Dining alone doesn't have to be an exercise in humiliation. Yet, even those w/ the healthiest of egos can find sitting by one's lonesome at a restaurant at night, intimidating, awkward, lonely. Yet the time will come when you feel like a nice meal out and no one's around. Suck it up, you can handle it.
Places like The Village Grille make it easy. I discovered this tucked-away spot last week in Central Square, Chelmsford. And while I've haven't dined alone too much, this place struck me as a great solo hang. Tables on the first and second floor are tucked around nooks, there is a serviceable wine list that will not win too many awards, but glasses of red and white ($6) will get the blood flowing. The menu is perfectly boilerplate w/ a few flashes of brilliance. The ham and chix puff pastries, served on a creamy spinach sauce are as gourmet as this no-frills gets. It's an app that eats like a meal. Cuban and pasta dishes are fun and inexpensive. Come w/ a book and don't worry, no one will give you the snooty eye. This is not a place to see and be seen. Any tips on places where eating on your own doesn't feel like a sentence?