Dining out alone used to be awkward, but no more. Simply grab a stool at the bar and settle in. You’ll have the bartenders to keep you company—they tend to be chatty—and you never know who will land in the next seat.
Bar Lucca
With a motto like “family, food and wine,” you can count on the Pieri family to make you feel at home. Modern takes on cherished dishes from its Lucca, Italy, hometown pair well with the thoughtful wine list. 729 E. Hector St., Conshohocken, (610) 825-2700, www.barluccarestaurant.com.
Brickside Grille
There’s so much going on here, you’ll never feel alone—from happy hour Monday-Friday to Buck-a- Shuck Wednesdays 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (OK, some are $2 each), plus $3 Guinness drafts, a rotating craft-beer list, affordable wines, and signature cocktails. 540 Wellington Square, Exton, (610) 321-1600, www.bricksidegrille.com.
Glenmorgan Bar & Grill
This airy restaurant in the Radnor Hotel has a 28-seat oval bar right in the center of things. Indulge in steakhouse selections or happy-hour apps while sipping a classic cocktail. This is a prime people-watching spot: You never know who might be staying at the hotel. 593 E. Lancaster Ave., St. Davids, (610) 341-3188, www.glenmorgan.com.
Gullifty’s
Even with a giant TV in the middle of the bar, this invit-ing space lends itself to conversation with bar mates. There are three self-serve taps you can hit with your private key, or let the barkeep do the pouring. For a summer vibe, head to the gourmet grill outside through Oct. 1. 1149 Lancaster Ave., Rosemont, (610) 525-1851, www.gulliftys.com.
