The thought of dining alone sends many of us into a cold sweat. Even the most successful, social individual may avoid it for fear of being pitied by other restaurant patrons, snubbed by the wait staff or feeling like a loser. Sometimes dining solo makes sense or can’t be avoided.
One doesn’t have to be the loneliest number. In an effort to help our readers overcome any dining-alone inhibitions (and to conquer our own), we set out to find the best restaurants for dining alone in Seattle.
Feeling like a hearty breakfast, but don’t want to be surrounded by brunching couples? Try the new West Seattle breakfast joint, Meanders (6032 California SW). Eating at Meanders is like eating in the kitchen with friends. There are only 13 seats in the restaurant, nine of which face a counter less than three feet from the sizzling hash browns. Chef, owner and one-woman-show Miranda Krone makes patrons feel like family.
Meanders opened in late January in the building that formerly housed Chinese restaurant Jade West. While the classic Jade West sign still hangs over the entryway, the smells that waft from within scream biscuits and gravy, sausage, salmon potato pancakes, and goat cheese scrambles. The homemade raspberry preserves are enough to make anyone come back for more, but most of all it’s the fresh ingredients, masterful flavors and inspired selections that make Meanders an immediate success.
In the mood for a quick snack before heading home after a long day? Look no farther than Licorous (928 12th Ave., Seattle; 325-6947; licorous.com). This drink spot, across from Seattle University, is elegant and appears to be a frequent meeting place for first match.com dates. The heavy wood bar and soft lights are combined with hints of metal pipes, but your attention will be focused on the great people-watching and the oh-so-awkward first dates.
Licorous’s fare is limited to snacks; the “Pork Belly Sam” with ginger, butter lettuce, chili paste and scallion-ranch dressing does not disappoint. Another hit is the “Lark,” a cocktail of Pierre Chainier brut with grapefruit and Campari. By the end of your snack, you may well have had the chance to see the rise and fall of many budding relationships. Here is to feeling good about eating alone.
Interested in trying a new restaurant, but can’t round up your usual gang of friends? Go anyway! We suggest Revel (403 N. 36th St., Seattle; 547-2040; www.revelseattle.com), the newest creation of Joule co-founders Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi (also of Iron Chef America fame).
Located in a stark, but surprisingly warm, Fremont space, Revel is an excellent option for those brave enough to dine alone. The space features a wooden bar that spans the entire length of the restaurant that is part dining area/part prep space for the kitchen. The evening’s entertainment features whirlwind chefs preparing “Asian street food.” A good strategy is to sit at the counter, order one item and wait to see what other items cooking in the kitchen look and smell appealing.
The corned-lamb salad, the short-rib dumplings, the pork belly, kimchi pancake and the five-spice duck meatball noodles were all delicious. Don’t forget to save room for dessert; the coconut-macaroon ice-cream sandwich alone would be worth a second visit.
Feel like sampling lots of different bites and wines at a leisurely pace? Two other options for those who work or play downtown are restaurants Purple and marjorie. Purple (1225 Fourth Ave., Seattle; 838-3853; thepurplecafe.com) has a social ambience in the evening; one can expect to mingle with other restaurant-goers.
The large selection of small-plate items allows you great variety without overindulging. Try the beef Carpaccio, and either the bucheron goat cheese or the baked brie — both cheeses tempt you to lick the plates. Purple’s large selection of cheese and wine flights will also keep you and your taste buds happily occupied during your solo evening adventure.
Originally published in the March 2011 issue of the King County Bar Bulletin.
