Dining Alone

I see a lot of posters here who are afraid, or at least aprehensive, about dining solo.

Why?

No one will think you are weird. Plenty of people eat alone. One thing I have noticed over the years, is that a lone woman will almost always have a book and a glass of wine!

 

The only problem I had with dining alone is all of the "comp money" that I was wasting. Do you know how difficult it is to spend $150 on a meal when you don't drink alcohol?

This is focused primarily on venues that give you vouchers that are "use it or lose it".

 

Lots of solo people eat alone in vegas because their loved ones are gambling or shopping or resting in their hotel rooms. Or, they are traveling solo.

I travel solo all the time and no big deal to eat alone. I do carry something to read while I am waiting for my food but then I put it away when the food arrives.

 

Can't you talk to your people about different compensation? Explain you don't eat $150 worth of food, and maybe would settle for $75 free play?

 

I have done it and enjoy it. recent smartphone technology helps pass the time.
Also most all restaurants in vegas have bar areas where you can dine. I enjoy The Henry at Cosmo, Gordon Ramsey Burger place at PH and my FAV is Juilan Serrano's at Aria.

 

I really haven't dined solo at a real restaurant before - not including fast food type joints - so I admit I am apprehensive. I'm not sure if it really has to do with what others will think of me dining alone so much as I'd be bored. I'm not a people watcher and as an introvert I would not enjoy sitting at the bar area chatting up strangers. I think I'd be happier eating in my room watching TV or sitting on my balcony at Cosmo. If I go ahead with my first solo trip (2 nights) in August I guess I will find out.

 

I love dining alone. Not because I can eat whatever I want with no one to judge me, but because I just like being alone sometimes.

I usually have a book to read or can read some literature for my dissertation and can accomplish a lot during that lone(ly) dining experience.

Although, I have to admit, I have looked at some people who are dining alone that just look so stinking sad that I feel sorry for them. I usually pick up the tab for those people. Hard to tell what they are going through, but given the sad looks, I assume it isn't good. It usually perks them up, even if just for a moment.

 

Some might not think it perfect, but imagine the alternative: You're at home eating Kraft Mac. It's vacation. Great food. How can that not be enjoyed?

 

The sad ones are probably just crabby!

 

Up at Harrahs Reno Steakhouse, they have two tables which I call the "lonely guy" tables, because that's where they seat the parties of one.

Every time I see the maitre d', I ask him, is there a "lonely guy" table available??

 

I like eating alone. When I'm with a group it's a wonderful meal with lots of laughs, conversation and revelry. But, when I eat alone I can spend more time savoring the food. I always try and visit one or two fine-dining establishments or higher end restaurants by myself on each trip.

 

hahaha, see this all the time. I think it's a great way to ensure they're not getting hit on by every guy at the venue

 

I definitely think philosophies on eating alone are very much dictated by personality types. I will agree that extroverts tend to be okay with eating alone and use the opportunity to meet new folks (especially in Vegas). The thing is, I'd rather come with a book or computer and eat good food at the bar of a restaurant than to go home hungry or, worse, eat a frozen meal. I think once you get over the hump, you begin to not care about others and do what makes you happy.

 

I travel solo to Vegas often and sit at the bar while dining. Always seem to strike up conversations with really interesting people and have made a few new friends.

 

Love dining alone. And Vegas is one of the best places for it. You can choose the bar or a table and there are a lot of similar people in the situation.

Sometimes I can strike up a conversation or if I just want some quiet respite I can keep to myself.

 

In October I went to Vegas and met a friend down there he was with his wife and a couple of other people I didn't know, I stayed at the Rio and he was at MGM so we would try and meet up most days. One of the days I was alone because they went to the Grand Canyon and when they came back they went to KA and than called it a night, I didn't tag along with them so I ended up having lunch and dinner alone, at first it felt weird because I never been to Vegas semi-solo but after I didn't care.
I am going to Vegas in May, my girlfriend is going to be there for her girls trip, we are staying at Ballys but separate rooms so I would imagine I would be having some meals alone because it's her annual girls trip and I didn't want to interfere with it. I told her I will go and gamble all night anyways.

Ernie

 

Eat at redwood grill at California each trip. The bartender is aware of the French onion soup first with bread followed by salad and then a 12 oz piece of cow. Uncanny. And really pleasant. Go for it.

 

I learned to eat alone in my early twenties while doing internships in college. Why worry about what other people think unless you think it's true? What I hate is going to bars alone. Nobody ever bothers me when I am alone in a restaurant, even when I sit at the restaurant bar. However, if I sit alone in a real bar everyone seems to think that I am there for conversation. Which is why I love Vegas, because any time I sit at a bar alone it is obvious that I am there to play video poker.

And seriously, if you have problems eating alone in restaurants Vegas is the place to get over it, you're not going to stand out.

 

Their escargot is very good to

 

In Vegas another alternative is go to a buffet - that is where i see many people dining alone. I recall a trip last year and I went to the Wynn buffet....I counted no less that 15 tables with single people. 12 were single females.
I enjoy bar areas, i do not talk much - just read a book on the phone or watch TV.