Dinner For One

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Always sit at the bar by Mimi Jacobs

So you recently broke up, are getting a divorce, all your friends got married and have kids or you’re going through a midlife crisis and find yourself alone for dinner on a Friday or any other night. Never fear. Dinner For One can be a satisfying if not friendship-cultivating and perhaps even matchmaking experience. I’ve decided to compile the most important tenets of solo dining into this handy Listicle for my inaugural column. Start with these 5 tried and true steps to get the most bang for your buck. Happy wining and dining without a wingman.

1. Always sit at the bar. Even if no one else is around or interested in a chat, the bartender is a captive audience. (See No. 2 below)
2. Be open to the bartender hitting on you but don’t sleep where you eat. More on that in future columns.
3. Survey the seating arrangement for any open seats next to anyone you find potentially attractive, especially if they too are by themselves. Steer clear of couples engaged in arguments or friend groups already deeply engrossed in conversation. Follow social cues and avoid solitary diners who avoid eye contact as we recognize that sometimes people just want to be left in peace. Equally important to politely return to perusing the menu when someone doesn’t take the bait to a conversation starter. Older or much younger barflys can also turn out to be unexpectedly entertaining for a chat and chew.
4. Bring something to read – other than your phone. You don’t have to read it. If nothing else it can serve as a conversation starter. The New Yorker or the Economist or something vaguely financial depending on the desired audience have worked well for me. Any novel or non-fiction hardcover will also suffice-bonus if you’re actually reading it or knowledgeable on the topic.
5. And always tip big! $$$