Eating solo in restaurants

[Free4Life11]

I ate lunch at Applebees this week two times, both times solo. It really wasn't as bad as I thought. I went to the one at our mall at a pretty busy lunch period and got a few stares, but nothing bad.

I think I'd like going at non-peak times and bring a book or something to keep myself occupied while waiting.

 

[donald...really]

I have never had a problem eating solo at restaurants. I have never noticed anyone staring. Good for you for trying it and realizing there is nothing to fear. It is very liberating.

Yes, bringing a book is a good idea. I always have a book when eating solo. I guess that is why I never noticed anyone staring!

 

[Thumper's Tara]

I ate lunch at Applebees this week two times, both times solo. It really wasn't as bad as I thought. I went to the one at our mall at a pretty busy lunch period and got a few stares, but nothing bad.

I think I'd like going at non-peak times and bring a book or something to keep myself occupied while waiting.

Being a single individual in a new town, I do this all the time. I definitely recommend bring a book with you. I think there is nothing more relaxing than sitting in a restuarant, letting someone else cook and clean and enjoying a good book! I am going to Disney solo in January and this is how I plan to handle it!

As for anyone staring at you, they are just being rude (In my opinion). Ignore them and have a nice time

 

[Simba's Mom]

What I always do is bring a little notebook to make notes on where I've been, what I've done, where I'm going, eating, etc. etc. so that when I get back, I can answer questions. Also, I save these little notebooks as part of my memories of the trip.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I cannot even imagine dragging around a BOOK to keep me company while eating at WDW. For me, it would be too much to lug around all day in the parks. I try to travel lightly. Instead, like Simba's Mom, I always carry a pen and a tiny notebook. I also have my park map of the day.
I find that this is usually enough to keep me busy while eating alone.

When I am in my local mall eating alone, I take a
"Soap Opera Digest" or another one of my magazines of the same size. This size fits so easily into my purse, without the bulk of a book. And when I am done reading the whole magazine, sometimes I just leave it on the table in the food court.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I travel a lot for work. Being alone in other cities forces you to spend many meals alone more often than not. Yes, I could go out to eat with other conference attendees, but sometimes I just like to do my own thing. I usually buy a small city guide to read in case I get free time during the trip. I get the server's opinion on his or her favorite part of the city or favorite item on the menu. Servers are almost always more attentive when you're alone. I also pull out the PDA and organize my schedule. If it's baseball season, I try and sit near a TV with a ballgame on. I always end up meeting people, whether they be servers or other patrons.

Enjoy yourself!

 

[Thumper's Tara]

I cannot even imagine dragging around a BOOK to keep me company while eating at WDW. For me, it would be too much to lug around all day in the parks. I try to travel lightly. Instead, like Simba's Mom, I always carry a pen and a tiny notebook. I also have my park map of the day.
I find that this is usually enough to keep me busy while eating alone.

hehe. I always have a book on me, so I must not notice the weight of it anymore. Although, I do travel light! I normally have my book, a bottle of water and my camera that's it...but I guess it is all relative to the person.