![]() 6 p.m.-midnightĭon’t be fooled by this sophisticated French-forward restaurant. If you’re up for dinner part deux, head upstairs to sister wine bar Le Caveau to snack on traditional French hot dogs (sub American rolls for a baguette), charcuterie, and, of course - drink more wine while bopping to French disco. There’s no shortage of seating options to fit your mood: Sit up at the front bar and play dealer’s choice with the bartender, pull up at the center communal high-top to eye what others are eating, or tuck away in a back corner booth for welcome solace. “You can make this place what you want,” boasts Etinosa Emokpae, South Philly resident, sommelier, and Skurnik Wine & Spirits sales rep. The low-lit airy space is perfect to cozy up over a glass of natural wine and taste a newly added dish, like fried sardines with garlic saffron dipping sauce, or stick to mainstays like the always comforting steak frites and duck confit. ![]() ![]() Staff members may have a background in fine-dining restaurants but aren’t afraid to get down-to-earth and curate your experience, especially for solo diners. ![]() The Good King Tavern over in Queen Village leans into French bistro fare minus the pretentiousness. Bring an appetite and grab a plate to go for leftovers the next day. Local 44 welcomes everyone as they are, meat-lovers and vegans alike. Nothing matters when lost in a fiery bowl of Sichuan-style broccolini and tofu stir-fry, piled-high poutine with fried cheese curds, or a generous plate of sticky, juicy fried chicken and sour pickles. Regulars like Johnson aren’t fazed when they bump into strangers-turned-friends as the hours pass by. James Johnson, a photographer and longtime Local 44 neighbor, frequents multiple times a week, often sitting at the same bar stool with a beer in hand as he awaits a plate of “old faithful” dishes like the hush puppies with honey butter, or the sizable burger. The epitome of a low-key hangout, this is a spot to hide out in anonymity while enjoying impressive pub food and pondering over a dozen craft beers on draft. West Philly’s Local 44 is a testament to great beer bars, a rare breed in this city, and it’s still thriving more than a decade after its opening. But not to be missed are the always-changing small and large plates of rice, noodle, and vegetable combos. Hits like the cheesesteak bao (formerly the roast pork bao) and caterpillar bread, a long roll filled with char siu Chinese barbecue pork shoulder topped with sesame honey syrup, will always be home on the Chinese-Jewish-Israeli mashup menu. “There was one girl who would read her Kindle.” “Bing Bing is a great solo spot because you can always grab a seat when they’re packed,” says Emma Hobson, a former Bing Bing bartender. Inside, Hong Kong street scenes are depicted on the dining tables themselves, and colorful, playful art is showcased in illuminated lights, stickered walls, and zany murals made by local artists. With outdoor streeteries potentially becoming permanent, solo diners can take their pick on where to slurp some noodles in peace. For over five years, Bing Bing Dim Sum has been a neighborhood favorite for good reason: walk-ins are always welcome and the food is always on point. South Philly’s Passyunk Avenue is ripe with casual dining spots that are suitable for people of any party size. Here are the best restaurants in Philly for solo dining. By the end of the night, you might be surprised with the dishes you fall in love with or the people you meet. They know all the secrets to the menu, after all. If you nail the timing right, you can relax in an empty restaurant and establish a connection with the bartender or server (hint: Wednesday and Sunday evenings are your best bet). Some tips: Early dinners are best for happy hour prices with small bites and drinks over a slower, quiet evening. And for those afflicted with wanderlust, international travel remains limited and complicated, but exploring the city’s food scene is the next best thing. Sometimes, self-care can look like treating yourself to fine dining at a bar without judgment and zero pretension. Spot an error or omission? Email us at people find their schedules “returning to normal,” with it comes the increased pressure of calendars overbooked with social engagements. We also strive to represent the geographic and cultural diversity of the city and region. What makes something the best? Our recommendations are based on our reporters' deep regional knowledge and advice from local experts.
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