charlabob
CMP, I can relate — the X-Gym thread wandered into the weeds too — I got what I needed *and* sort of liked the weeds.
To get back to your original question — sounds like there are “people who want to eat alone for the sake of eating,” “people who want to eat alone and possibly meet others,” and (possibly) single people and coupled people who want to be independent. I fall into the latter half of the latter category.
I’ve eaten alone in most of the WS restaurants I enjoy, and I’ve never felt uncomfortable. Does the discomfort come from the way you’re treated? (Seated by the kitchen or the bathroom–ignored by the staff–rushed?) Or does it come from feeling uncomfortable. If it’s the former, PLEASE complain politely to the owner, manager, waiter — whoever. If it’s the latter, realize that no one is really paying as much attention to you as you think.
End of philosophy…charla’s list of places to eat alone, comfortably. NB, I carry a book or magazine and almost never read it, because I like watching people, thinking, talking to random strangers — and I hate the “book as cover” idea. This is the list of places I’ve actually been alone.
All the coffee places — from Sbux through C&P and Revolution
Angelina’s (because they’ll give me half plates of things like antipasto)
Beato
La Rustica (especially outdoor tables)
West 5
Cirque
Azuma Sushi
Bhudda Ruksa (sp)