Apparently, taking yourself on a solo dinner date is having another “moment”. Not in a performative way. More of a slightly aspirational way where it sounds like something you should be doing—like journaling every morning. It’s almost like a quiet metric for how confident and content you are alone. And in theory, it is chic and romantic. The idea of dating yourself: going to dinner, ordering exactly what you want, sitting at the bar with a glass of wine, completely unbothered. Very Samantha Jones-coded. In practice, it’s a little less seamless. Because it’s not just the sitting alone part. It’s the entire experience leading up to it that rarely feels as effortless as it’s supposed to. Even Carrie Bradshaw had a miserable time when she decided to make New York her boyfriend—spending a full solo day, only for it to feel slightly off at every turn (season five premiere). And while we don’t have to worry about getting rained on 362 days a year like she did, LA has its own version of that energy (usually in the form of spending more time in traffic getting to our destination than actually being there). But we all know the line: your most important relationship is with yourself. So, despite the traffic from Pasadena I took my occasional co-dependence out to eat for my own version of that SATC episode, Sushi Samba cameo and all (just opened in Weho). Just she and I. No laptop, no phone calls, no buffers. And that’s usually when the less glamorous part kicks in…Longer than expected wait times for a table…even when it’s just one.Wondering if it looks like you got stood up by a Raya date.Accidental eye contact with the creepy man at the end of the bar.Having to clarify—no, you’re not waiting on anyone—and yes, you’ll take that drink now.And then the quiet moment after, where there’s nothing to do but sit there and fight the urge to reach for your phone. No conversation to fall into, no distraction to grab. Just you. There’s no denying that in these moments, you find out how comfortable you actually are with yourself. When it’s just you and your co-dependence for company (on her best behavior, hopefully), you both feel the sudden awareness that the waiter is about to ask, “just one?” or “how many others are we waiting for?” Regardless of your relationship status. Over time, I’ve noticed that “yes, just me” has started to feel less like an awkward disclaimer and more intentional. A solo dinner at the bar is self-assured and quietly confident, and in a city like Los Angeles, it comes with some of the best people-watching and overheard conversations you’d otherwise miss.And if you want a few recs on where to go for dining solo in LA, see my guide here. Neighborly: just opened in Brentwood, a market with multiple restaurants, perfect for a quick lunch. Micky’s Fine Diner: a hidden lunch spot in BH, sit at the bar and order the tuna melt.Lutie: in WeHo on Sunset, a café with a great patio. Maydan Market: new in West Adams, focused on Middle Eastern, Hispanic, and African dishes. Highly Likely: an all-day cafe in West Adams and Highland Park.Breadhead: really good sandwiches on Montana Ave. Marisco’s Za Za Za: tucked-away back patio at Loreto in Frogtown. Holbox: Michelin-star in DTLA (and affordable), busy enough that no one notices you dining alone. Convi: sandwich spot that’s sister to Jurassic Magic. Cafe 2001: rotating menu, great option in the Arts District.— Your Friend