![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1214246883.jpg\" "\\"Solo")
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Solo dining is more common\u2014and more enjoyable\u2014than you might think.<\/p>\n
TIMOTHY A. CLARY<\/p>\n
AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Sacramento\u2019s Midtown grid is packed with ramen houses, wine bars and counter-seating spots that are ideal for a table of one. If you\u2019ve been hesitant to try solo dining, you\u2019re not alone \u2014 and you may be surprised how normal it actually is.<\/p>\n
Consumer research from OpenTable and KAYAK<\/a> found that 60% of those surveyed had dined solo at a sit-down restaurant in the past 12 months.<\/p>\n While you might feel self-conscious at first, most people in the restaurant are too focused on their own meals and conversations to notice or care that you\u2019re dining by yourself. Solo dining is actually standard practice in many cultures, like in Japan, where the practice \u2014 called \u201cohitori-sama\u201d<\/a> \u2014 is common.<\/p>\n In a city that has branded itself \u201cAmerica\u2019s Farm-to-Fork Capital,\u201d dining out is more than just eating. That ethos of mindful, ingredient-driven meals pairs naturally with the kind of focused attention solo dining allows.<\/p>\n Pick the right seat and restaurant<\/p>\n Ask for the bar, counter or a window seat. The bar gives you the chance to chat with the bartender or others sitting next to you if you want to.<\/p>\n Avoid requesting a booth or large table meant for groups. You\u2019ll likely feel awkward, and the waitstaff may be unhappy with one person taking up a large space.<\/p>\n Casual restaurants, ramen spots, sushi bars and diners are inherently the most solo-friendly. Sacramento\u2019s Midtown corridor \u2014 the dense, walkable stretch of restaurants promoted by the Midtown Association \u2014 is full of exactly these kinds of places. State government workers and young professionals grab lunch and dinner solo there regularly. White-tablecloth establishments are less common to visit solo but are still doable.<\/p>\n Business travelers passing through the Sacramento Convention Center often explore the local food scene on their own, too, so staff at nearby restaurants are accustomed to solo guests.<\/p>\n Give yourself something to do<\/p>\n Pro tip: bring a book, a podcast or a show to watch to keep yourself occupied.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll occasionally bring something to read so that I\u2019m not faced with the awkward decisions of what I should be looking at or doing with my hands while waiting to order or for food to arrive. I also might take notes on inspirations from the meal or service elements that I found notable. [\u2026] Books also reinforce the \u2018I don\u2019t want to be bothered\u2019 vibe,\u201d Greg Baker said in Food & Wine<\/a>.<\/p>\n Scrolling your phone aimlessly can feel awkward. Pick a real activity you\u2019ll enjoy. Journaling or working on something simple like a crossword puzzle are great options.<\/p>\n Putting everything away and people-watching can also be equally enjoyable once you\u2019re comfortable.<\/p>\n Reframe your mindset<\/p>\n The more you do it, the easier it gets. Most regular solo diners say discomfort fades after the first few times.<\/p>\n A few more quick tips: order what you actually want (your meal, your rules), and tip well and be friendly with the staff (it makes the experience feel more social).<\/p>\n Sacramento\u2019s Farm-to-Fork Festival and other communal food events offer another way to ease into dining independently \u2014 you\u2019re surrounded by fellow food lovers even if you came alone.<\/p>\n In a city with this many restaurants built around counter seats, chef-driven casual concepts and walkable blocks, eating solo isn\u2019t just doable. It\u2019s one of the better ways to enjoy what Sacramento\u2019s food scene has to offer.<\/p>\n This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.<\/p>\n Related Stories from Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n