New York City erases any stigma whatsoever of being alone. What's more, it encourages it.
Isn't that why we all come here? To regain our independence and feel like we can tackle anything? Plus, this is New York-- you're really never alone, right?
This fact has a ripple effect into other stigmas, namely online dating (everyone does it!), flying solo to a concert (best way to see one sometimes!) and even eating by yourself.
The latter is one of the hardest for most to overcome, but trust us, when you do, you will feel pretty damn liberated.
In case you need to take baby steps, we've rounded up the best counters to eat at all by your lonesome.
Now go grab a stool... and feel like a total bad ass.
1. Bobwhite Lunch and Supper Counter (94 Avenue C)
theveryhungrykaterpilla A cosy place. It was quite full when we came about 9:15pm, this was when we were leaving. #bobwhitecounter #bobwhite #eastvillage #katalinyc2015
Well, first of all... counter is right there in the name. So you know they have one, and it's legit.
[anad]
Second, counter or not, this is some of the best southern fare in the city. After a plate of fried chicken and collards, and one (or two!) of their on-tap brews, and you may never leave.
2 .Brooklyn Ice House (318 Van Brunt Street - Brooklyn)
pauperera Hands down the best veggie burger and fries I've ever had in my life. I've been thinking about them since Thursday night when I had the pleasure of eating them. @vinylsun @atiegas @malotiux #bestfries #bestveggieburger #brooklynicehouse #redhook #latergram
The low-key vibe at this Brooklyn beer house will lure you in, but the pulled pork sandwiches, sweet potato fries and brews will keep you sitting at that same barstool all day.
If you're in the mood to eat in peace, and just check the hell out for a while, this is your spot.
3. Mud Park (307 East 9th Street)
Is it a coffee bar? A restaurant? A random hut in an even more random park? Yes, it's all of those things.
It's also a great place to stroll to on a Sunday (with your dog, if you have one!), order a egg/cheddar/jalapeno biscuit and a latte, sit at their counter, and people watch for hours.
4. Ed's Lobster Bar (222 Lafayette Street)
realwoomeneat Grabbed some noms with my fellow foodie @spiritualfoodforlife so happy we were craving the same thing!! #realwoomeneat #soho #nyc #eeeeeats #nomswithfriends #lobsterroll #lobsterbisque #edslobsterbar #lobstereverything #walletisbecomingthin #walletisonadiet #sorrynotsorry
This is a great place to hit for lunch to watch the midday SoHo hustle and bustle. Ed's tends to get more of a posh clientele, given its trendy location and the fact it isn't the cheapest lunch in town.
Still, as you down your massive lobster roll, fries, and beer, you'll be putting out that elusive vibe that screams: "Who is that confident stranger at the bar by himself? Also, think he's going to eat all his fries?"
5. Tomoe Sushi (172 Thompson Street)
Best sushi in New York. Yes, we realize this is a bold statement .
We also know you'll be saying the same thing once you pull up a stool-- solo-- at the sushi bar and sample the best raw fish in all the land.
[anad2]
Pro tip: make sure you bring cash. Credit cards won't get you access to this fresh fish.
6. Gramercy Tavern (42 East 20th Street)
davidbowlerwine Is there a better bar to lunch at than @gramercytavern's? A more reliably excellent wine list than @julietterpope's? A more complete Wagyu burger than @chefmikeanthony's? Thank you @dhmeyer for this classic. #gramercytavern #destinationrosé #winedistrict cc: @joannasherman19
Sometimes it's nice to treat yourself, and this is the place to do that. Clean up nice, and take yourself on a much-needed date at this New York staple.
This swanky spot is so classy, you may just need to put out after.
Too far?
,7. Katz's Deli (205 East Houston Street)
niquesearth Katz's deli - send a salami to your boy in the army. #katzsdeli #foodheaven #newyork #travel
Who says you need to experience this iconic deli that Meg Ryan fake orgasmed in with friends?
Fly solo and watch the butchers behind the bar slice up your pastrami, before they stack it sky-high on your rye bread.
[anad]
And even though this sandwich is far big enough to share, here's the best part: you won't have to.
8. Momofuku Noodle Bar (171 1st Avenue)
mypinkfluff Momofuku ramen🍜 Ramen with roast pork slices and a poached egg #momofuku #momofukuramen #perfectfortherainyweather #momofukunoodlebar #nyceats #food #ramen #momofukunyc #manhattan #nyc #foodphotography #instafood #instatravel #instadaily
If you want to go incognito on your little solo outing, this is the spot. Seriously, it's almost impossible to know who is dining with whom because the whole place is communal seating.
This is also the place for bowls of delicious ramen and pork buns, so grab your spot on early. Otherwise, there will -- repeat WILL -- be lines.
9. Rubirosa (235 Mulberry Street)
nadjaishere Celebrating the #festival of St Gennaro in Little Italy with a slice🍕. #littleitaly #nyc #pizza #manhattan #food #wine #foodporn #dinner #foodie #rubirosa #classic #pepperoni
There is no day so bad that it can't be cures with a giant bowl of the spaghetti and meatballs, sausage and broccoli rabe pizza and world-class wine at this cozy Nolita spot.
The bar is the choice spot to consume all these things, and the family-style restaurant oozes homeyness meaning you may just become friends with your dining neighbor, bartender, or more likely both.
10. Parm (248 Mulberry St and 235 Columbus Avenue)
Nothing feels more old-school New York, or that you could be potentially be in the mob, than straddling a barstool and ordering -- and then slaughtering -- the chicken parm sandwich. Or the Saratoga Club.
[anad2]
Or, if we're being honest, pretty much any sandwich on the menu because they're all flipping outstanding.
11. Alphabet City Beer Co. (96 Avenue C)
Conveniently located right next to Bobwhite's (remember, the top of this list?), technically this is a bar, but their food so on point they cracked this list, too.
One you saddle up to the bar to sample from arguably the best beer selection in New York, pair it with their grilled cheese, or meat and cheese plates. But definitely the grilled cheese.
You can thank us later.
Check out 5 Delicious Diners Open 24/7 to Satisfy Your Drunchies in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy: Instagram]