Brooklyn Chowhound in town this saturday night...can't miss solo dining experience?

[sam1]

I'm going to be in Boston (surprisingly for the first time) this Saturday night. While the girlfriend has some work related event, I figured I'd treat myself to a nice solo dinner.

Can anyone recommend a can't miss place that works well for solo dining? Preferably some place I can feel comfortable alone.

I'm into every type of food from sweetbreads to vege buffalo wings. As long as it's amazing and suitable for solo dining, please let me know.

[wittlejosh]

When I saw windupbird's list, I thought for a second that I had already posted! I second them all, esp. Metropolis Cafe, Butcher Shop, B&G, and Neptune. The Improper Bostonian recently did an article on Dining Alone (current issue, I think), but can't remember the reccos. It's a free publication that you can pick up once here.

[sailormouth]

I'd second all the above, especially Eastern Standard and No. 9, (had dinner alone there at the bar last Saturday, spent $130, didn't care for the monkfish much though). The bar at Troquet is very quiet, with a TV, friendly bartender and hostess. I'd do Eastern Standard first, if you don't want to make the trip out there go to No. 9, if the bar is full and you don't want to wait cross the Common and go to Troquet.

If you smoke, make the trip up to ES, covered and heated smoking and eating and drinking area, unheard of in Boston. (If you don't, don't worry, it won't waft inside).

[Northender]

Agree with Eastern Standard and No. 9 park recs. Another great solo dining spot (at the bar) is Prezza on Fleet Street in the North End. The bar caters to solo diners and the food is great (not inexpensive though).

[tamerlanenj]

The bar at Eastern Standard is a great experience, and the service is so much better than the dining room.

You know, I find that to be the case in general. When you're at the bar, you have captive service, so to speak. And you often get good conversation.

[HeelsSoxHound]

second the recs for central kitchen, chez henri, and no. 9.
would add the blue room in kendall square--great bar, and if reggie is still there, a great bartender. even if he's not, the service at the bar is excellent and the food is pretty righteous. b and g is fun, but imho, pricey for what you get. if you're going to spend that kind of money, i'd be inclined to send you to one of the other places already mentioned.

[happy]

More suggestions:

- Bar at No. 9 Park (close to downtown; Italian/French)
- Bar at Via Matta (Park Plaza area Back Bay; northern Italian)

Both upscale interesting experiences where you won't feel uncomfortable dining solo. Both serve great cocktails as well.

[Truh]

Gargoyle's in Davis Square is an easy five-minute walk from the Davis Square stop on the Red Line. Great bar atmosphere for solo dining.

[MaineRed]

- Chez Henri in Cambridge at the bar :) search the board, but this is a standout (get there early!)
- Eastern Standard in Kenmore has a v. nice bar/feel (leave the Yankees hat at home :)

[rlh]

Second Chez Henri -- work the detour to Cambridge -- walk n on Mass Ave from Harvard Sq about 10 min if taking the T -- good bartenders, great cocktails, and delicious food -- but it does fill up quickly to eat at the bar.

Central Kitchen is another very good choice, also in Cambridge -- great scene, wine by the glass, and friendly service with delicious straightforward bistro food. The bar is much larger and wider.

[windupbird]

Here are some good solo dining spots where you can eat at the bar. Very nice food and comfortable. Don't know where you are staying, so here are a bunch of locations:

Metropolis in the South End, Boston
Harvest in Harvard Sq, Cambridge
Central Kitchen in Central Sq, Cambridge
Neptune Oyster in North End, Boston (small place. so go early!)
B&G Oyster in the South End, Boston
Butcher Shop in the South End, Boston

Enjoy!!!