Chicago Restaurant Week reminder of restaurants as community gathering spots

Our suggestion: Use it to try new spots, meet new people or even as an excuse to reconnect.

Reality check: U.S. adults eating dinner or having drinks with friends on any given night has declined by more than 30% in the past 20 years, The Atlantic reported.

• A survey by OpenTable last year found that 68% of Gen Z and Millennial diners ate out solo the previous year.

Yes, but: Just because they're dining alone doesn't mean they don't want real-world connection. That same OpenTable survey found that 27% of diners would invite others to their table and 22% would strike up conversations with staff or other patrons.

Carrie's thought bubble: My husband and I ate at this great spot in New York recently where the tables were close together, and we struck up a convo with the couple next to us. They were fascinating world travelers and we closed down the restaurant and exchanged numbers. Now we have new friends in San Diego!

The bottom line: Restaurants and bars are community gathering spots, not just takeout counters. Whether you go alone or with friends, strike up a convo with your tablemate.