Grabbing a drink alone can seem daunting for some people. You may worry about looking awkward or being judged by others at the bar or restaurant. However, enjoying some alone time with a cocktail or beer is becoming more socially acceptable. Here’s an in-depth look at the pros and cons of flying solo for a drink.
Quick Answers
Is it weird to go to a bar alone? It’s generally not considered weird to go to a bar alone these days. More people are embracing solo bar outings as an opportunity to unwind and enjoy their own company.
Should you go to a restaurant bar alone? Going to a restaurant bar alone is absolutely fine. Restaurant bars often have seating where you can comfortably dine or enjoy a drink solo without feeling out of place.
Is it sad to drink alone at a bar? Drinking alone at a bar doesn’t have to be a sad experience. Many people find it relaxing and energizing to sit alone with a drink and take some personal time.
Do bartenders judge people drinking alone? Most bartenders don’t judge people who drink alone at their bar. They want all their customers to feel comfortable, whether they’re solo or with a group.
The Stigma Around Drinking Alone
For a long time, there was a stigma attached to drinking alone in public. It was seen as something only lonely people, alcoholics, or losers did. People felt embarrassed to be caught sitting alone at a bar. Why else would someone be drinking if they didn’t have friends to enjoy it with?
But that perception has changed quite a bit in recent years. Today, drinking alone in moderation is becoming more socially accepted and even celebrated.
Younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z in particular are embracing the joys of solo bar outings. They appreciate taking time for self-care experiences. And they aren’t worried about outdated judgments against drinking alone.
The Benefits of Enjoying a Solo Drink
Drinking alone at a nice bar or restaurant comes with a surprising array of benefits you can’t enjoy in a group setting:
- It’s peaceful. You can sip your drink in total silence and solitude.
- You can reflect. A solo drink invites introspection and self-awareness.
- No pressure to socialize. You don’t have to make conversation or entertain anyone.
- Observe others. Grab a seat at the bar to discreetly watch interesting people.
- Meet new people optionally. If you wish, you can strike up conversations.
- No coordination. You can be spontaneous without having to consult others.
- Confidence building. Facing any fears around being alone builds self-assurance.
Spending quality alone time at a bar or lounge can feel indulgent and meditative. You can reset mentally, observe humanity, or chat with new people if you choose. It offers a refreshing change of pace from our often heavily scheduled, social lives.
Tips for Enjoying Drinks Alone
If you’ve never had drinks alone at a bar before, it’s understandable to feel apprehensive your first time. Here are some tips to make your solo bar experience smooth sailing:
Choose the right venue
Pick a bar or restaurant that caters to a mature crowd, with an upscale yet laid-back vibe. Aim for somewhere with open seating at the bar, along with plenty of tables and booths for solos. Upscale hotel bars are ideal spots to blend in.
Have a plan
Give your alone time purpose by planning an activity. Bring a book, work on your laptop, journal your thoughts, doodle, play trivia or word games on your phone, or listen to a podcast.
Go early or late
Avoid prime time hours when bars are crowded. Early evenings or late nights are better times to score a seat alone without groups waiting.
Start a tab
Opening a tab allows you to order new drinks seamlessly. No need to pull out your credit card and close out after each round.
Interact optionally
Make eye contact and exchange smiles or quick comments with those sitting near you if you want. But don’t feel pressure to talk to neighbors.
Enjoy the experience
Savor the drink you came for. Feeling relaxed and self-assured will come naturally as you realize there’s nothing wrong with flying solo.
Best Drinks to Enjoy Alone
Certain drinks just taste better when you savor them slowly and mindfully without company. Here are some top choices for solo sipping:
Martini
A perfectly chilled martini is made to be lingered over. Let the botanical gin or vodka notes shine through.
Old Fashioned
Sipping this strong, spirit-forward cocktail alone lets you fully appreciate its complex flavors.
Negroni
The bitterness and botanical flavors of this herbaceous Italian cocktail open up beautifully when you drink it slowly.
Boulevardier
Similar to a Negroni but with bourbon instead of gin, this is another complex drink ideal for contemplative sipping.
Dry Sherry
Underappreciated dry sherry offers a huge range of flavors, perfect to analyze alone as you let them evolve in the glass.
Port
The sweet richness of port pairs perfectly with silent reflection. Drink it alone to fully engage with the aromas.
Scotch
A glass of good scotch whisky takes time to open up. Drinking it alone lets you unlock all its subtle flavors.
Best Bars for Solo Drinks Around the U.S.
Certain bars across the country have built a reputation for welcoming and catering to solo drinkers. Here are some top options in major U.S. cities:
| City | Bar | What Makes It Great for Solo Drinking |
|---|---|---|
| New York | The Polynesian | Dark, moody ambiance with seating at the bar and two-person booths |
| Los Angeles | The Wolves | Dim, intimate interior and stellar craft cocktails |
| Chicago | The Whistler | Laid-back atmosphere with extensive drink menu |
| Boston | Drink | Sleek craft cocktail bar with space at the bar for solo drinkers |
| Washington, D.C. | La Colombe Coffeehouse | Cafe by day, wine bar by night with communal tables |
| San Francisco | True Laurel | Intimate, low-lit bar focusing on high-quality drinks |
Typical Worries About Drinking Alone
If you’ve never had a drink alone at a bar, it’s understandable to have some concerns about it. Here are some common worries solo drinkers may experience:
Feeling awkward or out of place
It’s natural to worry you’ll feel uncomfortable sitting alone at a busy bar surrounded by groups. But most solo drinkers report that the experience feels liberating once they actually do it.
Getting bored
You may dread sitting alone with nothing to do. Bringing a book, laptop, journal or portable game can give you an activity if needed. But you may end up enjoying observing fellow patrons.
Being judged by others
Fear of seeming like a loser drinking alone is common. But in reality, most people at bars these days don’t give solo drinkers a second glance.
Looking like you’ve been stood up
No one wants to appear like they’ve been ditched by a date. The trick is to exude confidence while alone at the bar to avoid giving this impression.
Safety concerns
It’s reasonable for women in particular to have safety concerns drinking alone. Choosing a bar in a safe neighborhood you’re familiar with can provide peace of mind.
How to Meet People at a Bar Alone
Enjoying drinks alone doesn’t mean you can’t be social too. If you feel like chatting with new people during your solo bar time, here’s how to make connections:
Sit at the bar
The bar itself invites social interaction. Sit there if you want to engage with bartenders, other patrons, or solo drinkers.
Make eye contact and smile
Break the ice by exchanging glances and smiles with those sitting nearby or people watching.
Ask bartenders for recommendations
Engage bartenders for drink recommendations or cocktail making techniques. They love sharing knowledge.
Comment on the game on TV
If a big game is on, make a casual comment about a play to sports fans nearby. It can spark conversation.
Offer to buy a drink
See someone interesting near you at the bar? Offer to get their next round. It’s hard to turn down a free drink.
Compliment a stranger
We all love compliments! Break the ice by politely complimenting someone’s outfit, drink choice, etc.
How to Politely Decline Conversation
If you prefer to keep to yourself during solo bar time, there are gracious ways to avoid unwanted conversation when approached:
Smile but close your body off
A smile shows you appreciate the gesture but turning your body away signals you’re not open to talk further.
Claim you’re discussing something private
Say “Sorry, I’m just in the middle of something private” and return to your phone screen or book.
Use your headphones
Having headphones in, even if nothing is playing, is a classic signal you’re unavailable to chat.
Mention you’re focused on work
If you have a laptop open, say “Thanks, but I’ve really got to focus on finishing this work.”
Feign meeting a friend
You can always pretend you’re waiting for a friend to arrive anytime soon to end a conversation.
Politely state you prefer to be alone
If asked to join someone, say “I’m enjoying some alone time, but I appreciate the offer.”
Is Drinking Alone Healthy?
Drinking alone at a bar is generally harmless in moderation, but unhealthy drinking habits can develop over time. Here are some tips for keeping solo drinking healthy:
- Set a firm limit of 1-2 drinks max.
- Sip water between each alcoholic beverage.
- Avoid drinking multiple days in a row alone.
- Eat a meal before or during your drink.
- Pick a time to leave in advance so you don’t overstay.
- Make it an occasional treat, not a daily habit.
- Go home or call a friend if you ever feel too impaired to be alone.
The key is moderation. Having the occasional drink alone to unwind is fine. But relying on frequent solo drinking to cope with stress or boredom can be dangerous.
When Drinking Alone Becomes Unhealthy
While enjoying a drink alone now and then is perfectly healthy, solo drinking can become problematic if it:
- Happens daily
- Leads to overconsumption
- Replaces social interaction
- Makes you feel depressed afterwards
- Impairs your work or relationships
- Becomes something you hide from others
If your solo drinking checks any of those boxes, it may be time to evaluate your relationship with alcohol. Speak to a doctor or counselor if you’re unable to cut back on unhealthy drinking alone habits.
Solo Drinking Safety Tips
To stay safe while drinking alone, keep these tips in mind:
- Stick to familiar, well-lit bars in safe areas.
- Use rideshare services or public transit to get home – never drive impaired.
- Keep your drink within view to avoid tampering.
- Avoid revealing personal details about where you live or work to strangers.
- Text a friend the name and address of the bar you’re at.
- Hold your keys in your hand when leaving to avoid fumbling for them.
- If intoxicated, call a friend or cab to pick you up.
Trust your instincts if a bar feels unsafe or a person is making you uncomfortable. Don’t hesitate to ask the bartender for help or simply leave.
Conclusion
Drinking alone at a bar has shed outdated stigmas and become increasingly popular in recent years. Far from being embarrassing, many people find solo bar outings relaxing, confidence boosting, and a chance to enjoy craft drinks mindfully.
To reap the benefits of solo drinking without health risks, approach the experience mindfully. Savor just one well-made drink without overdoing it or hiding the habit. A drink alone now and then gives you a chance to reset mentally and gain some self-assurance facing any fears of drinking alone.
So don’t be afraid to try flying solo at the bar for a change of pace. With a book in hand and a well-made Old Fashioned to sip, revel in taking some much needed time just for yourself.
