You want a night away from home for a few hours, but no one can accompany you. So you think about going to a bar solo but are hesitant because it is unfamiliar territory. Fear not because flying solo at a bar is more common than you think.
Solo drinkers are in many of the venues you’ve visited, but you may have yet to notice them. So whether you’re considering spending some ‘me ‘time or want to make more friends, flying solo can be a rewarding adventure. Here, we’ll explore all the ins and outs of going to a bar alone so that you can make the most of your solo outing.
Motivators for going solo at a bar
There are different reasons why people prefer going to a bar alone. Solo adventures give people a chance to enjoy their own company. It’s all part of the self-discovery journey; when you put yourself in new situations, you discover more about your personality. Remember the joy of having a good time without relying on other people’s schedules.
If you’re asking yourself, ‘is it weird to go to a bar alone?’ The answer is ‘no’. Many people do it and have made it a lifestyle. For some, solo drinking allows them to unwind, reflect, and recharge after a long day or week of work. It provides an escape from everyday life by breaking monotony.
Lastly, some people like going to a bar alone because it allows them to see the world from their lens without the influence of others. As you sit by the bar alone, you observe the place, the environment, and the people, which helps you learn new things independent of others’ opinions.
Ways Bars Can Ease Solo Drinker Jitters
Bars can have friendly staff who welcome single drinkers with a warm smile and a little conversation. A welcoming bartender helps calm the jitters of a first-time solo drinker when they enter the establishment.
Having interactive elements like pool tables, darts, and board games can encourage conversation among the revelers. Solo drinkers will get to actively participate in something fun and make new friends with whoever else they play with.
As a bar owner, you can design your seating arrangement to appeal to people who prefer going to a bar alone. Seat up some communal tables and cozy booths where solo drinkers can meet and sit with other people.
You may also host themed nights like karaoke, live bands, cocktail workshops, and game nights to create a fun atmosphere that appeals to solo drinkers. It will also give them something to comment about to whoever is seated next to them while they sip their drinks.
Crafting an Inviting Environment for Solo Drinkers
As a bar owner, you should know many potential clients have jitters about how to go to a bar alone. Here are several things that can make your bar more exciting for a solo drinker who is seated alone:
- A cozy seating arrangement
- Soft, ambient lighting
- The right amount of background noise to drown out self-consciousness
- Themed decor for a memorable atmosphere
- Outdoor seating for a refreshing change of environment whenever they want
- Happy hour deals for value-based solo drinkers
- Interactive staff and bartenders
- Bar games
- Celebrity mixologists for a unique solo drinking experience
Choosing Between Intimate Settings or Lively Atmospheres
As a solo drinker, one of your central questions is where to drink alone without feeling awkward.’ Some unique pros and cons can help you choose whether an intimate setting or lively atmosphere is best suited for you when going to a bar by yourself.
Intimate settings offer a cozy, private environment that will keep you entertained yet not overwhelmed by the noise familiar with large crowds in bigger venues. They also focus on quality over quantity, meaning you’ll enjoy beer service and other perks like a curated drink menu and craft cocktails.
While these are some of the best bars for introverts who want to go out alone, they have some downsides. Among them is the potential of overcrowding since there’s limited seating, so get there early enough. They’re also likely to have excellent but limited drink options compared to larger establishments.
On the other hand, lively atmospheres will give you better entertainment since they often have a DJ and vibrant, upbeat energy that is contagious. The bustling will also help you reduce self-consciousness, giving you a sense of belonging.
On the downside, lively atmospheres can get crowded and noisy, which is overwhelming for some and not the ideal environment for conversation. There’s limited personal space and the risk of overstimulation because of the noise, lights, and activities.
Designing a Bar for Solo Drinkers
Regarding design, bar owners can include specific elements that would make their establishment a hot spot for solo drinkers.
Have a comfortable seating arrangement around the bar area so that solo drinkers can converse with the bartenders and have the option to face away from the crowd whenever they please.
Maximize soft, ambient lighting that creates a sense of privacy and relaxation. Use adjustable lighting that can be dimmed at different times of the day and night.
Secluded areas give a semi-private experience for those who prefer going to a bar alone. They may include alcoves, nooks, and secluded corners with subdued lighting.
The bar layout includes clear pathways, ample seating, and easy access to different amenities. These reduce the chances of congestion and ensure you have strategically placed service areas.
Enhancing the Drink Menu for Solo Drinkers
You can enhance your drinking menu for solo drinkers by having various alternatives to suit those with different tastes and preferences. In addition to traditional beverages, you can offer mocktails and craft sodas to appeal to those on a sobriety journey who would love to frequent your establishment.
Also, consider offering tasting flights of beers, wines, and spirits that allow solo drinkers to try something new without committing to a full-sized drink. You may also include single-serve options where clients can buy a glass of a drink they like but not the entire bottle. These two options will encourage exploration, likely attracting and retaining a wider audience of those who enjoy going to a bar alone.
Non-Intrusive Solo Entertainment Options for Bars
Non-intrusive entertainment options create a low-pressure environment where solo drinkers can interact with others or stay alone without feeling overstimulated by the environment or ambiance. You can create this vibe by incorporating:
- Live music performances
- Gaming events
- Quiz nights
- Board and card games
- Art displays
- Quiet conversation areas
These options provide people who prefer going to a bar alone with entertainment options that are minimally intrusive and don’t disturb others in the bar.
Striking up a Conversation as a Solo Drinker
You can make new friends on your next solo drinking night by observing a few social rules. Humor is an incredible tool that can help you make conversations sound natural. Observe something and humorously comment to whoever is next to you to begin a conversation.
Always bring in positive energy using compliments; say something nice about someone’s outfit or choice of drink. Ask a bartender what drink they recommend and chat a little about their popular drinks to calm your nerves at first. Join in group conversations if the people are open to new contributions and try to find common ground about the topic of discussion.
Preferred Time for Solo Drinking
You can visit a bar any time, but the best-suited time for a relaxed environment is weekday evenings and weekend afternoons. Bars tend to have several people at a time, and you’re likely to spot others who prefer going to a bar alone, as you do.
Avoid peak hours when the bar is crowded and busy with groups of friends or colleagues. Instead, search for opportunities where you can relax by yourself or interact with others in a calm environment.
Staying Safe While Drinking Alone
Here are a few tips to keep you safe during your next solo drinking experience.
- Choose a safe, reputable bar
- Share your plans with someone
- Monitor your alcohol intake
- Stay hydrated and eat
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re going to a bar alone as a woman.
- Keep your belongings safe
- Watch your drink
- Plan for transport
- Trust your instincts
To Wrap It Up
Solo drinking may seem scary at first if you’re not used to it, but with the proper knowledge, you can make every experience rewarding. Now that you know how to go to a bar by yourself, avoid getting stuck in your house when you can explore the enriching experience of going to a bar alone.
If you’re a bar owner, ensure your establishment prioritizes hospitality, ambiance, and community to attract and retain solo drinkers. Create ease in the surroundings by educating your staff and management on how to engage with solo drinkers to keep them coming back.