Why is it when you go to a restaurant alone?

Question

you are ignored and/or treated poorly? Is it all because of tips? Or just because they think someone sitting alone doesn't need the waitress to come over once they throw your food down on the table?

Answer 1

#1- the fewer people at the table, the fewer drink refills needed, fewer napking, fewer plates removed, etc...

#2- when i waited tables i was afraid a person dining alone felt kind of out of place as it was, he/she did not need extra attention from waitress to ensure more people would gawk at them wondering why they are alone.

#3- if they wanted company, they would have brought their own, they didn't want me lingering over them all the time!

Answer 2

wow. you must be going to some sh*tty restaurants. although, I HAVE had bad service once before when I went to this restaurant in my local scene. I don't know what it was? I suppose people think it is odd for a human being to eat alone??? whatever. most times I was not treated that badly....
Tips? that might be the problem, but I always tip for good service, so I don't know what the deal is with that???
I've had the waitress kinda ignore me after delivering my food before as well (when dining alone). it sucks, because sometimes I want more water or something like more napkins, more lemons, etc. it sucks, but what can you do...at some point I notice even the manager looking towards me strangely....

Answer 3

There sure is a negitive reaction to people alone in most public places. I travel alone and don't travel first class either. When I go to a guest house or hotel they look at me very suspicious when I say I am alone. The room is the same price for one or two, so why this is I never figured out. Go to a kind of nice restaruant and they will always put two menus on the table. I am not a shrink so have no good explanation for this. It is not just tips that causes this. I do get a lot of offers of company in many places as well. Young overly made up women come and want to visit. Naturally I am expected to pay for their food and drinks and they order only the best. I do allow this on rare occasions when I have been out for some time and it will be a while before I get back home. It is not just in the States as I have not been there for 14 years. With all this terror thing going on a person alone with a bag is watched very closely. Fear seems to be every place. When I go to all Muslim areas I do find a woman to be with me as a kind of protection. One that knows the rules and can tell me what not to do. Sure are a lot of very strange things out there and it is not getting any better. My white face is cause to be suspicious in a great many places. I would not trade my life for any of yours either. I sure have seen a lot and have changed a lot in the last 20 years. One very good thing is that people do speak English nearly every place a person goes. There is no way I could learn all the languages that I have to listen to. A pain some times but i sure am not ready to give up yet.

Answer 4

Not having a significant other, I frequently eat alone. I don't get the feeling that I am being ignored, but that single diners seem to be in the minority and the wait staff is simply not recognizing that our needs are different. When you're dining with another, you converse. That conversation makes the time between seating and order and between ordering and serving seem shorter. The lack of conversation also means you'll eat quicker... and the wait staff, trained for the timing of a full booth/table, leaves you hanging for refills (as well as the check).

I have found the best service for single diners can be found at truck stops, as those servers have more single diners than traditional restaurants.

Answer 5

I never had this issue.

As a matter of fact, when I was 22, I was on a business trip to New Jersey (don't remember where..Tinton Falls maybe).

I went to Hooters, had a bucket of clams, a few pictures of beer, and watched the football game.

The waitress sat and talked with me for a few hours. Finally, I paid and left. When I got the receipt, I noticed something was written on there. I never paid much attention to it (I figured it was the standard thank you for coming message).

A few weeks later, I turned in my expense report. A few days after that, my supervisor made some comment about the fact I must have really had a great time at Hooters. As my supervisor was female, I thought this was really odd.

After a few hours, I dug out my photocopy of my expense report and flipped through the receipts. When I got to the Hooter's one, the waitress had written her phone number down with a message to please call that night.

oops.....

Overall though, in all my travels and all the times eating alone, never once do I recall having a bad experience that I attributed to being alone.

Answer 6

I think that if two people are eating out together then the server will try harder to impress them. Because there is a chance at a bigger bill which means a larger tip most of the time.
Maybe they think that someone eating at a restaurant alone is pathetic. I know that when I worked at a restaurant I thought it was awkward when one person came in alone and stayed for over an hour. I couldn't help but feel bad and laugh. Just like I would never go to a movie alone. That's just me though!

Answer 7

I dont think it is because of tips buddy, what time of day are you going to these places? is it near closing time? they might just be bitchy servers/waiters or waitresses. then again one person they might not think will tip well. but my experience thats never the case. i tip better when im alone then in a group. i find the experience better because its almost more personal

Answer 8

I always liked when people came in alone. Yes, we do work for tips, but I think that maybe when people are eating alone they pay more attention to the waiter.

Answer 9

Maybe they figure you came in alone you want to be left alone. Could also be the tip thing.

Answer 10

I noticed that, too! Also, people react funny when you tell them you went out to eat alone! Like, "what, you have no friends?" Same thing with going to the movies.