More diners are eating out alone

Solo dining reservations are up 8% this year, according to data compiled by Open Table, and the average solo diner is spending about $84. Stephen Zagor, restaurant consultant and adjunct assistant professor at Columbia Business School, joined CBS News to discuss the trend.

[louieify]

Being alone doesn’t mean loneliness. It is nice to be alone …

[mp]

As an only child and an introvert…. Solo is the way to go !!! Love it

[mikeleeFILMS]

Finally. Common sense prevails. Eating alone is a luxury! If you can’t eat alone, ask yourself “Do I like myself?”

[XxXenosxX]

Been doing this for years, eating with others requires too much planning/waiting around

[thejenimal]

I’ve always done everything alone, from eating out, to seeing a movie, enjoying a vacation… still through all that, Ive been pegged as a “weird” person because I choose my own company to that of others.

[Jazzfestn]

More diners are eating at HOME! Hidden fees, inflated prices, tips. No thanks.

[bigcahuna]

As a single and childless man, more than half of my dining out events are done solo. I dine out more often than my friends with children because obviously my bill is much lower. My typical dinner bill for just me at an average full service restaurant is around $30 - 35. A friend of mine said eating out for him, his wife, and four children comes out to around $130.

[soapgirlsrule]

My friends are either picky eaters or weird and they never let me pick the place so when I eat alone I actually get to eat where I want to

[BeesKnees]

When you eat alone you experience the full flavor of the food. When you dine with company you feel pressured to talk and the attention is taken away from the food.

[Lucy]

This forgot to mention that more diners are not eating out at all, its no longer affordable for most people.

[karenmassey]

Been eating out alone for many years now. If you wait for others you’ll be waiting forever.

[Mmdmade]

I HATE eating with others. It’s stressful and can aggravate my digestive issues I want quiet

[lizhall]

As a single person, I don't spend 84$ in a restaurant. I bet that includes several take home meals, but 84 bucks for the average single. I really doubt it.

[zensoundsarah]

I had severe social anxiety for a long time. I tried dining with friends, family, dates I just don't enjoy it that way. I rather eat solo.

[kmidori]

As you mentioned we have solo dining society since a long time back in Japan. its safe to be walking around and eat alone for women at night

[pahanin]

Its because its getting harder to find a decent person to dine with nowadays

[ktfmotivation]

Everything is expensive with low pay. So, nobody wants to feel obligated to pay for anyone else. This is the real answer that's not being expressed much.

[tdgdbs]

I've been doing things solo for many years, most people sucks.

[Chris-hruj]

Eating out alone, having a drink at the bar alone, seeing a movie alone, or even travelling abroad alone. It may be intimidating and liberating when you first do these things, but then becomes completely natural and enjoyable over time.

[jorgegonzalez]

Been eating out alone for over 25 years, what’s nice about it is you can pick anywhere you want to eat. I had Indian food one day and sushi another day, didn’t have to ask anyone.