Would you ever eat in a restaurant by yourself?

Question

Would you ever go out to eat in a restaurant by yourself? 
I was talking to a friend of mine and I was telling her about my day and that I had lunch at this restaurant in town. I told her I ate inside by myself and she was so surprised. She told me she would never do that because it was too embarrassing or awkward. Lol It didn't bother me at all though. 
So, it just got me wondering how other people feel about this:)

centigrade · Accepted Answer

Yea, I always do with this "being single" thing going on :/ It can be ~strange~ feeling at times like the weekend nights when all the couples are around you but it's not like I'm causing a problem, and I've never had anyone stare or laugh at me to my knowledge, lol.
But every time I go alone It's like I'm roadkill and the cute waitress are like buzzards and always come and they are always so talkative and nice because I can't hide a blush at freaking all. So of course I could buy another meal for someone with the huge tip I always leave. It sucks, lol.

But yea, I go to like TGI fridays, Chili's, Logans, Lonestar, etc.

kairon156 · Accepted Answer

I would and have ate at a restaurant by my self before.
I wanted some Jungle Jimms for a week or two so I went in by my self and ordered a few things. I got no weird looks from any one and left a tip when I was finished.

from the results most people would be okay with doing it.. looking at the gender women are about 50%/50% but 100% of men would do it.

Way off topic, I wonder if it has to do with "men going their own way"

TheoryOfAvarice · Accepted Answer

Yes, I've done it before and I would do it again. I don't mind it.

It depends where you go though. I studied in Spain a couple years ago and eating by yourself at a restaurant or even just getting a drink at a cafe alone made you look like a social outcast... it was kind of tough for me haha, I prefer to do a lot of things alone but there that was just seen as completely strange. I wanted to just sit at a cafe with a book and some churros by myself so bad. Luckily there were a lot of great people in my program to hang out with but still, didn't have much alone time during that semester.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Yes, of course... and I have.
If I want to go out but there's no one to go with, that's doesn't matter to me. I'm not going to let that stop me. I'll go and maybe take a book or something to keep my eyes busy. I love to observe the people around me as well, but that looks less strange and obvious if I at least have a book open near me :-P

Daph81 · Answer

In a real restaurant, no. If I want to eat something but couldn't get anyone to come with me, I'd just order to take away and eat at home.

I would only eat along at my university canteen. It felt really weird and I feel like such a loser at first, but now I've gotten used to it.

Jordahn · Answer

What's awkward about it? You gotta eat, and with so many people on different schedules, it's more convenient just eating when you have time, even if it's alone. The movies are a different story, I wouldn't have as much fun if I was by myself at the movies.

DodgersGM · Answer

Yeah, especially for lunch. I mean, I'd go (and have gone) for dinner somewhere by myself too if I wanted.

There's a brewery right down the street from me that I go to often by myself. I've kinda gotten to know some of the people there though so I guess that doesn't totally count.

Red_Arrow · Answer

The primary purpose of a restaurant is to eat.  Going there for a date or whatever is secondary.  So I can't figure why people would feel strange about eating alone, or look strangely at people who do.  I have eaten in restaurants with dates and with family, but I have also eaten in them alone many, many times, especially as a place to go to lunch to get away from work completely for an hour.  I often read then, too.

PinkAcid · Answer

not in a real restaurant, i would feel like i was wasting a table that could go to a family or group and i think eating in restaurants is more of a social event over just going somewhere for food.

i would be fine eating at a fast food restaurant or a cafe by myself

Agrojag · Answer

I do it all the time. Some of the best experiences at restaurants have been when I was by myself. The people around me usually talk to me and, if not, I'll bring a book or something. I'm not going to deprive myself of good food and atmosphere just because the people I know are too lame to come with.

nyfan25 · Answer

I've only done it a couple of times, but it was always something low key like a deli, a diner, or a pizza place or something. If I know I'm going to need food I usually just bring it from home and find somewhere to sit. Much cheaper that way ;).

I wouldn't go out of my way to go eat by myself though. It's expensive and I wouldn't be getting the most out of the money I was spending, sine I probably wouldn't be hanging around enjoying the evening or something by myself lol

WhiteSteve · Answer

I have, when I'm on the road for work, I travel a lot. I don't think I give off that Steven Glansburg vibe, so I'm not self-conscious. I do prefer it if there's a counter area to sit at rather than sitting in a booth by myself. Most of the time I just get stuff to go and eat in the car and listen to the radio, I have a beat up old windbreaker I wear and a beach towel to spread out so I don't catch a go-home stain, haha.

novemberbaby · Answer

Ehhh I don't know. I'm a waitress, and I always feel like it would be so awkward to eat out by yourself... I would just take it to-go. I feel like i need to entertain them way more than other tables, but still feel awkward FOR them, yknow? I don't know just seems like whats the point of going out to eat.. by yourself, because when i go out for a meal, i do it with other people for fellowship and fun. but i digress.

AmyGrillett · Answer

I used to all the time on my lunch break. It was some peace and quiet and I'm a loner anyway. Trying to entertain/conversate with somebody else makes me anxious lol.

palek · Answer

I prefer eating in restaurants by myself. I usually just order an appetizer then nonchalantly grab an entree off someone elses table when they go to the bathroom, or are otherwise distracted.

llorando · Answer

I have no problem eating in a restaurant by my self. I don't understand what the big deal eating alone in a restaurant, sometimes it's just nice to relax and enjoy am meal alone. If people are surprised by it or doesn't like, well bad news form them, cause I could care less of what the think about me eating alone.

Hans222 · Answer

If it's just a snack or sandwich, yes I would... but not a menu or real restaurant kitchen.
Perhaps I'll try, on a first of April , to put a mirror in front of me, eat a menu and talk to the mirror. Just for the fun of the joke :-)

kambo_trick3y · Answer

Damn, judging by these answers some people are really damn scared to be alone.

drummerdude25 · Answer

I do it all the time... It's not an ideal situation but it's not a big deal either. Most times I'm out and about getting stuff done so I just mind my own business and do what I gotta do... People can think whatever they want, I couldn't care less.

Luv2BRealExotic13 · Answer

I have at the bar area. But sitting at a wide open area, I would sit if it were my first time there, I don't care about eating alone. Chains and restaurants I know most of the time I just call something in lol.

Distant · Answer

I do this several times a week. Why would it be awkward?

meowcow · Answer

Only at cheap places like fast food, Denny's...etc. Not at a nicer place. The only exception is when I'm travelling for work. Then I often have to have dinner alone.

Phoenix98 · Answer

I eat by myself all the time I don't see what the big deal is. I go to this family own place that has been around for like 60 years and has the best food around. Go there all the time by my self no give me weird looks at all.

ironeddie · Answer

No. I don't/wouldn't do it. If I'm going to eat by myself. I'll get take-out go home and let the TV keep me company. Or even just sit in my car and listen to my music.

sovetskii13 · Answer

Sure, why not. Nothing weird or bad about that. There is no one to talk to but I can focus more on the food thus enjoy it more. It's all mine. And no need to pay for anyone but myself.

desidoll · Answer

Yes I would and I have done it few times. I feel a little bit weird looking at people around me who have their friends or family with them but eh not a big deal. I pay for it! lol

luzzzz · Answer

I actually do this a lot.  I don't really care.  Occasionally someone will stare but I don't mind it.  I can stay at the restaurant as long as I want, do whatever I want.  It is always better to be alone then with bad company.

alliecheergirl123 · Answer

Of course! Sometimes you need to clear your head from other people and eat some good food without any interruptions

bunnahies · Answer

i only do fastfood alone bc eating a whole fancy meal by myself is to pricey for my blood. if i pay that much, id like to as least have fun :/

RedThread · Answer

Yes I've done this on a few occasions. Sometimes it's nice going out people watching without distractions from friends. I think it can be relaxing being among people but not social with people :P

kheserthorpe · Answer

Sure.  I've done it just because and I've done it frequently travelling since I'm more often then not travelling alone ok business.

sammy_31 · Answer

I'm not saying I would eat by myself but prefer not to be alone.

Conviction · Answer

I love being alone in public places like restaurant. I can eat as much I want. And I don't need to worry about bills either.

bubbletrouble · Answer

I would probably eat in a drive through restaurant parking lot but not in an actual sit down restaurant.

PeopleLie · Answer

i have. its weird but so what i guess... i prefer my own company anyway

SaVes · Answer

Now that I think of it, I think I have never done this before.

Cassie5tvxq · Answer

It's no big deal.  If you're hungry, eat.  I've already done it.

ArabianPwincess197 · Answer

Sure I do it at school wouldn't be too much if a biggie for me lol

lifes_curve_ball · Answer

Yeah, I've done it and I'd probably do it again, it's just ordering lunch big deal.

josesmaf · Answer

I've sat at that long table at Chipotle and ate a burrito by myself.  I wasn't too ashamed.

Anonymous · Answer

I do it all the time. I'm forever alone so that's how it is all the time.

Anonymous · Answer

I have, but try to limit how much I eat out in general so I save it for social occasions.  I don't even do drive through.

Thatguy321 · Answer

I dont care what people think ill gladly sit there and eat by myself

scorplove · Answer

Yes i would...im not really good with making friends so i do everything by myself. Kind of a loner.

biggie90 · Answer

If its a fast food restaurant not one with a waiter/waitress.

chocolateismylover · Answer

No I wouldn't. I would be too paranoid about everyone else assuming what a loser I am.

caesar-rexensis · Answer

yes, i would.  i don't care what others would think.

blondfrog · Answer

Yes I have before but I don't eat at restaurants anymore.

dodgypirate · Answer

I always need a bit of solitude once in a while.

justbanANNAz · Answer

nah i never do that. i could never.

doctorwhofan23 · Answer

I have done that before no big deal to me lol.

jacquesvol · Answer

I've done it  but only a few times/yr.

BrownEyedBeauty786 · Answer

no i would like to have my kids with me

ImCoasting · Answer

Only insecure people would care

TouglyforaGF · Answer

I would be like Mr.Bean

zackserown · Answer

Sure. Why Not.

Anonymous · Answer

I love doing this!

Anonymous · Answer

No.. It'd feel weird

Would you ever eat in a restaurant by yourself?

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Do you ever eat in restaurants by yourself?

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