Want to know the best way to try all the trendy spots in town without a reservation? Go by yourself. Solo dating can be an intimidating concept, but with the right spot it can turn into a fun filled evening of new friends and great food. The trick is to find a place with a friendly atmosphere and a cushy bar stool. Grab a seat at the bar and strike up a conversation with whoever sits down next to you. You never know who you’ll meet. Here are 10 restaurants to try on your next solo meal.
Walking into Cafe Stella in Silverlake feels like you stepped on the plane in Paris. This beautiful spot is a little slice of french paradise in the middle of L.A. Perfect for an outdoor solo date if you can snag one of their sidewalk tables for some people watching, or take things inside and skip the wait for a seat at their bar.
Getting a table at this trendy Mexican dive bar can be next to impossible on busy nights, but solo dates wait for no table. Belly up to the bar and enjoy a crisp Marvita, their version of a house margarita, and a plate of tacos. Visit on a Monday for $10 margaritas or Tuesday through Friday from 5 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. to order from the all new happy hour menu.
Met Her at a Bar is not new to the L.A. food scene, their location on South La Brea Ave. is a community staple. One thing their original location is missing, and the key for success on a solo date, is a substantial seated bar area. Enter their new Santa Monica location, the same friendly environment and delicious food now with a gorgeous bar top to sit at.
Mother Wolf is Chef Evan Funke’s homage to the Eternal City and culinary heritage of La Cucina Romana. Immerse yourself in the energetic buzz with some of the best pasta this city has to offer.
Credit: Musso & FrankThis family-owned restaurant is the epitome of old Hollywood glamour. Swing by after a long day at work for a drink in the restaurant’s New Room, which holds the original famous bar, light fixtures and furniture from 1934. Who knows, maybe you’re standing at the very same spot Marilyn Monroe did.
Credit: Photograph courtesy Night + Market SongVice called Night + Market a “wine bar disguised as a Thai restaurant.” Chef Kris Yenbamroong created the space with his parents’ restaurant in mind, taking all the delicious traditions of your typical Thai restaurant and turning them up to max volume. The space always hosts an eclectic crowd, perfect for people-watching from their intimate bar space.
Who says a solo date has to be dinner? Take yourself out to lunch, or better yet, brunch. Brunch is often ignored in the world of solo dining and it shouldn’t be. Take Perch, for example. An out-of-this-world brunch menu with views on their rooftop terrace where you can see the whole city, but on the weekends it can be next to impossible to secure a table. But a solo diner can grab a bar stool to enjoy a delicious plate of French toast and a mimosa to kick-start their weekend right.
The Prince is an eclectic spot with red leather booths, Federalist-style portraits and Korean pub food? It might not make sense at face value, but the mix makes for a great solo date. Snack on delicious kimchi pancakes while you sip on any one of their specialty cocktails served by a friendly bartender.
Credit: StaudA spot at a sushi bar is the quintessential solo date spot, and what better place than a sushi restaurant built with that very idea in mind. Founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole, Uchi means “home” in Japanese. As a young sushi chef, Cole fell in love with the magic of the sushi bar and the community it creates between its patrons.
Credit: Julian MercadoTwo Republique alums are the creative geniuses behind Vandell’s cocktail list, which features drinks named after vegetables as well as vintage spirits. A concise food menu includes crudos, salads, and the star of the show, an outstanding cheeseburger. While there’s usually a line out the door for a table, solo diners can sidle up to one of the reserved-for-walk-ins bar seats in the front room.
The post Don’t Be Afraid To Solo Date, Try These 10 Spots appeared first on LAmag.
