Solo diner: "I'll just eat at the bar..."

[Brian Noble]

Due to an Epic Fail on the part of the school district and the University to line up their spring breaks, my family is coming down early (for a 4-night Wonder cruise) while I finish out my course for the week. Then, I'll fly down and we'll overlap for a few days after their cruise is over. But, they'll fly back while I stay behind for several days to continue thawing out. That means I've got a good chunk of time as a solo diner.

One thing I often do when traveling on business and eating alone is to ask the concierge for a restaurant recommendation nearby with a decent menu available at the bar. Often, I find that eating "at the bar" (or in the lounge, etc.) leads to a more convivial environment, striking up conversations with other patrons or the bartender while I eat.

So, I'm wondering what places in WDW might have a similar setup. Requirements are: should have a more-than-just-appetizers menu (or, at least, appetizers-you-could-make-a-meal-of), and should have a decent atmosphere in terms of a healthy crowd: not usually empty, but not usually so full that you can never find a seat. If there are some in the parks, that would be a bonus.

Suggestions?

 

[goofy4tink]

When my dd and I just wanted those incredible milkshakes at 50's, we sat at the bar and ordered then...did feel a little strange ordering milk shakes at a bar though. There were a bunch of people eating regular meals there. In fact, we struck up a great conversation with an older couple next to us. They remembered my dd from an AIE show earlier in the day...and they wanted to know all about her and her experience. It was a very pleasant way to spend some time. I would heartily recommend the bar at 50's for eating solo.

 

[TDC Nala]

I have a massive list but I don't have it available right now - if it hasn't been duplicated here before I get off work I will post it. Favorites are California Grill (go early - in fact I almost never do regular reservations there anymore), Jiko, Raglan Road, the Tune In Lounge (at 50's Prime Time Cafe), Bluezoo, La Cava del Tequila (appetizers only), the Territory Lounge at WL (try the BLT flatbread), Yak & Yeti, the Gurgling Suitcase bar at OKW (full menu from Olivia's). The Crews Cup Lounge next to Yachtsman Steakhouse has a limited menu from Yachtsman and it looks good but I haven't tried it yet. Have also heard you can eat at the bar at Il Mulino. Jiko, Flying Fish, California Grill and Citricos have "counter" seating at the show kitchens which works well for solos.

 

[Brian Noble]

Huh. I've ordered a Turtle Krawl more than once, but I never realized the Olivia's menu was fair game there!

 

[TDC Nala]

sure, I eat Olivia's food there a lot. Last time it was a big bowl of sticky wings. A favorite is the soup and sandwich for lunch (with a Turtle Krawl)

 

[happymommy]

When my dd and I just wanted those incredible milkshakes at 50's, we sat at the bar and ordered then...did feel a little strange ordering milk shakes at a bar though. There were a bunch of people eating regular meals there. In fact, we struck up a great conversation with an older couple next to us. They remembered my dd from an AIE show earlier in the day...and they wanted to know all about her and her experience. It was a very pleasant way to spend some time. I would heartily recommend the bar at 50's for eating solo.

I was going to recommend the same place! One afternoon, we ducked in (myself and my two kids) to get out of a sudden downpour. There were 3 seats at the bar, so I got a glass of wine and my kids got drinks with glow cubes. We decided we were hungry, so the bartender produced the dinner menu. My DD and I shared the fried chicken (they even split it onto two separate plates) and my son got a hot dog. It was so nice and relaxing, and the bartender was really nice. We enjoyed ourselves, and were glad we could eat there as we didn't have a reservation. The food is very good and hearty (although half a dinner is plenty for me). I recommend the bar at the 50's Prime Time Cafe for sure!

 

[Jillinwonderland]

the bar at 50's prime time is nice when your traveling solo.

 

[Missytara]

I have a few favorites myself, since I travel all the time alone and eat out at home almost every night.

One of my fav lounges is the WL; they have some great snacks and the bartender even helped me do the Sunday crossword puzzle one year.

I love DTD, and enjoy the Rainforest Cafe. They have several TV's and are usually playing sports of some sort. There is a huge turnover, so you meet all kinds of interesting people.

For a little dressier night, I love CG in the CR - I love their cheese plate for dessert with a few glasses wine.

Another one is Prime Time 50's Cafe; I got lunch there - a hot dog with grille marks and crinkle fries; brought back wonderful memories of childhood and their shakes are to die for.

And my last fav is my home resort of POR; love the atmosphere and Yeehah Bob performs there nightly late in the week. He is a scream.

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

ESPN at the BW. It meets the "not too crowded" criteria as long as there isn't a big game on TV.