10 great places for solo diners to pull up a chair

From steakhouses to fancy French meals, the best restaurants for solo diners.

ByABC News
September 22, 2008, 11:54 PM

— -- Table for one, or would you prefer the counter? In celebration of National Singles Week (Sunday-Sept. 27), Marya Charles Alexander, editor and founder of solodining.com, shares her list of favorite eat-alone places with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY

Bar Boulud New York

This casual bistro, across from Manhattan's Lincoln Center, is named for the owner and chef of several eponymous restaurants, including the city's famed Daniel. "It has a charcuterie bar (specializing in traditional house-made terrines, pâtés and cured ham) with casual seating for 21 diners wrapped around it," Alexander says. "Solo diners are also welcome to enjoy their meal at the round tasting table that seats 14." 212-595-0303; danielnyc.com

801 Steak & Chop HouseDes Moines

"This elegant downtown establishment was jam-packed with politicos enjoying hearty fare during the Iowa caucuses," Alexander says. The surroundings and amenities are solo-friendly with a full menu available at the bar. "Luckily, half orders of sides are permissible. A full order is ample for two," Alexander adds. Choose from a selection of wines by the glass, splits and half bottles. 515-288-6000; 801steakandchop.com

Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding HouseLynchburg, Tenn.

"Lynchburg is known as the home of Jack Daniel's Distillery and drumroll! this restaurant, where 12 guests sit together at a single table in each of the eight dining rooms. Southern regional food is served family-style at this former boardinghouse," Alexander says. The ease with which solos blend into the scene of taking "dinner" rural Tennessee's midday meal with 11 strangers creates instant camaraderie. 931-759-7394

MeshWest Chester, Ohio

Solo diners are as welcome to a table for one in the main dining room as they are in the adjoining lounge area of this sleek restaurant outside Cincinnati. "The bar, a free-standing rectangle in the lounge, is also a draw, as are the high-top tables, inviting couches and live entertainment," Alexander says. 513-777-7177; meshrestaurant.com