On a scale of 1-10, how awkward is eating alone at a restaurant?

It is not awkward to eat at restaurants. Though, for a 3/4 star restaurant,, it would be kinda weird if you get the table in the middle of all the tables. If you get the corner or wall tables, it's not bad. Though since you are there for a jazz performance, take out the stuff you need and put in on the table. Like keep a folder, paper, pencil, tablet, phone, etc on the other side of the table or next to you.

And just do your thing and eat.

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for a 3-4 star, 25 dollars a plate restaurant, i'd think most would rate it a 6-7 depending on the number of people in the restaurant. its all about confidence. i can go to the movies and regular restaurant by myself most of the time, but if at dinner and its crowded, i'd feel badly for taking up a table for myself only. ;)

thats a good project.

one take on it is.. one can't be happy with someone else until they are happy being with themselves. ;) good luck! enjoy it.

1...some people just don't like others eating with them. For instance I have a friend who eats alone because he likes to eat quickly and most people make dinner an event (as pathetic as it sounds). They talk and take over an hour or 2 just to eat.

You can see how this will annoy a normal person. Some people are just fakes who think they are "socializing" when in reality their dinner partners don't give a damn about what they are saying.

I eat alone 9 out of 10 times. And at table service restaurants no less! I'm paying so it is cheaper that's for sure. I travel a lot so that does mean that I end up eating along most of the time. I don't mind really. I don't care what the server thinks or anyone else for that matter. I am paying customer and I tip 30 to 40 percent so I think most servers and bartenders are quite happy.

My top 10 reasons to dine solo

10. More seating options. If there are no tables, you can almost always find a single seat at the bar

9. You can place your order first – No feeling awkward about what you order or how much

8. No fighting over the contents of the bread basket

7. Dessert first? You bet!

6. Double-dipping. You can eat the entire bowl of guacamole with one chip!

5. You can’t possibly get bored with the conversation

4. Great practice to try new foods. Not sure how to eat a raw oyster? Lobster tail? Do it without embarrassing yourself

3. No need for table manners. Go ahead. Put those elbows on the table

2. Faster service. If you’re in a hurry, then solo dining can be fast. Wait staff want to turn your table over fast, especially if it is a four-top. But don’t feel like you have to rush!

1. No arguing over who pays the bill

Since it's a pricier menu, see if you can make a reservation. Let them them know you have to do a paper for school and would like a corner table for one where you can observe the restaurant and the entertainment. Better yet, can't you get a friend to join you? If not, pretend you're one of those restaurant critics coming to critique the restaurant. Have your notebook out with a checklist of things you already need to look for, for you paper and check those things off and take notes as the evening goes. Observe the treatment you get. Make a fun night of it!

I don't mind dining alone. I usually take reading material . If you are reviewing a jazz performance though, just enjoy your meal and assess what you need for your review.

There are alot of people who dine alone, just have confidence in yourself that you are there to enjoy a meal and performance.

I do tip more than usual though, as long as I receive appropriate service.

3. It depends how you feel. I always see people eating alone, especially if they have work in front of them. If you bring a notepad to write about the jazz performance with you, it will make you feel more occupied in that and less uncomfortable with your situation.

Hope this helps!