Do you mind eating at a restaurant by yourself?

montana_girl · March 2014

I ask because on Thursday evenings, my husband and I always go out to dinner. He is out of town today, so I am going to go by myself. But I've had several friends who have made comments like, "All alone? Why not just get something to go and eat it at home?"

For me the whole point to eating out is, well, to eat out. Seems silly to pay for a nice meal, have them shove into a Styrofoam container, take it home and put it on a plate that I will have to wash. Plus the food never tastes as good. Might as well just make something at home. Plus, the wait staff knows me at the restaurant I'm going to (we go there a lot) so if they see me eating alone, and they have the time, they will stop by the table to chat with me. So I don’t really feel like I’m eating alone. I know a lot of people hate eating out alone, but it’s not that big of a deal to me.

What about you? Do you eat out alone? Or get the food to go?

askeates · March 2014

I don't go out to eat very frequently, but when I do it is usually to meet friends. I have gone out alone on occassion, but it's just not as much fun.

_MG_ · March 2014

Either depending on my mood. It doesn't bother me at all to sit by myself for a meal.

TheSwoleMinister · March 2014

If you aren't comfortable eating out alone then grab a friend, or just cook at home.

Ihatecoldsoup · March 2014

I don't mind eating out alone, at all. If I am hungry for something I cannot (or too lazy to) cook. I will head out. Doesn't seem that big of a deal

ComradeTovarich · March 2014

Am I hungry? Then yes.

willboywonder · March 2014

I never mind that. It's a time for personal solitude. I even have gone to see movies by myself too. I don't mind at all.

Booksandbeaches · March 2014

Don't mind it at all. I've done it when on business travel. But it isn't much fun to eat by myself at a restaurant.

Mobilemuscle · March 2014

I literally do it everyday

TheCounselorx · March 2014

I don't mind eating alone, its easier if its where people away alone on bsuiness eat - So what I do, take a book or the modern day book (phone/Tablet).

Maybe give someone a smile too, they may chat with you - so long as it's not a old perv like me who will take it as a come-on lol

1PatientBear · March 2014

I eat out alone all the time. I bring a book, read and eat my food. Doesn't bother me in the slightest.

tchell99 · March 2014

Nope, not a bit. I will usually sit at the bar, if there is one, and have met some pretty interesting people that way.

pettychia · March 2014

Nope, I don't mind it. I spend the time people-watching or if it's a casual place sometimes I'll bring a book.

Some_Watery_Tart · March 2014

I enjoy going out to eat alone sometimes. But I have 5 kids, so I also enjoy getting to go the bathroom alone.

Anyway, go if you want to. Take a book or a magazine, or just people watch.

majica8 · March 2014

I've never done it, but I don't think it would bother me. I'm not a very social person anyway so I'd probably prefer it tbh.

willboywonder · March 2014

Also, it's been my experience that friends and family can really be quite messy. Don't let them be the source to your feeling that way. Say thank you to those people and do as you please. You'll be much happier.

zyxst · March 2014

I can eat alone, but I prefer to get take-out.

scubasuenc · March 2014

Nope. I used to travel for work a lot. I just take my Kindle along and read.

stetienne · March 2014

I'm on the road a lot for work, so I end up eating by myself often. Best advice: eat at the bar...less conspicuous and usually better service from a friendly bartender

Mia_RagazzaTosta · March 2014

When I traveled for work, I did. I usually sat at the bar. The quiet was nice at first, but by the third week, I was over it.

lizsmith1976 · March 2014

I don't mind at all! I used to travel for work 30-40% of the year and eating alone in a hotel room is NO fun. I typically find a nice place that also has a bar - you never know who you will meet sitting at the bar, and usually the bartender will talk to you too. Or take a book or magazine or just play on your phone.

You enjoy that meal!

GrEyedRose · March 2014

Not at all. I take a book or a magazine. It's actually kinda nice to do every once in awhile.

Once my husband was eating alone and an elderly woman asked to sit with him since they were both eating alone. It turned into the two of them talking for a couple of hours. Maybe someone nice like that will happen to you!

tibby531 · March 2014

I go out to eat by myself a lot. the food is a better portion, and it doesn't have to sit and wait for me to get home and eat it.

(I also go to the movies by myself if no one else wants to see what I want to see when I have time to see it.)

now, granted, sometimes I'll get a sundae to go so no one has to/can watch me enjoy my ice cream.

so go, order, pamper yourself, and enjoy not having to clean up after dinner.

charissh · March 2014

I often shop alone, which means eating alone come lunch time. Sometimes I just get a sandwich and eat it on the move, but sometimes I like to eat alone in a restaurant.
I think that once I get over the awkwardness of asking for a table for one I enjoy it, makes me feel really independent

If you enjoy it go ahead, think of the tasty food your friends are missing out on

MiloBloom83 · March 2014

No. Eating lunch by myself. I do everyday.

fitfan11 · March 2014

I have no problems eating alone. At the very least I know that I'll be in very good company.

Operation_Shred · March 2014

I like eating at a restaurant alone. I make all the older women feel sorry for me and then they get me drunk. Then it's game on. #CougarHuntin

The_Enginerd · March 2014

I've done it a couple of times when I traveled for work and there weren't many options. I just read on my phone while I was waiting and eating. For the most part, no. It feels awkward to me personally.