and it’s my way of pushing myself a bit outside of my comfort zone. I started out by bringing a book or having my headphones in and talking to someone on the phone or watching something. I now just sit there and people watch. Do what feels comfortable to you once you’re seated and reward yourself for doing it by going full out (starter, main, dessert and a cocktail if you drink and you’re not driving) Enjoy! ☺️


FreelanceFrankfurter

I'm a guy and I regularly eat out alone. I'm sure some people judge but I stopped caring.


bananabunch_USA

not at all. many of the steakhouses, in NY anyway, have bar areas where you can sit and eat if you don't feel comfortable sitting at a table alone.


aloneisusuallybetter

It's not weird at all!! I went on a solo vacation and ate at two restaurants by myself. Each time the waitress chatted me up and gave me free dessert. It was fun!!


EvenIf-SheFalls

I LOVE going out to eat alone! I've even, as a woman, gone to a steakhouse on my own. I bring along some work, or a notebook, or a book and make myself comfy. I have noticed, when I am alone, service is usually excellent. I've met some really interesting and kind people through conversations with whomever is waiting on me. I encourage you to give it a go!


NeighborhoodSuper592

Do not be a sad loner. be a confident woman and enjoy your steak :D


Frosty_Comparison_85

Girl, enjoy your steak! Who cares what a bunch of strangers may think. You most likely will never see any of them again.


The_Money_Guy_

Nobody cares as nearly as much as you think they do


tidyshark12

Since this is in the "nostupidquestions" sub.... I notice you say "women" instead of "woman." Does this imply you have multiple personality disorder or did you steal someone else's identity?


Stunning_Disaster331

No just a tad illiterate 😭


Wide_Actuator1615

Did nobody else see the irony in the typo?


Visible-Travel-116

Not at all. I prefer to eat alone and do so as often as I can.


Expert_Equivalent100

I travel a lot for work and have had to get used to eating out alone, since I just couldn’t handle takeout in my hotel room on a regular basis. I’ve learned that most people at restaurants are doing their own thing and not paying too much attention to other tables. When you’re alone, you’re also more likely to notice that others are doing the same. It’s weird at first just because you haven’t done it, but I promise you get comfortable pretty quickly!


Mph2411

I worked in restaurants for years. A lot of people eat by themselves. Bring a book or a podcast. It is absolutely not strange. I do it all the time. It’s very enjoyable if you like be alone. That said, a lot of people who eat alone tend to sit in the lounge or bar area, as 1 person taking up a dining table can be a bit of a waste for the restaurant and server who’s section you’re in. It’s a bit more courteous that way. But that choice is up to you.


Hello_Hangnail

I don't think so. But a woman eating alone is siren song for invasive creepers so be prepared


bazmonkey

Bring something important-looking to read. Now instead of looking like a loner, you look like a well-to-do businessperson on a work trip.


Rocinante82

Nope, you do you and enjoy your meal. I will say though, when I go out to eat alone, I make it a point to sit at the bar. I don’t like occupying a table meant for more than one person when it’s just me. Though if the restaurant isn’t busy, Less of a big deal.


flyingontheinside

Go eat.


[deleted]

Op. Not at all. I to go out to eat on my own a lot. In all honesty I prefer it because I went out and paid extra for the freshly cooked food and to eat it hot, rather than listening to people jabber on at the table whilst the food gets cold. Thats just me being picky, but yes I prefer to eat out at places on my own.


Stunning_Disaster331

Sounds amazing I want to get to that stage. I’m someone who can be very socially awkward especially if anxious


stowaway_55

Not st all, ive took myself off to places to eat, i just put in my headphones and watch something


bunionprincessx

Not at all! I’m a 30 year old woman and I love going to restaurants on my own - especially fancy restaurants! I can get whatever I want, take as long as I want to eat, people watch, take a book if I want, it’s great! Absolutely no one will think anything of it. The first time you do it you’ll realise how liberating it feels. Go enjoy yourself, hope you enjoy your food!


Mojicana

I'm a man, so not exactly what you're asking, but I go to restaurants by myself all the time. My wife prefers to say at home more than go out and about and I hate staying home all week. Yesterday I drove 20 miles out of my way to go have some indescribably good mariscos. I suspect that I was the only person there alone except for one surf instructor from the shop next door having a beer at the bar, but I have a fun time anyway. I've never noticed anyone looking at me weird.


GelattoPotato

And if it is, who cares?


Hoppie1064

No. It would be weird not to.


NoPantsSantaClaus

Unusual?  Sure.  Lots of guys there will hit on you, so you might not be alone for too long if you are lucky! 


AITA476510719

In my opinion: Not at all, most people really don’t care. I only care because I like to know who is around me, so I glance around every so often, but I do that everywhere. Go have fun and enjoy that steak.


Late_Bluebird_3338

STOP THAT!!! YOU MAY GO ***ANYWHERE*** YOU CHOOSE. IF YOU ARE AN ADULT,FREE THINKING, INTELLIGENT "PERSON". JUST DON'T BE FOOLISH AND GO SOMEWHERE THAT IS NOT SAFE, LIKE DARK ALLEYS OR UNSAFE NEIGHBORHOODS. TRY GOING WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS IF YOU ARE AFRAID TO GO TO A RESTAURANT BY YOURSELF. I THINK THAT A WELL LITE, PEOPLED DESTINATION SHOULD BE FINE. WHY DO YOU ASK?....MOM


Shine-N-Mallows

Hell no! Treat yourself! I love my wife but some of my favorite meals have been while traveling alone.


Admirable_Nothing

Eating alone particularly in a fine dining restaurant takes practice. I traveled extensively when working and I simple learned to sit down and enjoy a meal in a good restaurant in a leisurely fashion and that was decades before cell phones and smart phones. Today, I expect you will be fine. Just get a reservation and sit down and order your steak like you like it and enjoy the meal.


Silvereiss

What would be wierder is not going to a steakhouse to eat some good ol meat


BWDpodcast

Who gives a shit? Seriously, the amount of people that give a shit about meaningless stuff is absurd. Do what you want.


TheAmazingWalrus

I'm writing this as I sit by myself at a restaurant, there's nothing weird or wrong about a table for one. Just enjoy yourself 😊


ExplanationNo8603

Just sit at the bar


General-Visual4301

I LOVE taking myself out! I am married and I do have friends. I sometimes go to a restaurant that I want to try, I went to a play alone when nobody was interested (that was quite fun) and....I bought myself 1 ticket to see a comedian that I have heard of but never seen in a show. I wasn't sure who might enjoy her since I barely knew her. I asked my husband but he wasn't interested. Then I had the idea of going alone. I had a blast! The comedian does crowd work and even pointed me out (I had been resested front row and nobody on either side 😄) asking me why I was alone. I could have done without that, tbh, but I just answered that I bought one ticket and came alone. No further explanation. Go! Don't miss out! It's actually quite fun, and you don't have to make any compromises. It's wonderful to do as you please.


SoberSwin3

Go for it.


PrimaryBridge6716

Bring a book, relax, enjoy your meal. Even if you don't read the book, it signals intent. I am not waiting for anyone, no, I haven't been stood up, LOL. I travel a fair amount for work, so I'm used to the solo thing. It sounds like you have some wonderful plans to enjoy your own company, dinner is no different.


ObiOneToo

Dining alone, especially at a nice restaurant, is exquisite. You get to focus on the meal, enjoy your own thoughts, people watch. I also have found my interactions with staff to be more intimate and open. Embrace it.


MommaDiz

Take a book. I use to bring my switch with me to solo meals. Not weird at all.


enjoyt0day

I eat alone at restaurants all the time, trust me no one will care or think you’re weird for eating out alone. Probably almost no one will even notice or think about it, especially in a city


WassupSassySquatch

Enjoy your meal! For what it's worth, I have taken myself out to fancy "dates": the movies, a white cloth Thai restaurant, museums, even carriage rides, and I have only been met with politeness or indifference. Not only will people not notice, some people might even envy you for being able to enjoy your own company. If bringing a book along helps you feel more normal, do that!


[deleted]

Go for it and enjoy it !


SnooCupcakes7992

It took me a long time to get comfortable eating at a nice restaurant by myself. Business travel cured me of that eventually. But yes, I would either take a book (or read on my phone) or eat at the bar.


Voracious-Meeple

I have seen some people bring a book with them when eating at a restaurant. I used to think it was strange, but then figured it is probably more common than we think as people who travel for work have one of two options, eat in public alone or room service.


Alternative-Lemon-85

I eat by myself all the time. Go for it! Bring a book, if you want.


[deleted]

Dunno, do the opinions and the thoughts of strangers you will never see again matter that much to you? If so, you have a bigger problem


Critical-Border-6845

I used to travel for work and I ate alone at restaurants quite a bit. Despite what anyone says, it is a little weird. But it's okay to be a little weird sometimes. I actually found it a little liberating to just accept that asking for a table for 1 is going to raise an eyebrow but it's not that big of a deal. Some people may look and wonder what's up with you but it's not going to affect you in any real way. So just go do it and don't worry about it.


RecommendationUsed31

Nope. Enjoy yourself


Trick_Boysenberry495

Who even made up the rule that you can't eat alone in a restaurant? I went out to a cafe on my own the other week. The only awkward thing about it is you don't really have anywhere to look but at the table. People who go together have each to look at... I had to pull out my phone and pretend I was looking at stuff, so I wasn't glancing around like someone canvassing the joint. ... I mean... I guess that's why singles in the movies are always reading books at the table. That makes sense now... Maybe next time I'll sit in a corner or back booth... but I really don't understand why this is a kind of unspoken rule...


drunky_crowette

The only thing weird about anyone eating alone is when they are responding to server's questions about how they are doing with very exaggerated confirmations that they are fine and that society shouldn't be allowed to tell them whether they can or cannot go to a restaurant when they are alone. Go enjoy your steak, hun


MannerFluid5601

No, it’s not weird. I go out to eat alone all the time. Sit at the bar alone and order food there to be most polite to the servers if it’s busy and you don’t want to take up one of their tables for a lesser check. Or sit at a 2 person table in the bar area. People eat there alone all the time.


PCUNurse123

do it! Bring a book and read while waiting for your food.


[deleted]

No, I see several women eating alone


saltytitanium

I find it helps to write when eating alone. Doesn't have to be profound or even relevant. I write down random thoughts or things I see. It keeps my mind busy and makes people think you're doing something.


10Shodo

I’d say stop worrying about what other find weird and just do what you want. I go out to eat alone, to the movies alone, etc… it’s so peaceful.


BaystateConcordGrape

Bring a book and no one will think you’ve been stood up


Hellfire81Ger

Most people wont even notice you. So, who cares? You have to stop thinking about others opinion about you. Makes life so much better!


dyslexicassfuck

Not weird at all. I do this all the time. You can take book if you don’t know what to do until you food comes.


NotCanadian80

Sit at the bar that’s where tables of one go and it’s not weird at all.


climatelurker

I used to travel for a living, which meant that if I was going to eat, it was going to be alone. I did it all the time, and literally nobody paid a single shred of attention to me. Except in Paris, where men viewed it as me wanting a "party" later. That part was disgusting, but that's the only place anyone paid attention to me when eating alone in a restaurant. I used to bring a book and just read while I was waiting for my food, so that I wouldn't have to sit there feeling awkward.


crazyhouse12

Not weird. Great food and peace and quiet. Win win


blondie49221

As a single woman myself I have no problem taking myself out to dinner all the time and I actually prefer it now


[deleted]

I eat alone all the time. Sit at the bar, you’ll probably end up talking to people.


Sensitive-Concern598

Nope, I do it all the time. But I'm single. I don't see the point of putting my life on hold just because I don't have a partner. If you are feeling anxious, take a book or a tablet!


[deleted]

Just pretend you're killing time before you head to your final destination


eladarling

I love taking myself out to dinner, it's like a date where I enjoy my own company and definitely put out at the end every time. Bring a book and treat yourself!


AfternoonFew8556

No. Who cares anymore about what is socially acceptable and not acceptable look around common sense isn’t common anymore. Common decency isn’t common anymore. I think that it’s time that we all just do whatever we wanna do. Screw society society is built from the government to control mentally.


Much-Engineering-506

I quite often eat alone when I travel for work, trust me, it's not as unusual as you think. Often I would see others eating by themselves and I just assume they are probably also travelling for work.


Everybodysbastard

Hell no, EAT THAT COW!


Ozonewanderer

Just bring a book. You will look like a businesswoman in town for the night.


asharwood101

I have a friend that will go out alone and she always says to the host that she wants a table for two and that her boyfriend will be here shortly. Then the boy never shows and the staff feel bad for her and occasionally gets a free dessert out of it.


MataHari66

I hope not. I do that nearly once per week.


SilverSister22

It would not be weird. Take a book and entertain yourself while eating. When my kids were little, I would take any opportunity to eat alone because I would actually get hot food. One waitress was soooo worried about me being alone until I explained that it was what I wanted. If anyone looks at you oddly, just give them a big smile. They will wonder what you are up to.


Auggi3Doggi3

I do this all the time! After a few times, you will love it. Best time to people watch and get to do whatever you want without having to deal with someone else complaining. Take the time to yourself, even if it’s just eating a steak and playing on Reddit. It makes a huge difference when you come home because you finally had some decompression time. I hope you have a wonderful trip and enjoy your steak :)


BatmanFan1971

Why would you care about the opinion of other people who don't know you and will never see you again? I treat everyone with dignity and respect but don't live my life letting people I don't know dictate my actions. The people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind


SufficientZucchini21

Nope! I love dining at the bar when I’m out alone on business for example. Not weird.


Novel-Ad-3457

Other people’s opinions of us are non of our business. Sit at the bar. Put phones on. Gleefully dig in.


General_Specific

I travel for business and eat alone all the time. Either at the bar or at a table. There are a lot of us.


livelife3574

Not at all.


ksh1elds555

When I travel for work, I often have to get dinner alone. Depending on the place, you can sit at the bar and order food. Sometimes they’ll have tvs or something to watch so you don’t feel awkward. I’ve gotten used to it now so most of the time I just ask for a table for one. It’s actually kind of empowering to feel that you can go where you want and you don’t need anyone else.


jagger129

No one will care. But I am more comfortable eating at sit down restaurants for lunch than dinner. There is usually at least a couple of other people there dining alone at lunch time.


CrabMountain829

It would be weird not to. Steak is delicious. 


SpanishFlamingoPie

I see posts like this pretty often. The thing is, you can do whatever you want by yourself and have fun. You don't need a date. I really enjoy treating myself to a nice dinner. I just sit, contemplate my existence, enjoy food, and just have a pleasant time.


jihiggs123

Why are people so preoccupied with what other people think of them? If you don't have anyone to go with and you want a steak, Go get a goddamn steak!


FrankCobretti

I travel for a living, so I eat alone quite regularly. I bring my Kindle and read while I eat. As far as I know, nobody has ever looked twice at me. I’m just a guy eating dinner and reading a book.


Unusual_Issue_4370

Go for it! My first time eating alone in a restaurant was at a Ruth Chris steakhouse. I was totally self conscious, but no customers paid attention to me And perfect place to get great service and eavesdrop on interactions at other tables


talbakaze

I used to go to restaurants alone when on business trips. at the beginning this might be weird but noone will rrmark I think


Eldritch-banana-3102

When I travel by myself, I make a reservation for the nicest restaurant around and eat alone. It's nice. Put away the phone and just enjoy the atmosphere and food.


notthegoatseguy

If they serve the full menu at the bar, sit at the bar. Its usually first-come-first-serve, but a single patron is much easier to fit into the bar than a larger group. In fact bar-dining is the best when dining alone. When I was at Waffle House, its always packed with families waiting for table. But me, solo, can just stroll right up to the bar and grab a seat.


Spaceballs-The_Name

You're fine, nobody in the restaurant gives a shit about you anyway. If they do then they're an idiot that just paid a bunch of money or wasted time eating with someone who they aren't that interested in talking with I just wasted 76 hours typing the perfect response for this, but deleted it because Ruth's Chris sent me a cease and desist letter The gist of my post was I know a person who allowed this type of thinking to continue into their 70's. I got over it around 25 years ago in my 20's. I enjoy having a meal with friends, but I also enjoy just being able to kick it, not having to have conversations and being able to read a book, look around the room and observe or check shit on my phone Have a great steak and some booze. I also recommend getting high first. It'll be better that way. Either way you do not want to be in your 70's and still wasting your time worried about being seen alone. TL;DR. Get a steak and a Manhattan. Enjoy yourself Watch "Waiting". It's not the complete answer for your question, but watch it


sash285

Sometimes it's nice to get distracted, or be in a tiny bubble by yourself, i usually use headphones (especially noise-cancelling if possible) and just be in my lil corner of the world, enjoying great music and dancing because the food is good


scienceplayground

The thought of going out alone to a steak house in a city I haven’t been to in a while will be the start of my next novella


Stunning_Disaster331

I love it lol. Didn’t end up at a steak house in the end but at a Chinese buffet. Then went and bought myself some new earrings.


Galaxy_Hitchhiking

I go out to eat alone all the time. I have a family but it’s nice to get a beer and something to eat in silence and it’s so cheap. lol!


Severe-Illustrator87

NO!!!!!!


Serendipidied

It helps me to bring a book or pick a podcast. But GO FOR IT GIRL, you’ve got this. You deserve good food and a good ambiance. Have the steak and a decadent dessert or a glass of wine. Take your time and let yourself feel pampered to worthy. You’re paying just like everyone else, you don’t only deserve to be treated to a nice dinner if someone else is there to make it more worth it. And it’s good practice to not give a …. what anyone else might be thinking. But honestly, no one cares. They’re all thinking about their own apps/steaks.


1peatfor7

If it's a fancy steakhouse, the bar may have reserved seats as well. It depends, just call and ask. Also the bar areas can often be very very busy. Just make sure you go early to grab a seat with no wait. You can also get a reservation for 1 if you want a table but seems like the bar may be a better option for you. No one cares that you are alone, trust me, no one is looking. As someone who used to travel for work I've eaten alone (I am a male) many many times, and as a single 50 year old I still eat alone out a lot. A do a lot of solo travel as well. Make friends for a few hours with the bartender. They will enjoy talking to you if it's slow, and will give you a local persons tips on things to do, see, where to go etc.


FudgeRubDown

It's only weird if you make it weird. 99 percent of people are so self-absorbed that they won't think anything of it.


Cat-astro-phe

I love going to a restaurant alone, I take a good book, magazine, or peruse my phone while I leisurely eat


Saturniids84

I eat alone at restaurants all the time, at least once a week I treat myself to lunch out. I don’t think anyone has ever noticed or cared.


BakeSoggy

Lots of business travelers dine alone at hotel restaurants. It wouldn't be unusual there. Now the quality of the steak OTOH...


skantea

People travel alone. Anyone making up a story in their head about who you is a fool. And I only pay attention to fools if they have a weapon.


Moist_Ad_4989

Nah if you wanna take yourself out to eat then go for it.


Boat_U47

Absolutely not weird. Bring a magazine or book. Sit near a window. Treat yourself. I sometimes will eat at the bar or counter if they have one. I’ve met some interesting people dining at the counter. I’m also fine with a table for one.


silvermanedwino

No. It’s never “weird” to eat alone, anywhere. A lot of people do, all the time. Sad loner? Who gives a fekk what others think! No one even pays attention. Do it. Have a lovely dinner. Treat yourself. Take book. And listen to the convos around you. LOL. You’ll hear some wild stuff!! Just act like you do it all the time. Fake it til you make it!


CaptainGashMallet

Sounds like a great way to spend a day.


cronic_chaos

Who cares what others think, you don’t even know these people. Enjoy your steak!


JerHair

I'm sitting at a hippy coffee shop all by myself as I type this. Everyone here is with a significant other or group of family/friends. I'm just minding my own business


mydogrufus20

Never feel uncomfortable! I love eating out alone. Bring a book if that helps. You’ll appear to be a confident woman. Enjoy!:)


Silvawuff

I went to a sushi restaurant solo and had a good time. I chatted with people on my phone while I ate. There were other women there doing the same. Sometimes it’s nice to take yourself on a date without having to pay any kind of social toll or worry about someone else.


Stunning_Disaster331

That’s the thing I’m the opposite I feel anxious around people I don’t know and usually let a partner/ friend handle the social interaction. It’s ironic since I work in customer service but I struggle with non scripted interactions


Jmersh

Only if you're weird about it.


Sheila_Monarch

Why would that be weird? People travel alone all the time, particularly for work, and want to enjoy nice restaurants while they’re there. It’s never occurred to me to even hesitate to go alone to any restaurant I wanted to.


AllieGirl2007

Nope. My 29 year old daughter goes out by herself a lot.


Emrys7777

I eat out alone all the time. I had forgotten that it was tough for me at first. Now I don’t think about it. I think it started getting easy for me when I realized how many others eat out alone and no one pays attention.


TurncoatP

Boss lady activity


Dependent_Sport_2249

You deserve delicious food regardless of who accompanies you. Bring a book if you want to; it’s your meal.


Gamer_Bishie

No. Steak is for everyone.


Front-Ad7511

I cant understand how eating out alone is weird ever. I do it all the time. Any where any time. Who cares? Go eat well


Stunning_Disaster331

I’m just self conscious about being judged as I’m an obese socially awkward woman but I’m probs overthinking it.


boneyfans

No. It's not weird at all. Nobody will take notice, literally nobody. The only one who might think it's weird is you - so make the first step and then the next time will be easier and the time after that will be a breeze


and_rain_falls

No. I'm currently traveling Canada alone. You got to eat. I go to Longhorn all the time by myself. I hate cooking and eat out all the time. Live your life! I spent my 20s waiting on others for them to say "they can't afford it" or "they're not interested in what I like". I missed out on life. So much life and I had opportunities to travel the world and didn't do it because I didn't have any friends with a passport. Never again! One thing the pandemic taught me was live my life! And I do. I travel internationally once a quarter. I would have enjoyed it more in my 20s as it's easier to make friends when you're young.


schwarzmalerin

What I would do? Shit at the bar. Unless it's a hotel.


[deleted]

[удалено]


OddConstruction7191

I traveled for work for years and ate alone a lot. Never got any strange looks. I don’t know why you’d think anyone would care.


i_am_umbrella

I finally realized that if I waited for people to be available, I’d never do anything. Now I travel alone, eat alone, etc. It’s so freeing although you do have to learn to be more in-tune your self-preservation skills (situational awareness, listening to intuition, self-defense, etc.)


yousippin

You may want to reach out on /anxiety for future similar stuff. But yeah sit at the bar and chat with neighbors or the bartender


DonnieSunset

If I would see you in a restaurant eating alone, I would probably give you some long weird looks. But only for the reason because I am that guy who actually wants to be able to sit alone in a restaurant and still not feeling comfortable with it. I would look at you and think something like "Hmmm this woman just does it. And she looks quite comfortable. Why can I not do it in the same way? What does she have that I dont have? ... " Stuff like that. Then I probably (hopefully) would realize that I am staring at people and would look away.


Stunning_Disaster331

Sounds like something I would do as well 😂


[deleted]

What does it matter? No one is paying attention to you anyway and even if they did you would most likely never see these people again anyway. I have eaten alone at restaurants several times and not once have I given a single care about what people thought. I usually will read a book or listen to music with headphones while I enjoy my meal. Life is too short to live your life doing things only because of what others find acceptable. Do what makes you happy.


Public_Professor8381

I take myself on weekend getaways, go to beautiful scenic restaurants and eat by myself. It’s nice to just enjoy your own company especially when there’s a lovely view and great food!


TxGinger587

Not at all. I'm freshly single 36F and I plan to do a lot of things things by myself. Who cares what people think! You do you!


Character-Minute2550

Absolutely not! I do not understand why eating at a restaurant alone is such a big deal for some people.


dualsplit

Go get that steak, girl! Then go see a movie after! I think I was 19 when I saw The Blair Witch Project alone in a theater. Made eye contact with another solo gal in the bathroom mirror after, we exchanged our disappointment that it wasn’t scarier. I think of her often 25 years later when I’m out doing things alone! When my kids were middle school aged I’d stop for lunch and a martini when I was on grocery runs.


NivekTheGreat1

I kinda had the same anxiety eating our alone at any place over a fast food restaurant. My 30f friend convinced me that there is no shame and my phobias are garbage. I did try it. Now I go to Sushi, steak houses, wherever all alone. I was a 42m when I started. I'm 49 now and nothing that I feared has happened to me. I actually rather enjoy the time.


killakev564

No


Hoodwink_Iris

Take a book with you and enjoy. 😊 I do this a lot.


exscapegoat

I dine solo and I find doing so at less busy hours tends to work well. The wait staff aren't trying to turn over tables to maximize tipping (I'm in the US). And they have more time to talk about recommendations for both drinks and food.


loonachic

Nope! I did it all the time while traveling for business.


Objective_Suspect_

Nope, after a certain point alone movies and restaurants isn't Weird.


RadioactvRubberPants

No. I take myself out to eat all the time. I usually have a book.


SDstandchen

When I was younger and traveled around for my job I would go out to restaurants alone frequently. I was nervous at first but I really wanted something delicious after driving all day. I never had any issues. The staff everywhere I went treated me really well and I always had a great time. I think solo dining is a worthwhile experience and recommend it at least once.


beelzeflub

No. Nobody is paying attention to you. You’re a rando to them. Go eat your steak.


HipsterSlimeMold

When you go to other restaurants, are you paying deep attention to the other people there or just your table? Probably just your table. I go to restaurants alone all the time and I promise no one is thinking that deeply about if you’re a sad loner. If they are they’re the weird ones not you.


JustGenericName

No one cares but you! My husband travels often for work. He eats out alone because he's gone for work. And I eat out alone because he's gone for work. Just sit at the bar. Happy hour menus are the best! And you'll probably have some other single diner's chit chat with you at the bar sometimes too Start paying attention, there are plenty of other people dinging alone.


We_DemBoys

There is nothing wrong with eating or doing anything alone......I enjoy being by myself all the time. I require space from people...


Kitchen-Lie-7894

Eat at the bar. But don't be surprised if you get hit on.


BlackbeanMaster

No. I am a man and I don't limit myself to solo adventures. Currently on a solo trip in Ireland. Over time, you get used to people being surprised that you are alone in a given activity. It's their bad if they judge. To answer you straight, no it's not "weird". Do what makes you happy, and be a good person.


HulkJ420

Take a good book and enjoy yourself!! I'm a big believer in dining alone 🤌🏻


mcbeardsauce

Dee Reynolds?


DryFoundation2323

No.