dining alone

[lurch91]

as someone who travels a lot for work i am curious the opinions of others...  When dining alone, do you roll solo at a table or prefer the bar?


(and yes this topic was conceived out of boredom)

Depends onthe restaraunt I want to go too.  Some don't serve dinner in the bar, so that means a table..... Scola's in San Fran was that way, so I had to have a table to myself.

[Spotcheck Billy]

as someone who travels a lot for work i am curious the opinions of others...  When dining alone, do you roll solo at a table or prefer the bar?

if you do eat alone at a table try it like Steve Martin's character in 'The Lonely Guy', take out a notebook so they think you are a restaurant critic and will get fawned over all night

[MerrittsMustache]

When I first started traveling, I used to be a room service only guy but I've learned that, for me, bellying up to the bar is the best way to go. I really enjoy the work I do, but evenings can be tough because I just want the time to pass as quickly as possible so I can go back home to my family. Staying in my room, staring at the clock makes me a little stir crazy so getting out helps pass the time.

As others have said, I've also found that bartenders are more attentive than the wait staff and will often strike up a conversation with you which helps pass the time. Be warned though, not all bartenders are interesting to talk to. That's why I usually bring something work-related with me and occasionally have to study it closely in order to look busy and avoid a bad conversation with a stranger. Yes, that's juvenile, but it's effective.

Also, the first time you eat dinner alone you'll probably feel awkward and like people are looking at you funny, but it's all in your head. No one really cares.

Good luck!

[PBRme]

I spent over 5 years in international sales 6 week around the world then one to two weeks in the office.  Weekdays working with clients and entertaining and weekends on my own.  I cannot think of a better way to see the world than on the company dime.  Would highly recommend it to all gives an entirely different perspective on how lucky all of us are to live in the US.

Most of my time was spent in Asia and the Middle East but I usually hopped to a European city for the weekend when in the Middle East.

Always eat in the bar you meet the best people there and hear the best stories.

[robmufan]

Also, the first time you eat dinner alone you'll probably feel awkward and like people are looking at you funny, but it's all in your head. No one really cares.

EXACTLY!   Well said.

[🏀]

EXACTLY!   Well said.

Not in your case, though.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

I always look at people eating by themselves funny.  Then I wonder why they don't have any friends.