PLEASE tell me what I'm missing...

I just, in general, hate being alone. I crave human interaction. It's why I instantly reach for my cell phone pretty much any time I'm in my car or anywhere.

Thanks, Buck! I'm sending my schedule for tomorrow. I'll expect to meet you for dinner.

 

Count me among the few who think the burgers at In-N-Out are a little overrated. LOVE the fries and shake, though.

The burgers are no better than third in LA behind Tommy's and Fatburger.

 

Tommy's is awesome, no denying it. But that's where I go for chili burgers. In-N-Out is different.

 

The advantage of eating at a bar alone is you'll be able to be seated quicker. The risk is smokers, but it's an acceptable risk.

And Moddy, I'll raise you an Ayers Rock Strip for a 9-ounce filet -- well done. Outback is one of the few chain joints I don't mind. I actually half enjoy Lone Star too, but not Texas Roadhouse.

For quick eats, I wish I was out east more often -- I dig me some Sheetz.

As far as the book thing, here's something I do. I either scout the location ahead of time or look in the phone book when I get there for where the Borders (or Barnes & Noble, if I'm slumming) is located. You're killing time by looking, killing time by browsing and you get your books too.

In my cadre of frequent stops, there's only three locales I know of that don't have a Borders ... including my own town! ASSHOLES!

It's kind of the intellectual version of another favored pursuit of road weary sportswriters -- an activity called ...

Drag Your Drunk, Desperate Ass To The Nearest Strip Joint, Quality Of Said Joint Being Immaterial, And Proceed To Fawn Over And Drop Ridiculously Pathetic Large Sums Of Money On Barely Passable Strippers Who Would Sooner Kick You In The Nads Than Get Within The Red Zone Of Any Of Your Privates.

 

Bizness is bizmess. If it's in the budget, I eat out and claim it.

Very few places are annoying about a table for one, but some are. I usually call the management later and/or leave a little gift in the restroom.

 

I love Tommy's, but that's a chili burger.
That's different territory.

 

Tommy's is No. 1 on my list, the Ultimate Cheeseburger No. 2. Unfortunately, there isn't a Tommy's or Jack in the Box anywhere near here.

 

Last movie I saw by myself was The English Patient.

And if it's on the company dime, then let the readers pay for your five-star feast. Even if you're alone, you never know who else may be dining solo there, too. If that leads to dessert, then all the better.

 

Maybe it is because I'm a loner freak, but I like going to restaurants alone. Give me a newspaper and a magazine or two and I'm as content as can be. It's only when I go out to eat alone w/o reading material that I feel odd. I also don't mind going to movies alone. I'm never going to see the other 17 people in the theatre again. Let them think I'm an odd loner. I just want to watch the movie.

 

I agree, PDB. I find an empty few seats and stretch out and never have to worry about sharing an arm/elbow rest. Haven't seen a movie with someone in a theater in quite a few years.

 

With fava beans and a nice Chianti?

 

God, if I had that standard I'd starve to death.