Dining alone can be an intimidating experience. When we do venture out alone, many restaurants don't know what to make of us: We get shuffled to the table near the kitchen, and we get asked repeatedly when the rest of our party is arriving. Once we overcome the insecurities associated with having a solo meal, we have to deal with a society that doesn't understand that "Just one, thank you" isn't a mark of failure.
French philosopher Jean Baudrillard famously wrote, "Sadder than destitution, sadder than a beggar is the man who eats alone in public." An Arab proverb is slightly less poetic, "He who eats alone, chokes alone." What gives? Fortunately, some Chicago restaurants welcome the singular sect with open arms.
Brunch at Ina's
Inherently a social occasion, brunch is probably the meal that least lends itself to solo dining. Finding a parking spot, waiting in line and suffering through slow service at over-crowded restaurants all conjure up dead time that's just begging to be filled with friendly chatter. So how do you go alone without feeling like a schmuck? Forget all of those hipper-than-thou joints and settle into a table at Ina's, a West Loop brunch spot that isn't trying to turn over each table in 45 minutes. Solo patrons can take their time flipping through the newspaper, sipping on fresh-squeezed OJ and enjoying a stack of Ina's Heavenly Hots and fruit compote. Chances are that Ina herself will be around to chat you up, and maybe even help you out with the crossword.
Lunch at Iguana Cafe
Enjoying a stag lunch doesn't have to involve the words "to go." Slow down with the European styles of the Iguana Cafe. By day, this eatery is a laid-back refuge for creative types, grad students and the gainfully unemployed. Things tend to liven up at night, but Iguana wins this mid-day prize for its stellar lunch selection. Aside from being the best bite in town, Iguana's build-your-own panini option is a delightful celebration of the individual. (Hey—that's you!) A quick look at the clientele will reveal that this River West spot has been adopted by solo diners from all walks of life; coffee shop, corner bar, study hall, de facto office—Iguana has become all things to all people.
Coffee break at Kopi Cafe
Travelers are by nature solitary creatures, so it's suiting that Andersonville's token vagabond gathering spot is one of Chicago's best locales for a solo mini-break. An extensive beverage menu includes coffee drinks, exotic tea tipples and health-friendly smoothies. If you prefer sweet snacks, you can opt for a baguette with jam or a delicious pastry, like the amazing cranberry-orange scones. Daily soups and lox bagels greet those with a savory streak; the fruit and cheese platter on the specials menu makes for a decadent solo indulgence. Kopi patrons have the option of pulling up a chair or kicking off their shoes for cozy floor seating; regardless of where you plant yourself, you get to stay as long as you want.
Happy hour at Avec
Having a post-work drink by yourself has a certain stigma: Only pathetic loners hauling around some major baggage and desperately in need of an AA meeting would dare to grab a beer in the absence of company, right? Meanwhile, gleeful co-workers get to gravitate to the bars in gaggles. Suffice to say, societal perceptions on the matter are a bit skewed. Enter Avec. The communal seating means that solo patrons get to mingle with other guests. Over 30 of the painstakingly scouted wines are available as carafinas; the 250-milliliter vessels equal one-third of a bottle that you'd be drinking with friends. If you'd like a little nibble with your vino, the small-plates menu features artful offerings ideal for one.
Dinner at Zealous
For many, the fear of dining alone is elevated tenfold at dinnertime. Will people assume you were stood up? Is it rude to read the Weekend section in an upscale restaurant? Where can I plug in my laptop? It's time to abandon the distractions and simply enjoy dining alone. Opting for a chef's tasting menu is a great transitional tool. New courses continue to arrive, so boredom won't be an issue. Chef Michael Taus of Zealous offers five- and seven-course menus custom built for solo diners (including vegetarians). For an elevated experience, opt for the wine pairing. It can be very empowering to call in a reservation for one, but if you're still hesitant, simply grab a seat at the swanky bar.
All Day at Pick Me Up Cafe
Old hats in the solo dining game will tell you that diners never disappoint. Late hours, long menus and low prices will satisfy any culinary whim you might have—whenever you have it. Still, the very notion of a greasy spoon seems counterintuitive to healthy eating; Lakeview's Pick Me Up remedies this concern. Vegan options abound, and healthful versions of comfort favorites fill the rest of the menu; burritos, pizza and the best grilled cheese in Chicagoland only touch the surface here. With comfy booths, a dynamite staff and a record-nerd's playlist, there's not much of a reason to ever leave.
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