Dining Out Solo
Dining out solo can be a liberating experience! It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy some much-needed “me time” and reflect on life. However, it can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Here are a few tips to help make your solo dining experience enjoyable:
- Pick the right spot: Choose somewhere that you feel comfortable and won’t feel out of place. A familiar restaurant or café is a great option. I personally like to eat at the bar so I’m not sitting in the middle of the restaurant alone.
- Make it a special occasion: Treat yourself to something you wouldn’t normally order, or bring a good book to read while you eat. I always make sure to order dessert as well! All of these options can also make for great conversation starters.
- Be friendly: Acknowledge those around you with a smile or brief conversation. You never know who you might meet. This is probably the #1 way I met new people when I first moved here.
- Enjoy the moment: Relax, take your time, and savor the experience.
Dining out solo can be a wonderful way to practice self-care and discover new things about yourself and the world around you. Like I said, it can be intimidating though…that’s why I like to sit somewhere to blend in. My favorite spots as a newbie were Redsauce at Lake Sumter and Bluefin Grill & Bar at Brownwood. You just need to take a deep breath and do it! Trust me, dining solo can do a lot for your self-esteem and your mood.
Break The Ice
If you’re sitting at a bar, or close proximity to another person, break the ice by asking the person next to you what brought them to The Villages® or where they’re from. Everyone has a story to tell, and I for one LOVE hearing them! It’s fun to learn that you may have something in common, or come from the same area, and sometimes know the same people. It’s a small world in our big little community!
We have too many great restaurants to experience here and staying home alone at dinner can be depressing. Give it a try and see what you discover!
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Great article! I’ve done it a LOT here … I want to add that TIPPING is even more important. You may be taking up a four-top and a thoughtful server will check on you just as often as a larger group. Cheers!
You are SO right!! I always tip my servers well!! Thanks
I rarely get the chance (thankfully) to eat alone, however it can be an interesting experience. I agree that tipping the server is always important.
Dining out solo isn’t as uncommon as it seems. In fact, it can be a great way for one to focus on themselves, relax, and enjoy a nice meal. Thanks for sharing!
Since I am single I eat solo often and really enjoy it. I love when they try to seat you somewhere out of the way. Near the bathroom, the kitchen door or somewhere they feel you would not be noticed. I always ask for the center of the restaurant., it’s fun when people feel bad for you that you eating alone. I enjoy it.