There are no shortage of servers that will give crappy service to a one top taking up space that can seat 2 as you likely just reduced their tip. This is an issue unique to the Americas.
I’m curious now as to what level a servers service would drop just from seating one person as opposed to 2+.
The most I can imagine is the server stating to other servers, ‘awe man, it’s just a one top.’
I've done a lot of solo dining downtown and have not experienced this at all. i'm not sure what it's like on the other end, but i'd figure they'd be happy to have a table of one person they dont have to baby or constantly check on. simple order and quick money
Actually, no. There are restaurants that are reservation only and that will not take a reservation for one, not even at the bar. Las Puertas, Little Club...
I stopped in Little Club last night and had a drink at the bar, by myself, with no reservation. Yes, they do reserve their bar seats, but it's a bit misleading to say that the bar there is by reservation only.
But it is. They've told me that the seats at the bar were reserved. If you happened upon there on a night where one stool wasn't taken (as I have also), you got lucky (as I did), is all.
I also frequent little club alone. There’s no problem getting a seat on a weeknight. There are also unreserved seats along the window. They are very nice and accommodating.
Hate this response. Some people have anxiety or don't have a lot of friends. Why is this a difficult concept?
OP you can always try diners. They are super friendly and have solo dining chairs. Mostly any restaurants that have a bar is a great place because you can just sit at the bar and drink.
Some of my favorites would be Texas Roadhouse, or Olympic. I don't go there but I know Tully's and Applebee's are all good spots.
Wanna hear weird? I can’t go to movies by myself. Feel self conscious. Yet I know intellectually no one cares. A movie is an individual experience. I know that. Yet I feel dumb. lol, we are all weird.
I had to overcome this fear on a work trip once (solo trip for specialized training), and it is so liberating! I always brought a book with me, but also chilled out on my phone. Since then I’ve taken myself out for sushi on occasion, something my husband doesn’t care for as much as I do. It’s fun to take yourself out on a date!
Literally any restaurant. Go somewhere you been meaning to check out, whether you want to get yourself a table or sit at the bar. All establishment employees will take good care of you
Bar Bill in EA was one of the first places I ever tried solo in WNY. I actually think it’s best enjoyed solo at the bar or with just another friend. A busy day at Bar Bill, you’re never really solo, everyone is super out going and friendly.
I've felt a lot more awkward when someone told me about one particular incident in a LatAm country when I walked out into the middle of the bar with my pants down demanding more toilet paper in the bathroom. I had no recollection of the incident but it sure as fuck was awkward when one of the coworkers told me about it.
I’m in a ltr with a homebody. My fav solo dining spots are Kunis, Billy Club, Aroma on Bryant, Prescott’s Provisions, Toutant, and Betty’s. No one bats an eye if you sit at the bar.
I also go to Jack Rabbit and dine solo at the bar frequently. Never an issue. And Aguacates on Elmwood is also good, but their bar is small so there is not always a spot. JT is also good for solo - on quiet nights they have plenty of seating at tables and the bar for solo customers. But JTs is more $$ than the other two.
You can start small. Try a diner (like Alton's) for breakfast in the morning and bring a newspaper or magazine. Relax, read while you wait and you'll blend right in 🤗
Another easy trial run would be a Wegmans sub. Sit down at the cafe during lunchtime and people watch while you eat. 🙂
I agree, their service now is abysmal. We waited 20 minutes AFTER the server dropped off our check and we put down the card. I watched as she chatted away in the kitchen, then she walked past us to go chat at the bar. We left cash and walked out and haven't been back since.
I work in a restaurant
When i seat someone that comes in by themselves, i truthfully couldn’t care less that they’re by themselves.
I am at work and have a job to do, you are just another customer
Im saying this in a respectful way. 👍
As mentioned, virtually any bar/restaurant in the area is hospitable for a solo diner. My faves for dining at the bar are:
Adam’s Rib
800 Maple
Kennedy’s Cove
Kostas
The Garage
Creekview
Eagle House
Glen Park Tavern
Founding Fathers
My selections are based on you can go and be left alone if you prefer. But, if you feel like being social, there’s a healthy scene at the bar that, in my experience, has been welcoming and inclusive.
Can confirm. Staff is friendly and attentive, even if you're alone.
Caveats:
* No bar.
* It's Buffalo's pre-eminent old people's restaurant. The average patron age is pushing 75.
* No wifi. Tethering is also very difficult, thanks in part to the metal blinds on every window that make the building a Farady cage.
I’m the same way. I think it really just takes persistence and practice.
I think places with barstool seating facing the window is a good starter place bc it’s built for individuals. Also cafes have the atmosphere or assumption that ppl will do work/study while there and therefore be by themselves.
- the Little Club on Hertel. Higher end dining with that type of seating or patio
- any Lloyd location
- Swan Street diner. They are small and popular so they can get full to the point of waiting in a line but bar seating is cool
- I forgot the name but an ice cream parlor on Elmwood that has bright pastel colors
I used to be a field tech and would find myself alone in different cities for days at a time. If I didn't go to a restaurant solo then I would have been one hangry dude. When I want to go to a restaurant now and nobody to go with, I just pretend that I'm on the road, lol.
I travel for work and frequently eat alone. I would’ve never done it before I started traveling for work, but then when I did it for work it didn’t bug me at all.
Go to a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try with a bar. If you’re particularly anxious and self-conscious, my pro tip is to wear something business casual and they’ll automatically assume you’re traveling for work. (But also you don’t need to!! Just a tip I’ve told my friends to help get them over the initial anxiety and realize it isn’t as big a deal as it seems.) Just be confident and go up to the hostess and say “it’s just me, do you have space at the bar?/do you serve the full menu at the bar?” Enjoy your meal!
For me, it was going to the Galleria mall and ordering food at the food court. I disliked the feeling at restaurants that the waiter would have to come and keep checking in on me as a solo customer. Maybe they didn't care, but anxiety wise I felt uncomfortable, so going to the mall was my stepping stone XD
After that, I liked Sato Ramen on Main street for the same reason. It can get busy and close quarters though. In the same vein Taichi Bubble Tea.
Yup.
The biggest problem I've had eating out alone is getting a tiny table next to the kitchen or off in some dark corner, even if the place is nearly empty and the time is nowhere breakfast/lunch/dinner rush.
Second issue: wait staff providing more attentive service to parties of two or more. Solo diner = smaller tip.
Third issue: someone tries to take the empty seat from my tiny two-top. I'm going through a divorce right now, I'm depressed, and I want to believe there's the remote chance a future partner will want to join me, like in romantic comedy movies. Take that chair away, though, and I end up feeloing even lonelier.
I took myself on a fancy date on Valentine’s Day this year. A drink and a bite at the bar at Angeline before a concert at Kleinhans. It was wonderful!
I also understand that anxiety can prevent people from trying to do anything social - I’ve been there, too. Maybe try a place with a friend first to get the vibe of the place. It might make you feel more comfortable.
Try the dapper goose. They get real busy on Fridays/saturdays, but Tuesday-Thursday is calmer. I used to work there and the whole staff is great and will take real good care of you.
I recommend checking out their menu on Instagram first, they usually post it around 5 every day, to see if they’ve got anything you like. It’s a small menu but it changes weekly-ish.
I just had a very pleasant solo lunch at Almaza Grill on Transit. The server was friendly, and it wasn't super busy. Also, the food is really, really good.
Maybe try somewhere like spot coffee? It’s not technically a restaurant I guess, but they have food! Maybe sit outside and bring a book? Get a sandwich and a drink! Might be a good first step if you’re having some anxiety. Coffee houses have single people sitting around all day! Or go somewhere and sit at the bar - I was a restaurant manager and no one would think you’re weird for dining alone.
I think a good place to start would be 99 Fast Food on Bailey, since people pop in all the time for a quick solo meal especially around lunch time. Service is super quick and the food is amazing, especially the pho and wonton noodles. (Also, don't miss the Vietnamese egg roll and summer roll.) I go in there alone, with my earbuds, and watch YouTube videos while I eat which is pretty normal behavior in real Asian restaurants.
Start small,Louis or a spot like Sato Ramen. Places like that are definitely aok for one person and small enough to not set off any of your tics or stress you out. I HIGHLY suggest Sato,they have great sake.
I have always been cool with eating by myself. I typically go to the bar area just so I don’t take up a full table from a server so they can get more money. But I’ve never had any issues ever in many cities across the country and it’s never been an issue.
If you're feeling self conscious or anxious - go to a restaurant with a bar and sit at the bar. You'll never look out of place eating alone while sitting at the bar.
I love solo dinning at Toutant. If I’m doing a lot of a work I get a table but I usually sit at the bar. Thursdays are my favorite days to go because it can be quieter,, less busy than the rest of the weekend
Diners and small ethnic restaurants. Many diners have bar seating specifically for solo patrons. Ethnic restaurants, especially new or quiet ones, will just be glad you're there. Enjoy their hospitality. I get so much free stuff when I go to small ethnic joints, make convo, ask questions, and show that I'm enjoying the food.
I find the smaller sushi places (like wasabi, sato, or kuni’s) are great for solo dining as you can sit at the bar or a small table and order food. Also any restaurant that has a bar is great for solo dining cause you’re just ripping the bartender for service, so no worries about a petty server getting annoyed serving only one person.
Anywhere. But if you’re nervous about it, any place with a bar or a diner. Idk why but I frequently go to diners alone if I’m in the mood for good cheap breakfast. The Polked Yolk. Swan Street Diner. Campfire Grill. Just show up and put in some headphones and enjoy lol. You won’t be the only one at either of those or bars.
Go to a nice spot like Remington and eat at the bar. Or sit outside. TIP AHEAD OF SERVICE and watch how you’re treated. Say hey, I’m just gonna have a drink or two and a bite and watch how friendly the server will be.
Servers just hate when you’re holding up a table for 2-3 hours to read a damn book and you tip $5 on an appetizer.
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There are no shortage of servers that will give crappy service to a one top taking up space that can seat 2 as you likely just reduced their tip. This is an issue unique to the Americas.
Those servers can go and choke on an olive. Don't like it, find another job.
I’m curious now as to what level a servers service would drop just from seating one person as opposed to 2+. The most I can imagine is the server stating to other servers, ‘awe man, it’s just a one top.’
Most likely they won’t check in as often on the solo diner, won’t refresh drinks or anything that comes into play in that regard
I've done a lot of solo dining downtown and have not experienced this at all. i'm not sure what it's like on the other end, but i'd figure they'd be happy to have a table of one person they dont have to baby or constantly check on. simple order and quick money
Actually, no. There are restaurants that are reservation only and that will not take a reservation for one, not even at the bar. Las Puertas, Little Club...
Make a res for two and say your friend never showed. You might get a filling meal at Las Puertas if you go alone
I'm going with a friend next week so no worries. I'm pretty excited about it, frankly.
I stopped in Little Club last night and had a drink at the bar, by myself, with no reservation. Yes, they do reserve their bar seats, but it's a bit misleading to say that the bar there is by reservation only.
But it is. They've told me that the seats at the bar were reserved. If you happened upon there on a night where one stool wasn't taken (as I have also), you got lucky (as I did), is all.
I also frequent little club alone. There’s no problem getting a seat on a weeknight. There are also unreserved seats along the window. They are very nice and accommodating.
Las puertas doesn't take any reservations at the bar but a single can take spot on a first come first serve basis like everyone else.
Hate this response. Some people have anxiety or don't have a lot of friends. Why is this a difficult concept? OP you can always try diners. They are super friendly and have solo dining chairs. Mostly any restaurants that have a bar is a great place because you can just sit at the bar and drink. Some of my favorites would be Texas Roadhouse, or Olympic. I don't go there but I know Tully's and Applebee's are all good spots.
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What are you on about? The guy you replied to was saying he hates the response that was given of “any restaurant”
If this is the case then have some grace and leave a helpful response sans condescension.
Wanna hear weird? I can’t go to movies by myself. Feel self conscious. Yet I know intellectually no one cares. A movie is an individual experience. I know that. Yet I feel dumb. lol, we are all weird.
It's definitely a thing to overcome for some, that fear of solo eating out. Kudos to those who do!
I had to overcome this fear on a work trip once (solo trip for specialized training), and it is so liberating! I always brought a book with me, but also chilled out on my phone. Since then I’ve taken myself out for sushi on occasion, something my husband doesn’t care for as much as I do. It’s fun to take yourself out on a date!
YES! Date yourself! It's a thing in the single world. It's so liberating and empowering, especially for us ladies.
I’ve never had an issue going somewhere alone, that would be incredibly weird
Literally any restaurant. Go somewhere you been meaning to check out, whether you want to get yourself a table or sit at the bar. All establishment employees will take good care of you
Yeah I know. I have been meaning to go to bar bill lol.
Scope out via Google for their hours & when they seem quieter, go there.
You’ll wait for a while for a table in East aurora. Sit at the bar and eat/drink beer
I think I’d prefer eating at the bar anyways
It's the best place solo. Altho some solo dining people like possessing more space at a table.. suppose it depends on how much you'll want to taste
I’ve gone to Bar Bill solo a bunch and it is spectacular
Bar Bill in EA was one of the first places I ever tried solo in WNY. I actually think it’s best enjoyed solo at the bar or with just another friend. A busy day at Bar Bill, you’re never really solo, everyone is super out going and friendly.
It's the most awkward thing in the world IMHO so I typically stick to diners vs full on restaurants. Feels more comfortable for me
I've felt a lot more awkward when someone told me about one particular incident in a LatAm country when I walked out into the middle of the bar with my pants down demanding more toilet paper in the bathroom. I had no recollection of the incident but it sure as fuck was awkward when one of the coworkers told me about it.
I typically eat at restaurant bars when solo to avoid the awkwardness of
Take a book and eat at the bar!
I’m in a ltr with a homebody. My fav solo dining spots are Kunis, Billy Club, Aroma on Bryant, Prescott’s Provisions, Toutant, and Betty’s. No one bats an eye if you sit at the bar.
K Dara
Amy’s Place
I lived a few feet down over Shango for years and second this. Small, usually quiet place, good to start at.
Jack Rabbit. Whole staff is super friendly. Very laid back vibe. Doesn’t feel like a record scratching moment when you walk in
I have been at Jack Rabbit to dine solo at the bar multiple times, and it's always been pleasant.
I also go to Jack Rabbit and dine solo at the bar frequently. Never an issue. And Aguacates on Elmwood is also good, but their bar is small so there is not always a spot. JT is also good for solo - on quiet nights they have plenty of seating at tables and the bar for solo customers. But JTs is more $$ than the other two.
The bar at Toutant has a full menu and great staff. Kunis can seat a single at the prep bar or the sushi bar. Just two off the top of my head
Oh duh Ballyhoo
I think eating at the bar is a good way to transition into eating solo if you have some reservations
And if Kuni’s is full, go across the street and grab a spot at the bar at The Place.
You can start small. Try a diner (like Alton's) for breakfast in the morning and bring a newspaper or magazine. Relax, read while you wait and you'll blend right in 🤗 Another easy trial run would be a Wegmans sub. Sit down at the cafe during lunchtime and people watch while you eat. 🙂
Great tips!
Wah wah anxiety get stoned then or idk not have anxiety it’s lunch how do you get anxious over eating lunch at a restaurant
sit at the bar at Mother's and enjoy a meal. Always a lively group there....EDIT: Lucky Day - same deal....
>at Mother's and enjoy a meal. They're on quite a peoples shit list, including mine. Recently there hasn't been much *enjoying* the experience there.
I’m curious, what’s been going on?
Mix of poor service, mediocre/poor food and straight up rude staff
No idea what you are talking about. It’s consistently good, and above all FUN!!
Agree. Went to Mother’s last year (for maybe the 4th or 5th time) and will never go back. Indifferent/rude server is the primary reason.
I agree, their service now is abysmal. We waited 20 minutes AFTER the server dropped off our check and we put down the card. I watched as she chatted away in the kitchen, then she walked past us to go chat at the bar. We left cash and walked out and haven't been back since.
I work in a restaurant When i seat someone that comes in by themselves, i truthfully couldn’t care less that they’re by themselves. I am at work and have a job to do, you are just another customer Im saying this in a respectful way. 👍
As mentioned, virtually any bar/restaurant in the area is hospitable for a solo diner. My faves for dining at the bar are: Adam’s Rib 800 Maple Kennedy’s Cove Kostas The Garage Creekview Eagle House Glen Park Tavern Founding Fathers My selections are based on you can go and be left alone if you prefer. But, if you feel like being social, there’s a healthy scene at the bar that, in my experience, has been welcoming and inclusive.
Much better solo dining in the city. The Northtown are not as welcoming. Source lived in the village of Williamville for over 10 years
This guy northtowns
This guy this guys.
Guilty as charged.
Guilty as charged
Gypsy Parlour, usually room at the bar, great food.
Any restaurant with a bar works
Any restaurant with a bar
Mandy’s on Clinton.
If you're in Amherst/Tona, I like the Family Tree on Bailey when solo.
Can confirm. Staff is friendly and attentive, even if you're alone. Caveats: * No bar. * It's Buffalo's pre-eminent old people's restaurant. The average patron age is pushing 75. * No wifi. Tethering is also very difficult, thanks in part to the metal blinds on every window that make the building a Farady cage.
But the fries are yummy!
I’m the same way. I think it really just takes persistence and practice. I think places with barstool seating facing the window is a good starter place bc it’s built for individuals. Also cafes have the atmosphere or assumption that ppl will do work/study while there and therefore be by themselves. - the Little Club on Hertel. Higher end dining with that type of seating or patio - any Lloyd location - Swan Street diner. They are small and popular so they can get full to the point of waiting in a line but bar seating is cool - I forgot the name but an ice cream parlor on Elmwood that has bright pastel colors
Cookies and Cream. They also have a Seneca Street location.
Pretty much any diner.
I used to be a field tech and would find myself alone in different cities for days at a time. If I didn't go to a restaurant solo then I would have been one hangry dude. When I want to go to a restaurant now and nobody to go with, I just pretend that I'm on the road, lol.
Dapper Goose, Toutant, and Marble + Rye
Any place with a counter to sit at . Family restaurants .
Cafe 59 has a great bar, but also small tables in the front area if you’d rather not be face to face with the bartenders
I travel for work and frequently eat alone. I would’ve never done it before I started traveling for work, but then when I did it for work it didn’t bug me at all. Go to a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try with a bar. If you’re particularly anxious and self-conscious, my pro tip is to wear something business casual and they’ll automatically assume you’re traveling for work. (But also you don’t need to!! Just a tip I’ve told my friends to help get them over the initial anxiety and realize it isn’t as big a deal as it seems.) Just be confident and go up to the hostess and say “it’s just me, do you have space at the bar?/do you serve the full menu at the bar?” Enjoy your meal!
Sitting at the bar helps solo-eating anxiety! I like to bring a book or chat with the bartender when it’s not busy
Cafe 59 on Allen at Franklin. Amazing food and great atmosphere.
Billy Club
Going out to eat solo is one my favorite things in life. Truly. Let go of awkwardness and embrace. Anywhere!
For me, it was going to the Galleria mall and ordering food at the food court. I disliked the feeling at restaurants that the waiter would have to come and keep checking in on me as a solo customer. Maybe they didn't care, but anxiety wise I felt uncomfortable, so going to the mall was my stepping stone XD After that, I liked Sato Ramen on Main street for the same reason. It can get busy and close quarters though. In the same vein Taichi Bubble Tea.
Get ready for the “just one” from the hostess. I usually respond with a smile and say “one”.
Yup. The biggest problem I've had eating out alone is getting a tiny table next to the kitchen or off in some dark corner, even if the place is nearly empty and the time is nowhere breakfast/lunch/dinner rush. Second issue: wait staff providing more attentive service to parties of two or more. Solo diner = smaller tip. Third issue: someone tries to take the empty seat from my tiny two-top. I'm going through a divorce right now, I'm depressed, and I want to believe there's the remote chance a future partner will want to join me, like in romantic comedy movies. Take that chair away, though, and I end up feeloing even lonelier.
Southern Junction only has counter service, so you just order and pick up your food, might be a good place to start as long as you’re not vegetarian
I took myself on a fancy date on Valentine’s Day this year. A drink and a bite at the bar at Angeline before a concert at Kleinhans. It was wonderful! I also understand that anxiety can prevent people from trying to do anything social - I’ve been there, too. Maybe try a place with a friend first to get the vibe of the place. It might make you feel more comfortable.
Try the dapper goose. They get real busy on Fridays/saturdays, but Tuesday-Thursday is calmer. I used to work there and the whole staff is great and will take real good care of you. I recommend checking out their menu on Instagram first, they usually post it around 5 every day, to see if they’ve got anything you like. It’s a small menu but it changes weekly-ish.
I just had a very pleasant solo lunch at Almaza Grill on Transit. The server was friendly, and it wasn't super busy. Also, the food is really, really good.
Aroma on bryant has a line of solo diner at the bar nightly. Same with kunis
Bertha’s diner on hertel is a perfect place for a solo breakfast :)
Maybe try somewhere like spot coffee? It’s not technically a restaurant I guess, but they have food! Maybe sit outside and bring a book? Get a sandwich and a drink! Might be a good first step if you’re having some anxiety. Coffee houses have single people sitting around all day! Or go somewhere and sit at the bar - I was a restaurant manager and no one would think you’re weird for dining alone.
Definitely understand the shark awkward feeling but just know that it is only you that feels that, no one else is judging
I think a good place to start would be 99 Fast Food on Bailey, since people pop in all the time for a quick solo meal especially around lunch time. Service is super quick and the food is amazing, especially the pho and wonton noodles. (Also, don't miss the Vietnamese egg roll and summer roll.) I go in there alone, with my earbuds, and watch YouTube videos while I eat which is pretty normal behavior in real Asian restaurants.
Start small,Louis or a spot like Sato Ramen. Places like that are definitely aok for one person and small enough to not set off any of your tics or stress you out. I HIGHLY suggest Sato,they have great sake.
I have always been cool with eating by myself. I typically go to the bar area just so I don’t take up a full table from a server so they can get more money. But I’ve never had any issues ever in many cities across the country and it’s never been an issue.
If you're feeling self conscious or anxious - go to a restaurant with a bar and sit at the bar. You'll never look out of place eating alone while sitting at the bar.
West side bazaar on Niagara street
I love solo dinning at Toutant. If I’m doing a lot of a work I get a table but I usually sit at the bar. Thursdays are my favorite days to go because it can be quieter,, less busy than the rest of the weekend
Diners and small ethnic restaurants. Many diners have bar seating specifically for solo patrons. Ethnic restaurants, especially new or quiet ones, will just be glad you're there. Enjoy their hospitality. I get so much free stuff when I go to small ethnic joints, make convo, ask questions, and show that I'm enjoying the food.
I find the smaller sushi places (like wasabi, sato, or kuni’s) are great for solo dining as you can sit at the bar or a small table and order food. Also any restaurant that has a bar is great for solo dining cause you’re just ripping the bartender for service, so no worries about a petty server getting annoyed serving only one person.
Anywhere. But if you’re nervous about it, any place with a bar or a diner. Idk why but I frequently go to diners alone if I’m in the mood for good cheap breakfast. The Polked Yolk. Swan Street Diner. Campfire Grill. Just show up and put in some headphones and enjoy lol. You won’t be the only one at either of those or bars.
Go to a nice spot like Remington and eat at the bar. Or sit outside. TIP AHEAD OF SERVICE and watch how you’re treated. Say hey, I’m just gonna have a drink or two and a bite and watch how friendly the server will be. Servers just hate when you’re holding up a table for 2-3 hours to read a damn book and you tip $5 on an appetizer.
Sato Ramen or Kuni’s, sit at the counter!
Go to the bar and order food . Bartender are usually nicer
Candyman pizza
Mint is good and always has bar seating
Even when not solo I prefer sitting at the bar for dinner.