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Are there "better" hours when dining alone? Originally published in SoloDining.com, the newsletter — September/October 1997 Question: "I dine out alone at lunch because I usually do my research away from home. Late lunches from 1:00-3:00pm are not a problem for me because restaurants in my area are not crowded at that time. An early dinner around 4:00pm also works well. As I write, I realize that I seldom choose to have dinner out after 5:30pm. I avoid the times when couples are apt to be eating out. Do I dine early to avoid having others notice that I am a solo diner, or to avoid the displeasure of the host/hostess in having to seat a solo when the restaurant is busy?" Diane — Sacramento, California Answer: Perhaps both! Maybe it's time for you to become more aware of your preferences and to start satisfying them. Trying to be mindful of those of others is a good policy. But consider these questions: Is it always possible to know what other people prefer? Is there anything wrong with occasionally allowing your wishes to come first? Part of the fun of dining out alone is its inherent flexibility — eating wherever and whenever and whatever you please. Solo dining is a wonderful way to indulge your moods. Had a "rotten day"? Crave a bit of pampering? What better way to start the soothing process that by treating yourself to a tasty meal in comforting surroundings. Seek out restaurants that will cater to your wishes. As you can see from restaurants featured in SoloDining.com, many restaurants are very pleased to serve solo diners — even during busy times! They realize solo diners are a huge, potentially lucrative market. These restaurants will do their best to make sure you have a pleasant dining experience at a time of your choice — especially if you make a reservation — hoping you'll tell all your friends about it and that you'll return frequently. Return to Top Sooner or later, EVERYONE — business and pleasure travelers, singles, those divorced or widowed, very-marrieds whose spouses are on the road, harried moms and dads, etc. — faces the challenge of eating out alone! THE How-to Booklet of Solo Dining Tips & Strategies: The Art and Satisfaction of Dining Alone — REVEALED! is now available for purchase in PDF format! List of Restaurants offering counter/dining bars — SoloDiners' EAT OUT Week "2007" List of Restaurants offering communal table dining — Solo Diners' EAT OUT Week "2006" Planning a trip? Visit our sister website. Click here: SoloTravelPortal.com If you have questions or comments about this Web page or site, e-mail: webmaster@SoloDining.com. © 2008 SoloDining.com Return to Top