While we operate in the days of desk lunches and fast food meals in the car on your break, the idea of eating alone has gotten a bad rap for being a quick ritual for fuel and not flavor. But, the act of solo dining can be a powerful thing. The ability to sit down and enjoy a plate of food—without a laptop, book, or a cell phone as armor for a lack of company—can give you the opportunity to take up as much space as you want. Order the dish that sounded intriguing to you that you might not have gotten with your friend last time. Try something you’ve never had before, and allow your judgment, and no one else’s, the permission to unabashedly indulge. If you’re still on the fence, consider these options that provide a perfect environment for dining on your own.
GB&D
While you can enjoy dinner by yourself at GB&D any day of the week, consider Tuesday night a haven for the avid solo dinner. Their “date night” special consists of a chef’s choice of three courses complete with wine pairings. When you opt in as a solo diner, you get a free dessert, giving you the perfect excuse to treat yourself during the week. You don’t even have to pick your courses, so deem Tuesday evenings the day when someone else does all the leg work.
Rocket Surgery
The sleek and simple environment of Rocket Surgery in this cozy part of Travelers Rest acts as a perfect canvas for the picturesque dishes they place in front of you. The menu changes often, but know the pasta never disappoints, the cocktails are expertly crafted, and any dessert you choose will leave you feeling satisfied. Truth be told, you’ll be happy no one’s around to eat with you. The food is too good to stop eating to chat.
Pita House
This Greenville fan favorite is one of the best for a solo late lunch or early dinner during the week. On days when no one can meet you or when you just want to eat in silence, head here for a falafel plate with hummus. The careful construction of hummus, tomato, tahini, and falafel in their house-made pita is one of those little things in life that is truly enjoyed all by yourself, making you feel like a kid again, playfully and carefully doling out hummus and hot sauce atop each bite.
