Where do you like to eat alone?
Tuesday, July 19, 2005 22:43Because I am a student of her work I was just skimming the following Jessica Alba item…
“There are times when I want nothing more than to be alone. And, far from understanding that, people seem to find it alarming. Out in LA, it bugs me that it’s almost impossible to dine out alone. Everyone feels bad for you. For some reason, waiters, chefs, even strangers feel the need to come and talk to you. They ask,’How’s the food? Did someone not show up?’”
…and the comment — fabricated or otherwise — got me thinking about where I like to go when I’m hungry and alone in L.A. Besides the chain coffee shops, do you have any restaurants or cafes that you recommend where you can eat and think without having to endure a pity party? Or is there just something inarguably sad about a person breaking bread alone?
07-17-05_0252
Originally uploaded by tecgirl.
Jeff says:
July 19th, 2005 at 11:53 pm
In Santa Monica, there’s Izzy’s Deli on 15th and Wilshire, where I’ve seen multiple people just sitting at their own table or booth, just reading or contemplating life and no one seems to care that they’re alone. And because it’s 24 hours, you can contemplate in solitude anytime of the day.
Jonah says:
July 20th, 2005 at 8:37 am
I also enjoying dining alone. Funny enough, I feel perfectly comfortable by myself, but when I someone else eating alone, especially someone elderly, I feel a little bit sad for them.
I generally prefer somewhere like Urth where you don’t have a waiter coming by to take your order, for the same reason you mentioned, that they seem to bother you a bit more. I tend to bury myself in a book too.
I have some Fridays off work, so I’ll go to breakfast by myself, which seems to be a socially acceptable lone meal. I hit up Jinky’s, Snug Harbor, Headlines, Cafe 50’s, etc.
Flavia says:
July 20th, 2005 at 8:49 am
Apple Pan.
eecue says:
July 20th, 2005 at 10:58 am
I liked the part about the waiter and I think you should have left it in.
=]
SoCalorie says:
July 20th, 2005 at 11:31 am
You know, my mate thought that part was funny too, a little TOO funny!
Pauline says:
July 20th, 2005 at 12:24 pm
About a year and a half ago, I enjoyed dining alone at Cafe Laurent in Culver City, but it got a bit too pricy for me. My typical spots afterwards became restaurants with bars or counters - Today Sushi, some ramen noodle houses, etc. I don’t usually have waiters coming around non-stop because since I’m sitting right there at the counter, the servers know if I need anything, I’ll just yell.
Why We Type says:
July 20th, 2005 at 12:52 pm
In Los Feliz, La Belle Epoque has little tables, and such a French atmosphere, it is common to see people seated solo. The tables are so close together however, that you’re never really alone.
eric says:
July 20th, 2005 at 7:29 pm
Sushi Roku (the best one’s on 3rd + La Cienega, but there’s a couple of other locations) is cheap and super-solo-diner friendly. E
SoCalorie says:
July 20th, 2005 at 7:32 pm
I went to Real Food Daily for lunch today and there were tons of singletons!
Manic Organic says:
July 22nd, 2005 at 1:50 pm
I also enjoy eating alone sometimes, though never without a book. I have eaten alone many times at El Tarasco, on Washington Blvd. in Marina del Rey. Those guys couldn’t care less who you eat with, as long as you don’t throw your chips around.
Once I was on tour with my husband’s band in England, and after about five days, I got really, really sick of everyone. So much so that I decided that I was going to dump their asses, and go eat at some randon Chinese place that I found near the club where they were sound-checking. Having that heavenly, solitary meal was an absolute godsend. I must have been quite a sight too - this was Saturday night, at peak dinner hour, and there I am in full glory, alternately reading my English gossip mag, or writing in my journal. Ahhh, good times. I was a fully restored human being by the time I met up with everyone again.
eric says:
July 26th, 2005 at 9:36 am
re: above, jeez, did I say Sushi Roku was cheap and solo-diner friendly? Duh. I meant SUSHI MAC. (Sushi Roku is the super-high-end place across the street from Sushi Mac…) anyhow. yeah. Sushi Mac, La C. and 3rd St. :-) E
SoCalorie says:
July 26th, 2005 at 9:50 am
I just thought you were made of money!