Solo dining is surging in Virginia. Here's where to go in Richmond
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View from the bar at the Latitude off Hull Street. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios
Solo dining is having a moment in Virginia, with reservations for one up 13% year over year, per OpenTable data shared with Axios.
Why it matters: That growth might look like another sign of America's loneliness epidemic. But many solo diners say eating alone offers a rare chance to slow down, reflect and savor the small stuff, reports the Washington Post.
Zoom in: Richmonders are increasingly embracing tables for one, too.
- Solo dining in metro Richmond increased by double digits year over year, OpenTable told Axios — the most granular local figure available.
- Virginia's solo diners are spending more, too. The average spending per solo diner statewide rose 4% year over year.
Zoom out: Nationally, solo reservations jumped 23%, while average spending per solo diner rose 7% to $94 (versus $60 per person across all party sizes).
Sabrina's thought bubble: Consider this your sign to grab a book, find a bar, and embrace the trend.
- Here are five Richmond-area spots I love for a party of one.
🍷 Jardin in the Fan: The wine bar's mortadella sandwich is one of the best I've ever had, and it's currently made with a pepper jelly instead of Jardin's usual nut-free pesto.
- Eat it at the bar where they make it or on the patio.
🌆 Blue Atlas in Fulton: Its seasonally rotating global menu comes with bar and counter seating, plus outdoor tables overlooking the city skyline. Reservations recommended.
🍣 Fighting Fish in Scott's Addition: Walk-ins are welcome at the bar, and the daily 5-6pm happy hour includes $5 classic sushi rolls and $5 tuna nachos.
⛵️ Latitude in Chesterfield: Bar seating at the Hull Street location overlooks Swift Creek Reservoir, making its daily happy hour — $8 appetizers and $9 cocktails — feel like a lake day.
🍸 Lafayette Tavern in the Near West End: Last time I was there, a woman was reading a book at the bar and told me it was one of her favorite places to solo dine. Here's how to hack a reservation
👋 Karri here, also team always-sit-at-the bar. A few of my faves are Bamboo Cafe, Laura Lee's and Can Can Brasserie.
- You may belly-up solo, but you're leaving with some new friends.
Josephine Walker contributed to this report.