Meyer recently added tablecloths and candles at the cafe’s bar, where many singles opt to eat. Zoe, a chic Soho spot, boasts an open kitchen where people dining alone can watch the chef. At San Francisco’s ritzy Etrusca, solo patrons often sit at a banquette ideally located for people-watching. Other restaurants, like the trendy Vinci in Chicago, offer communal tables where people dining alone can chat with others. Magazine racks, wines by the glass and halfportion entrees are also signs of a solo-friendly restaurant.
While Glamour’s Breslau appreciates the trend toward solo-acceptance, she still stands out at most restaurants. But after three years of practice and a lot of attention from waiters, she’s become more confident. “People still look, but I’m not intimidated anymore,” she says. “You’d be surprised at how proud of yourself you are afterwards.” Even if no one is there to share the pride.
