Alone in a Crowd: Stepping Out Solo in SF
By Patrick Heig, San Francisco Editor
Going out alone can be rewarding, allowing you to unwind in the quiet contemplation of a solitary meal...or get blasted enough to meet your BFFNs (Best Friends For the Night). But showing up alone at the wrong sort of place can put you on the wrong side of the line between solo roller and creepy lurker; check this list for restaurants where the lone diner won't be lonesome, and bars so friendly and debaucherous that bringing a buddy is redundant.
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Amber
718 14th St, San Francisco, CA
The anything-goes (including smoking) atmosphere, shot-pounding bartenders and near-everything location mean you never know who you'll meet at the Amber, but you'll meet someone. -
Finnegan's Wake
937 Cole St, San Francisco, CA
There's something carefree and friendly about Cole Valley residents, especially the ones you'll find in this bar. Start here early with a Blood Mary, challenge someone to a ping-pong game, and you'll forget you came alone. -
Solstice Restaurant & Lounge
2801 California St, San Francisco, CA
Known for bartenders who set up trysts and pair up patrons, the hookup-ready crowd at Solstice will make you glad you showed up alone. -
Delirium
3139 16th St, San Francisco, CA
The perfect Mission dive: cheap drinks, surly service, grimy bathrooms, a sweaty dance floor, weird music and great times. The best part? It's too dark, and people are too drunk, to even notice you came alone.
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NOPA
560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA
Late hours, a huge community table and an extra-long bar make NOPA ideal for tucking into a meal or a drink on your lonesome, or chatting up your neighbor and leaving as a twosome. -
SPQR
1911 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA
Pull up a stool at the macaroni-shaped bar at this critically acclaimed Roman osteria; you won't get lonely watching the chefs in the kitchen work their magic. -
Sebo
517 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA
The best seats in the house are at the sushi bar; order "omasake" style (chef's choice) and you're sure to strike up a conversation along the lines of "oh ma gosz dis is the besh sushi eber." -
Beretta
1199 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA
It's hard to say what's better at Beretta, the food or the cocktails; both are remarkable enough to justify gushing to a perfect stranger.
