Making a Small City Smaller: The Art of Eating Out Alone

Dave Tamulonis

Dave Tamulonis is one of the busiest folks in Erie – between his public facing work and his participation in a myriad of local bands – he takes time to recharge his social battery by eating in restaurants alone. This month, he visited three downtown spots: Dave's Diner (sic), Oba Sushi, and Franco's new location.

Most of my writing encourages readers to seek out connections. To use your city and built environment as a living, breathing switchboard, rocketing from one enriching experience to the next across a vast network of invisible cultural wires. However, I primarily identify as an introvert (a personality trait that exists more along spectrum in my opinion than a rigid dichotomy) in that I need occasional time away from connecting with others for my social battery to charge. Most of my job (then, as now) is talking to people. I can get stuck in "communicator mode," as my wife and I refer to it, long after working hours before I realize just how exhausted I am in that state of mind. One of my 2026 goals was to build more intentional, contemplative alone time into my daily routine to avoid these inevitable moments of social burnout. A part of my day that I have been using to meet this need for a social reprieve is my lunch hour. And, though I usually go home for lunch, occasionally out of necessity or emotional need, I will go out to lunch and eat somewhere alone.

And I've come to love it.

The act of eating alone, especially downtown, reminds me of being in a much larger city: cities where faces blur past you, restaurant service is quick and impersonal, and you can shut out what's happening around you simply because there is so much happening. Being alone among others adds to your solitude the additional experience of observing. Not only are you alone with your thoughts, but scenes are playing out in front of you for you to contemplate, study, comprehend, and romanticize. One of my best investments recently was a pair of over-the-ear, noise-canceling headphones for exactly this situation; a pair so dense they can turn the noisiest bus ride or the most bustling sidewalk into a quiet scene from your own personal biopic soundtracked by the music of your choosing. Eating alone may be an uncomfortable feeling for many (it was for me at first), but I've tried to shed the fear of being perceived by others and embrace the quiet anonymity of urban life and the peace it brings to an otherwise hectic, socially draining day.

In my opinion, a good solo weekday lunch out requires three things from the restaurant: 1. quick service to get a diner back to their job on time, 2. a variety of light, affordable options that neither break the bank nor have you napping on your desk in an hour, and 3. comfortable space available for single diners with room to do something besides eat. I've tried to avoid scrolling during lunch, but I do enjoy playing a game of chess on my phone while waiting for a meal. I've also started bringing something to read which could either be a book or your favorite free, monthly arts and culture periodical complete with local interest writing, music reviews, and more. The following meals and dining experiences are three that I think check all these boxes and really hit the spot when the mental load of packing a lunch seems insurmountable.

Dave's Diner (431 Peach St.)
Single Breakfast ($10)

Nothing beats breakfast food out. This is my favorite meal of the day to eat, cook, and enjoy in a restaurant and I am a strong believer that breakfast food can be enjoyed at any time of the day. With one egg, choice of bacon or sausage, choice of home fries or hash browns, and toast, this is hearty without being a massive carb load. Dave's has a breakfast bar seating option and the service is fast. Those who remember the original Dave's Diner will not be disappointed by the new location. The food is very reliable: classic diner breakfast and lunch food with an atmosphere and interior that matches perfectly. Dave's also has a liquor license so make sure to come back for a nice brunch when you can relax and take your time.

Oba Sushi (516 State St.)
Spider Roll ($11)

Oba Sushi's authentic Japanese sushi joint interior (and authentic, high quality sushi menu) makes it even easier to imagine yourself dining in a much larger city. Tucked away, almost hidden and easy to miss in the former Andora's Bubble Tea micro storefront, Oba is just large enough to accommodate single and couple diners with small, simple tables and amazingly quick service. While their entire menu is filled with fresh sushi options that are more traditional, my personal favorite menu item is the Spider Roll, a tempura soft-shell crab roll with asparagus, avocado, sesame seed, and eel sauce. I get spicy mayo for dipping, miso soup, and hot tea if I'm feeling indulgent. Runners-up are probably the Sugar Mama (tempura Krab with cream cheese roll) and the classic California Roll (Krab and avocado). I just really enjoy crab-centered rolls. Japan is known for its urban food culture that caters primarily to single working people and Oba has perfectly replicated that experience right in Downtown Erie.

Franco's (416 State St.)
Salad Bar ($12)

Recently reopened as their new location at 416 State, Franco's had been serving downtown residents for several years in the Renaissance Centre. One of downtown's best-kept secrets, Larry Franco and team have held down a reliable, always fresh salad bar stop with tons of options for customization. Their new location, the former Fresh Healthy Café, is a perfect and beautifully restored historic space that reflects their new brand and menu perfectly. They also have soups, paninis, and now burgers and hoagies, but the salad bar will always be my go-to lunch. There is something satisfying about paying for your lunch and immediately being able to start building a plate. My indulgent add-on here would be to make your salad a Pittsburgh salad and add a side of French fries. Franco's also has breakfast now, but I have yet to try it. Though it's still cold outside, I imagine my favorite way to enjoy this salad will soon be in a to-go container while sitting in Perry Square.

Downtown is filled with other great options that are worth mentioning briefly here. I recommend also checking out the bar seating at Serafini's (for a bowl of lasagna soup), the kitchen-view seats at Like My Thai (for a Panang Tofu Curry, spice level 6 out of 5), and Shish Kabob (for a mixed grill platter) if you are considering something a little more filling and comforting.

Any episode of Anthony Bourdain's classic travel shows will expound on the ability of food to bring people together across cultural and social divides like little else. I highly encourage you to seek out culinary experiences with others, cook for friends, share meals with strangers, and use food to bring family and friends together. But most of all, I encourage you, whether you are at a table full of your extended family or sitting alone, to treat a meal as sacred. You don't have to say grace to respect your food and acknowledge the small miracle that every meal can be. If we start recognizing our meals as an opportunity for a tiny moment of reflection, maybe we will think more about what we choose to put into our bodies. That reflection will probably benefit you way more than whatever RFK Jr. thinks he is doing to make you a healthier person. Recognize the meal for what it can be: nourishment of body and soul. And sometimes your soul just needs to be alone for 45 damn minutes.

Dave Tamulonis is an educator and musician living in Erie. He is the director of grants at the City of Erie and lives in the West Bayfront with his wife Marissa, dog Esthera Minerva, and cat Cherry Blossom.