The latest (2008) Official Guidebook to WDW has this tip for solo travelers..."Many of the finer restaurants now have counters to sit at-perfect for lone diners." I go to WDW alone on occasion & have never seen this. Does anyone out there know which WDW reataurants have counters to sit at? Thanks for the help!!!

Isn't there one at Flying Fish or is my memory failing me?

There is a bar at the California Grill, but I thought that was just part of the bar, not the restaurant. I've been at the Brown Derby, Jiko, Artist's Point, and Yachtsman's (yikes - but it was over multiple trips!) in the last 18 months also, and the only one where I can think there was a counter was MAYBE at Brown Derby - but that's just because my back was to the bar/kitchen, so I don't recall if there were people sitting there eating.

If I want to eat at a bar, or counter, I'm NOT going to be paying signature restaurant prices. The only time I'll eat at a counter 'just because I'm dining alone' is if there's a huge difference in wait times, and I don't think I'd ever do it at a signature.

WHY do guidebooks think that because you're dining solo it's a viable alternative to sit at a counter and not at a table or booth? (Can you tell this is a pet peeve of mine?!)

CG, FF, and Jiko have "show kitchens" which include a counter right where the chefs prepare and cook some of the food. If you sit there you will have a lot of interaction with the chefs and often you will be given small samples of some of the foods they are cooking.

BTW, I proudly say, "Table for one!" It doesn't bother me to eat alone, although I usually bring something to read or a little pad of paper to work on the trip report. I have a longer stamina than my travel companions, and I often go out early or stay out later than they do. I eat alone, tour alone, etc. It is the epitome of relaxing for me because I don't have to ask what someone else wants to do.

I agree w/you Drince....don't push me to the counter NOR put me at the little table for 2 right by the kitchen door. I want to see all of the action!

There is a bar at the California Grill, but I thought that was just part of the bar, not the restaurant.

You can sit at the bar in the CG, or you can sit at the counter surrounding the kitchen, right next to the bar.

For me, if I'm paying all this money for a fine meal, I just don't want to spend the meal sitting at a counter like I'm a quick luncher at Denny's. I want a table, usually a window seat, and a tablecloth is nice!