Dining Alone in NYC?!
Dining alone seems to be a common "fear" shared by many or stored away as "something I want to eventually do," but never actually get around to it. My perception is eating lunch alone is "acceptable," whereas dinner takes it to the next level.
So my two part question is, do you go out to dinner by youself? And if so, what are some recommendations in New York City?
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13 Comments:
When I lived in New York I went to eat occasionally alone, and typically found it much more comfortable to do so at restaurants with bars. In fact, it's unconditionally a nice experience to eat at the bar of a quality restaurant.
Last time I was in the city, I ate at Momofuku for lunch, and although it was crowded and scene-y, it was great and well worth it.
renzata at 2:10PM on 10/17/08
I don't eat out alone very often, but I think NYC has some great options for solo diners. I prefer sitting at the bar (or counter) for dinner when I'm alone, so a couple of places with good eats and bar (or counters) - Gramercy Tavern (the tavern room), any of the Momofuku restaurants, Terroir (wine bar with tasty food), The Modern's bar room.
Alaina Browne at 2:13PM on 10/17/08
Oh, my goodness, yes, I did it for years before I re-married, every time I visited New York. I was never treated poorly. I've suggested eating at the bar at Union Square Cafe ever since it opened, and continue to do so, also at the same group's Grammercy Tavern. Congenial, excellent food. Yes, I do know Danny Meyer, but nobody knows that when I sit down at the bar. I am sure the same is true for 11 Madison Park and Tabla, but I can't personally vouch for them. However, knowing the standards for the employees, I'd be shocked if I heard anything bad.
lemons at 2:14PM on 10/17/08
the best is a seat for lunch at the bar at balthazar. you never who you might meet and it's always a bustling atmosphere. i've never gone wrong.
emoelely at 2:16PM on 10/17/08
i concur about balthazar. you never know who you will meet, the food is always delicious, bartenders attentive and great people watching. its a great place between shopping trips and early dinners if you can't get a table or reservation.
it is easier to eat at the bar than sit at a table alone. although i do love going to fatty crab, cafe habana, republic, and pinche taqueria (even though its just a casual taco stand). when you have to fullfill your cravings duty calls! why would you ever want to miss out?
lovelyhoney at 3:05PM on 10/17/08
I dine out alone most night! The truth of the matter is you can dine out at any restaurant in NYC alone. Then again, my entertaining personality might be more comfortable then most...Check it out-- www.nycfoodie.com!
:)
nycfoodie at 3:12PM on 10/17/08
otto is good for eating out alone, i like their bar. it's lively and you get the full menu.
if you like chinatown and noodles, i like super taste. lots of people eat alone there.
foodinmouth at 3:28PM on 10/17/08
I eat dinner by myself all alone. Anywhere with a bar is a good place to eat alone. There is absolutely no stigma to eating dinner alone here. None.
Sneakeater at 3:41PM on 10/17/08
I have been visiting New York City by myself twice a year since 2005, and eating at many the great variety of restaurants available is, of course, one of my favorite things to do. I am a middle-aged female, and I do feel uncomfortable dining by myself, but I have no choice if I want to enjoy this activity. It gets easier the more you do it.
I don't feel that I have ever been treated poorly in any of the restaurants I have visited.. Some waiters do seem to have more natural skill at making customers feel at ease. Most recently I was treated beautifully during a pre-theater dinner at Insieme - just like a VIP!
Since I don't drink alcolic beverages I have never sat at the bar. Wouldn't the bartender prefer not having a non-drinker taking up the space?
cewestwood at 6:12PM on 10/17/08
I eat dinner by myself all the time but it's usually at places like Ssam or Matsugen with communal seating. Or I'll eat at the bar at Craft.
blackdontcrack at 9:57PM on 10/17/08
all the time! a meal alone can be so luxurious and peaceful. i love eating at bars--the little owl is great if i can walk in, sushi bars, or today i had a lovely late lunch at cafe cluny which was empty around three o'clock. they gave me the window seat and i had the most amazing skate with chanterelles, leeks, and arugula. i agree with sneakeater on that there is absolutely NO stigma to eating dinner alone in this city. be bold!
tudogostoso at 11:34PM on 10/17/08
@cewestwood: as a former bartender, I can tell you I didn't really mind people eating at the bar. The only thing I hated was when they ordered hot tea or espresso--a total pain. Bartenders can never guarantee what their patrons are going to do, so if I have the option between someone nursing 2 $8 glasses of wine for 45 minutes and someone ordering a $12 appetizer and a $20 entree, with possible dessert and who knows what else, then it's fine with me. Which would I rather get the tip on, after all? As long as you tip me the same as you'd tip a waiter, I'm copacetic.
klg19 at 4:56PM on 10/20/08
when i lived downtown, i often ate at the bar or at the communal table at lupa. they were very welcoming and didn't mind that i didn't drink.
cybercita at 6:42PM on 10/21/08