Bar Seat for One

Gathering over a table of food with open bottles of wine and lit candles feels like the most natural way to connect. The air fills with stories and laughter, dessert warms in the oven, glasses clink. I love eating with friends and family, I’m sure you do as well; but, there comes a time when your fridge looks deserted, the hankering to go out is strong, and there is no one to join. I know this feeling well having lived in multiple cities where I know no one. I contemplated even writing this story at the risk of it sounding lonely or sad but let me set the record straight: going out to dinner alone is fantastic. It’s easier to choose where to go — once you know which places you feel most comfortable — and decide on what to order when it’s just yourself to keep in mind. It feels casual and carefree, especially when I can bring a book to read, a journal to scribble in, or my laptop to write. Often I even find myself chatting with the people next to me or the bartenders depending on how busy it is. I know, I know this can feel awkward but believe me it’s worth a try at least a few times. You never know what kind of interesting conversations you may have or how the alone time with yourself could make you feel.

Learning to feel confident and enjoy eating alone wasn’t necessarily something I wanted to do, but had to do when I lived in New York City during college for my internship semester. While most yearned to spend their days curing a hangover or shopping, I had created a massive “Must Eat” list that I taped on my barren dorm wall with all of the places I wanted to try. With no one to go with, I ventured out into the city alone and slowly became more accustomed to it. This is also when I began to write about food, so dining alone gave me the opportunity to really consider what I was eating and how I would write about it. That quiet time with myself to think critically and engage with my meals made me a more informed diner and writer. Most memorably, I recall my first ramen restaurant that I went to near Washington Square Park having no clue how to the huge bowl of brothy noodles set in front of me. It seems so simple now but I didn’t really know how to use chop sticks and found slurping unnatural. Bellied up to the bar I peaked at my neighbors and watched them expertly pinch a group of steamy, slick noodles quickly into their mouth followed by a spoonful of broth. I didn’t have a friend with me to ask or navigate this with but I felt triumphant having conquered this alone. Independence and curiosity for my next exciting meal filled me after that.

When I moved to Savannah about a year ago I felt this new sense of anxiety without my regular places to go, which instantly drove me to begin my hunt. You can surely go anywhere alone, but below are my personal favorites with hospitable bartenders and comfortable tables or bar seats. They also have menus that suit a single diner as I tend to avoid the menus where items are meant to be shared because, well, the reason is obvious there.

1. Black Rabbit

   My local pub. The bar seats are plentiful and I can decide to tuck into a corner — which I’m currently doing with my glass of pinot noir and half Hammy Sammy — or brush elbows with fellow locals and strike up a conversation. The bartenders are also great and will remember a familiar face so I always feel welcome. The sandwiches are simple but solid and can be ordered by the half.

2. Local 11 Ten

   Looking for a more upscale solo dining night? Try Local 11 Ten close to Forsyth Park. I become weak at the knees for their $9.00 glass of wine and starter portion of house-made garganelli with beef ragu. The large windows are perfect to gaze out to people watch and the bartenders are incredibly friendly.

3. Olde Pink House Speakeasy

   Kind of a hidden gem and I’ll be honest I avoided this historic, pink home that is potentially haunted due to it’s touristy nature. Eating at the restaurant is surprisingly pleasant with a dash of the building’s history if you get the right server, but the basement is where you’ll find the dark, moody vibes. The room is dotted with leather arm chairs and if you’re lucky a pianist will be playing in the corner. The cocktails are wonderful and I love sitting at the bar here.

4. Late Air

   Tucked almost in the suburbs, this small wine bar can easily be missed but once you go you wont be able to stop thinking about it. Two-tops and window facing seats line the walls while a large u-shaped bar holds center stage in the middle of the room. The French themed decor and bottles of wine set the tone. The bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable and they need to be because the wines are intentionally funky. The menu is constantly rotating and very rarely misses and the small plates make for a perfect menu for someone dining alone.

5. Bull Street Taco

   There aren’t many great places to get great Mexican food in Savannah and having moved from Texas, I realize my standards are high. Sit indoor, sit outdoor, sit at their bar it doesn’t matter but whatever you do, give their red chile tempura cauliflower taco a chance. Most come with families so I can usually find a spot at the bar to enjoy a chilly marg and a few tacos.