Austin is a beautiful city. I attended the SXSW conference and in between all of the sessions and networking, I spent time visiting vegan and plant-forward restaurants. I am almost always alone when I’m checking out these spots, so I found myself one early afternoon having a solo dining experience at the Bouldin Creek Cafe.
The Cafe is legendary as it’s been around for 25 years. There I was seated at a table for one with a menu full of plant-based possibilities and a room buzzing with energy around me. On this day, the restaurant was decorated with art that had been created by the staff. How cool is that? It was a vibe.
There was a guy in the corner on his laptop, a couple hugged up at a table and kids everywhere. And then there was me—having my own solo moment–content, and surprisingly inspired. As I said, I’m used to dining alone when I’m out creating content. Thank goodness for my trusty tripod! What’s funny is that people don’t even blink when they see me talking to myself, smiling into the camera and digging into a meal.
But honestly, this “work” almost always turns into something more meaningful. On this recent visit to Austin, I realized that dining alone is not some sad second choice or fallback plan. It can be a deeply positive experience. In fact, this solo dining experience reminded me that a table for one can offer confidence, clarity, and joy.
A Solo Dining Experience is a Power Move
There was a time when restaurants were all about brunch with BFFs, date nights and celebrations. But as Black Girls Eat continues to provide me with the opportunity to be a plant-based ambassador, my solo dining experience no longer feels awkward. And I have discovered that I am pretty good company!
They used to say to get a man you had to know how to look
They used to say to keep a man you had to know how to cook
But I’m solo in Soho, sippin’ Soju in Malibu
It’s a me, myself kinda attitude
-Lizzo
Walking into Bouldin Creek Cafe and asking for a table for one felt powerful. Not because anyone was watching—but because I’m good with being my own date. So I am sharing today that you don’t need a plus-one to have awesome dining experiences.
- You do not need to fit into someone else’s schedule to try the restaurant you’ve been curious about.
- You do not need to miss out on new restaurants and cafes because you can’t find anyone who wants to try it with you.
- And you do not need permission to take up space.
You Notice More When You’re Alone
One unexpected gift of a solo dining experience is how present you become.
Without conversation pulling your attention in different directions, you notice details that might otherwise pass you by. You hear the music, observe the rhythm of the room, appreciate the colors on the plate and you taste every ingredient with intention.
At Bouldin Creek Cafe, I found myself appreciating not just the food, but the atmosphere. The café had the kind of warmth that invites you to stay a while. It felt welcoming, creative, and unpretentious—the kind of place where you can exhale.
And because I was alone, I was fully there for it.
As someone who creates content around plant-based dining, that presence matters. I can take notes, photograph thoughtfully, and really absorb the experience. But even if I were not working, the same truth would remain: being alone often helps you pay attention.
A Solo Dining Experience Creates Mental Space
Life gets noisy. We move from task to task, meeting to meeting, text to text. Even when we are with others, our minds can feel crowded.
There is something restorative about sitting down with a meal and no agenda beyond enjoying it.
During this recent solo dining experience, I had room to think. Room to breathe. Room to check in with myself.
- How am I feeling in general?
- What am I most proud of these days?
- What drains me?
- What gives me energy?
- What’s up with my nails? lol
Ha! You get the idea. Those questions do not always arrive in busy moments. Sometimes they show up over lunch. A meal alone can become a reset in the middle of a full life.
Now Let’s Talk About the Food
No story about a visit to Bouldin Creek would be complete without talking about what I ordered. It was cold and windy that day so this solo dining experience was all about getting warm!
First up, Massaman Jackfruit Curry. Described on the menu as a Thai style coconut curry sauce with sautéed broccoli, potato, red onions & jackfruit. It was a deep warm bowl of goodness. I never had jack fruit before so this was the perfect time to try it. It was mixed with all of the veggies so I really don’t know what it tastes like. I added tofu to ramp up the protein and it came with brown rice. The meal was plant-powered yummy.
Of course I had the Grilled Blueberry Cornbread because I can’t say no to any kind of cornbread for any reason. It wasn’t a sweet cornbread but the blueberries gave it a touch of sweetness. It came with maple syrup but I didn’t use it.
My chai latte? It was all that and a perfect addition to a meal that made me feel warm all over.
Plant-based restaurants like Bouldin Creek Cafe continue to show that nourishing food can also be exciting food. There is no shortage of flavor, satisfaction, or personality.
And when you are dining solo, every bite gets your full attention.
The Beauty of Your Own Company
We spend so much time learning how to be good company for others that we sometimes forget to become good company for ourselves.
A table for one can teach you patience, remind you to be present and show you that solitude and lonlieness are not the same thing. And guess what!? It can also teach you that joy does not always need a witness.
There is beauty in being able to sit with yourself and genuinely enjoy the moment.
My Final Thoughts
This solo dining experience in Austin gave me more than content for a post. It gave me a reminder.
Dining alone is not something to settle for. It can be something to seek out.
So the next time there is a restaurant you want to try, go for it. Make a reservation. Ask for the table for one. Order what looks good. Stay a little longer.
Because sometimes the best seat in the house is your seat.
LA is a plant-based advocate from the Bronx who will one day become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. In the meantime, she loves finding new ways to get more fruits, grains and veggies on her plate and sharing all that she is learning with her community. Want to stay connected?
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