Oh, my gosh. This was my first post. It's been revived, and now I realize I know most of these people that replied.
It's funny that the old wait staff stereotype never entered my mind. I waited tables in college, and I know that the 'women don't tip' thing is out there, but I've always been able to get decent service when I'm alone in big cities. Who knows if it is the cause, or if the wait person is just irritated that they have a table with just one person and therefore a smaller check/tip. I do know that I have eaten many meals alone in SoWal since I posted this last year, and I have had almost universally bad service on those occasions.
I have some tips for dining alone in SoWal.... First, call ahead and make sure the restaurant isn't too busy. When they are slow, they seem to not mind a solo customer as much. Second, if you are going to sit at the bar regardless of what the book says about looking pathetic it is best to have a book or people frequently assume you're looking to pick up. Finally, try Basmati's or Amore...both restaurants are very solo dining friendly.
It's funny that the old wait staff stereotype never entered my mind. I waited tables in college, and I know that the 'women don't tip' thing is out there, but I've always been able to get decent service when I'm alone in big cities. Who knows if it is the cause, or if the wait person is just irritated that they have a table with just one person and therefore a smaller check/tip. I do know that I have eaten many meals alone in SoWal since I posted this last year, and I have had almost universally bad service on those occasions.
I have some tips for dining alone in SoWal.... First, call ahead and make sure the restaurant isn't too busy. When they are slow, they seem to not mind a solo customer as much. Second, if you are going to sit at the bar regardless of what the book says about looking pathetic it is best to have a book or people frequently assume you're looking to pick up. Finally, try Basmati's or Amore...both restaurants are very solo dining friendly.