232071 Tue Mar 14 22:21:00 -0800 2006 5 18 Manhattan 0 1231694 I have been dining alone in the city for a while and it always seems odd for the restaurants to deal with. No one has been rude but they seem surpised. I am not sure if it because I am younger. Has anybody else had these experiences? Also where are some of the nicer places that you have dined alone comfortably besides sushi? Finaly does anybody have any clues about proper manners when dining alone..I never bring a book or anything, should I? This is in NYC Manhattan. Tue Mar 14 22:21:00 -0800 2006 0 JOna 1 1231698 I think it's the problem of others and not yours. When I see people dining alone I think they are traveling, or a food critic or confident enough to enjoy being by themselves. If you want to be less noticed then dining at the bar is the trick. No one seems to think that is unusual -- even without a book! Tue Mar 14 22:30:00 -0800 2006 1231694 0 LM 2 1231713 agreed. I've been all of the above (traveler, food critic, comfortable enough to eat on my own) and let others think it weird. That being said Eleven Madison Park takes good care of solo diners. I've had dinner (chef's tasting menu), lunch and brunch here solo. I eat a lot by myself (my wife travels on business alot and I happen to enjoy eating in restaurants) and have never had a problem. Some places treat you exceptionally well (EMP as discussed and props to The Globe in Atlanta...truly phenomenal service). Wed Mar 15 00:16:29 -0800 2006 1231698 0 dkstar1 1 1231715 Just be glad that you are one of the people who cannot dine alone. I used to get wierd looks in college from peers when i told them i went out to eat by myself but it did not faze me(I was a lot more chowiswh than my friends). I like to do it especially if i have been around people for awhile. The great thing about NYC is that it is the one place in the US wher eyou can still be alone yet surrounded by people. Wed Mar 15 00:55:21 -0800 2006 1231694 0 MV 1 1231741 hearth has a counter overlooking the kitchen, an entertaining spot when dining alone. Link: http://www.muckraked.com Wed Mar 15 10:08:29 -0800 2006 1231694 0 josh L 1 1232437 I dine solo all the time. I never thought much of it until reading this thread. Frequently I've found the waitstaff is friendlier to me when I'm alone (probably out of pity, but oh well). I do admit to sitting at the bar if possible and bringing a book on occasion. Sun Mar 19 15:14:11 -0800 2006 1231694 0 David O.