Boldly Go Solo

 The New York Observer has issued its top 10 list of best restaurants for dining alone. The reviews don't describe what makes the establishments comfortable, or fabulous, for solo diners. Although the write-ups are most drool-worthy.

We'll have to hope they chose them for good reasons.

A reader added his own critique of a restaurant not on the list. Joe's Shanghai at 9 Pell Street. "They have tables for 10 and a single diner can be seated at any one of them and feel very comfortable." He says you may be alone but you won't be lonely.

Having grown up just north of NYC, my family toured and dined a lot in "the Big Apple." And visited grandma on the Lower East Side. New York is one of those cities where you can do just about anything – including play the guitar on the streets half naked or have hair died in a range of primary colors, and few people will blink.

More than just about any place, New York seems an easy city in which to dine alone because of that anything goes attitude. Plus, there's just so much to gape at! For those of you who worry the whole world's watching, my guess is the fact that you are eating alone won't even register with other diners.

And New Yorkers being the outspoken people they often are, you might find that more people strike up conversations with you there than in most other cities. I can't say that for certain, but it's such a bustling place that I think you'll find going solo a snap.

Photos: Veselka; Cafe LULUc