While many of us call up a friend for lunch or save special restaurants for dinners with family, sometimes it’s nice to enjoy a meal by yourself, free from distraction. Dining alone might be by choice, or maybe you just need a quick lunch. What you don’t need is a sad table by the restrooms or an eye roll from the server when they realize it’s a party of one. Whatever the reason may be for dining alone, consider this list of restaurants that cater to solo diners.
If you’ve never considered treating yourself to a fabulous three-course dinner, or dining at the bar and making new friends, these spots are a great place to start. In fact, the occasional solo meal might just become a habit.
Angie’s Pizza
Recently opened, this pizza joint in the Heights has been packed with guests noshing on Angelo Emiliani’s wood-fired pizza. There are cozy two-person booths, but also a large bar that faces the huge pizza oven, warmly welcoming solo diners into the pie-making action. The pizzas are sized for one, with maybe a leftover slice to take home for later. If the busy vibe is too much, there’s Bar Angie upstairs, an intimate and moody space with friendly mixologists and a bar menu of small plates. 1002 W. 11th St., Houston, angiespizzapies.com
Squable
Squable’s cozy dining room and welcoming bar make it an easy choice for dining solo in the Heights. Grab a barstool and settle in with a glass of wine or cocktail while working your way through the European-inspired menu, which lends itself particularly well to ordering a few dishes at your own pace. The lively atmosphere provides plenty of energy without making a table for one feel out of place. 632 W. 19th St., Houston,
Barcelona Wine Bar
The large U-shaped bar at this lively Montrose restaurant caters to the single diner who is a bit of an oenophile. The extensive wine list leans Old World, with a special focus on Spain. Solo guests will appreciate the option of three-ounce or six-ounce pours, so trying new wines and finding a favorite is easy. There are customizable charcuterie and cheese boards, plus a tapas menu with dishes like whipped goat cheese, bacon-wrapped dates, and spiced beef empanadas that are fitting for one. Dining alone is a great excuse for indulging in garlicky dishes like marinated boquerones and gambas al ajillo. 1731 Westheimer Rd., Houston, barcelonawinebar.com
Molina’s Cantina
This Houston Tex-Mex restaurant has been family-owned and operated for 85 years and it offers a warm welcome to parties of all sizes, even one. It’s fantastic for a weekday lunch with combos like the Ladies special; a cheese enchilada, guacamole, and queso puff. Happy hour in the bar is even better for guests dining alone. Each weekday, from 3 to 6 p.m., there is a selection of half-order appetizers including black bean empanadas, crispy taquitos, quesadillas, and the famous Nancy Ames’ nachos. Mmargaritas and beer are also $1 off at this time. Multiple locations, molinascantina.com
Pier 6
If you’re jonesing for a little time away from the stresses of city life, a drive south of Houston toward the water is a perfect escape. There are few better places to relax by the bay than Pier 6, with its massive, covered outdoor space and waterfront views. You can people-watch, or pelican-watch, as you savor and slurp some of the freshest oysters around. Its tropical frozen drinks are available in a $16 flight and there are happy hour deals on wine, beer, and cocktails Tuesday through Friday, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. 113 6th St., San Leon, pier6seafood.com
Ouisie’s Table
Houstonians can sometimes take the city’s longtime restaurants for granted, going for what’s shiny and new. However, Ouisie’s staying power is due to its warm hospitality and delicious Southern cuisine. Its late founder, Elouise “Ouisie” Adams Jones even went so far as to set up a communal table for solo diners. Though that idea has gone by the wayside, there are still solo regulars who come in after the lunch rush or an early dinner to enjoy the serene atmosphere. The restaurant seats solo guests at certain cozy tables, including the George Bush table, which was the late president’s favorite. Guests have the option of ordering the off-menu table d’hote for $20, with three courses that change regularly. At the bar, solo diners can order from the regular menu or take advantage of the $18 appetizer and glass of wine deal, which changes regularly. If you feel lonely, there’s always Patience the dog for company. 3939 San Felipe St., Houston, ouisiestable.com
Kira
For music lovers, this Japanese restaurant and vinyl bar with a 15-seat sushi bar is a lyrical spot to meet like-minded folks. Or, you can sit back and enjoy the show as expert chefs craft hand rolls and donburi rice bowls. Kira has probably the best kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) in Houston, and the best part about dining alone is that you don’t have to share it. 2800 Kirby Dr., Houston, kirahtx.com
Latuli
With Bryan Caswell in the kitchen, diners know they are going to get high quality seafood at this contemporary lodge-style restaurant. There’s a well appointed outdoor patio for guests who want to read a book and sip on a Cosmopolitan. Alternatively, solo patrons can check out the buzzy, adults-only bar for its daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. Whether it’s a quick drink after work or a Saturday treat after a day of errands, the daily social hour specials feature bar bites and drink deals. Guests can enjoy a beef slider, tallow fries, and a Vacquero margarita for around $20, or try the snapper carpaccio with a baby gem Caesar salad and a Mexican martini. Singletons can mix and match to their own delight. 8900 Gaylord, Houston, latuli.com
Le Jardinier
A trip to the Louvre in Paris might not be in the cards for some, but a day spent perusing paintings and sculptures at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston is a wonderful substitute, especially when coupled with a fine dining meal at this Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef Felipe Botero has curated the Art Lovers Lunch, a two-course meal available Wednesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Solo diners can settle into one of the comfortable upholstered bar stools and choose from first course options such as chilled zucchini veloute or tuna tartare. Entree choices include Carolina Gold risotto and Green Circle chicken. Have a glass of cremant de Loire or a Pimm’s Cup for an added European touch. 5500 Main St., Houston, lejardinier-houston.com
Treebeards (The Cloister)
There are several locations of this comfort food favorite around the city, but this one is located at Christ Church Cathedral in Downtown. Visitors and local office workers often gather here for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The communal tables make it feel like you joined a church pot luck, but the choices are up to you. It’s hard to decide between red beans and rice or gumbo, so why not make a meal out of both? Add some bread pudding with whiskey sauce and you may not want to return to the office. Each weekday, there are specials like fried catfish and meatloaf. 1117 Texas Ave., Houston, treebeards.com
Jūn
Culinary duo, Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu, were recently awarded Best Chef: Texas by the James Beard Foundation. Their Heights restaurant offers a tasting menu that is perfect for foodies who want to sample the mix of Latin and Asian flavors without distraction from companions. Whether it’s a seat at the bar, or a counter barstool looking into the kitchen, the variety of small plates will keep your attention. The seasonal menu changes, but guests might find plates such as lamb belly in a tandoori marinade, Thai chili fried chicken, and Gulf shrimp aguachile. 420 E. 20th St., Houston, junbykin.com
Third Place at Jūn
While Jūn is only open for dinner, its daytime cafe counterpart is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., except for Tuesday. It’s a showcase of local chefs, each bringing their own cuisine on a rotating basis. While there is always pastries and specialty coffee drinks available, the changing lunch menu offers solo guests a chance to try something new each day, especially for those who are more adventurous eaters than their partners or friends. Check out the calendar and make a date for yourself. 420 E. 20th St., Houston, thirdplacehtx.com
Rainbow Lodge
This beautiful log cabin-style restaurant has long been a favorite for romantic dinners and al fresco dining, but it’s also well-suited for guests dining alone. Solo diners can grab a seat in the Tied Fly bar and treat themselves to NOLA-style bbq shrimp or a bowl of the famous smoked duck gumbo. There is ample outdoor seating, with a small creek running over the stones, and gorgeous landscaping. It’s perfect for reading a book, journaling, or just day dreaming. 2011 Ella Blvd., Houston, rainbow-lodge.com
URBE
Hugo Ortega is a James Beard Award-winning chef with several upscale Mexican restaurants that have been wowing diners for years. URBE is a casual street food concept, perfefct for solo diners popping in for a quick lunch of taquitos, or a happy hour taco. Popular menu items include Ruben’s smashed trompo burger and snacks like elote asado and papas bravas. The bar has plenty of seating for solo guests, plus there are outdoor tables for Uptown Park people-watching. 1101 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, urbehouston.com
Hugo’s
Chef Hugo Ortega’s namesake restaurant in Montrose is not to be missed, and venturing in with a guest or a group is hardly necessary. Solo diners can sit at the bar or grab one of the bar top tables for spreading out with a laptop. There is a two-course lunch menu available Thursday and Friday with dishes such as ceviche verde and braised suckling pig. Happy hour specials run Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. in the bar with deals on single tamales and tacos, as well as cocktails and wine. 1600 Westheimer Rd., Houston, hugosrestaurant.net
Long Weekend
This multi-layered Western-themed sports bar and restaurant with an impressive playground out back can get busy on the weekends with families and young children. During the week, however, solo diners can start the morning off in the cafe with a matcha latte or flat white, along with breakfast dishes like center cut brisket omelet or French toast sticks. There are plenty of outlets for setting up laptops for a little remote work or writing the next great American novel. The restaurant itself features a menu worthy of a self-indulgent splurge, with wood-fired prime steaks and New Mexico-style trout. There’s a covered outdoor bar where solo guests can sip and savor a chile chocolate espresso martini in peace. 2044 E. TC Jester Blvd., Housotn, longweekendtx.com
Nancy’s Hustle
Single diners are oftne seated at the bar at this bustling East Downtown bistro, making it a terrific spot to strike up a conversation while raving about the food. Everyone orders the Nancy cakes, and so should you, but don’t overlook other small plates like the parmesan and pancetta croquettes, showered with a generous topping of cheese. Other must-tries include the beef and pork butter dumplings and signature cheeseburger served on a brioche English muffin. Reservations are recommended, as this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant’s popularity shows no signs of waning. 2704 Polk St., Houston, nancyshustle.com
