West Chester Dish

The Best Local Places for Dining Solo

CNN recently named West Chester, Pa, one of the most single places in the country, with more than 60% of our population currently on the market (CNN Money: Where the singles are). The good news is that means there are almost 12,000 fabulous single people out there just waiting to meet one another. Here’s the bad news: if most of us are single, there’s a good chance that every once in a while we might have to (gasp!) eat alone. Oh, the pitying stares, the awkward glances… wait, is it really that bad?

Here at WC Dish, we think not. In fact, going solo can be a great experience! We’re all smart, confident people that don’t need to be entertained throughout our meal. Plus, eating alone gives you a completely valid excuse to talk to (read: flirt with) that cute waiter or waitress taking your order, or the hot guy or girl sitting at the next table (hey, odds are, they’re single, too!). Here’s your guide to the best places to dine sans company…

America’s Cup

28 West Market St.
West Chester, Pa
610.696.2102
www.americascupcoffeehouse.com

This cozy little coffee and sandwich shop is perfect for tucking yourself away with a book or magazine while you enjoy your meal. Free wireless will appeal to the techies among us, too. Try the freshly brewed gourmet coffee and a homemade scone for breakfast, or a tasty sandwich (chicken waldorf on raisin pecan bread, mmm) for lunch. On these hot summer days, a bowl of their gazpacho might just make you glad you don’t have anyone distracting you from eating, anyway.

Kooma

151 Gay St.
West Chester, Pa
610.430.8980

No need to bring a book here! This hip restaurant’s electric, modern ambiance will immediately make you feel cool enough to eat on your own. People-watching here is great, especially if you’re grabbing a late-night meal. I have witnessed at least two spontaneous break-dance competitions. More importantly, this place has some fantastic sushi. Grab a spot at the bar so you can befriend both the sushi chefs and the bartenders, order yourself some sushi—I recommend the Kooma special roll and the dragon roll—and a fun martini, and you’re all set!

Stadium Grille

104 Turner Lane
West Chester, Pa
610.344.7860
www.stadiumgrille.com

This is like eating at home in front of the TV, only you don’t have to settle for those stale potato chips you found in the back of the cupboard. Stadium Grille boasts a personal TV at each booth, as well as large-screen TVs for everyone. Fill up on a whole host of barbecue delights, including unique items like ostrich and venison burgers.

Appetites on Main

Main Street in Exton, Pa
610.524.2030
www.appetitesonmain.com

With something going on nearly every night of the week at this fun venue, you won’t ever be bored! Karaoke, Jeopardy-style quizzes, poker tournaments and live music make this a happenin’ place to be, even for a party of one. I recommend their jumbo pretzel, quesadilla or any of their hot sandwiches, washed down with the nightly drink special.

Wegmans

1056 East Lancaster Ave.
Downingtown, Pa
610.518.7800
www.wegmans.com

Start by drooling over the incredible lineup of food in Wegmans’ Market Café. Gigantic subs, oven-baked pizza, salads, soups, a sushi bar, a wokery and a patisserie all compete over the hungry diner. Once you manage to decide on something to eat, there’s a large café area with free wireless perfect for solo dining.