I am the same way OP - - I ALWAYS elect to sit inside an eating establishment when dining out…..it just feels nicer that way.

I would only choose to dine outdoors 🍽️ if I was part of a group or party.

My parents are like this. They think eating outside is a restaurant industry racket (to seat more people than your occupancy). I sort of agree with them — unless it’s really prized waterfront real estate. Outside in an urban area or in a suburb with views of the parking lot is a total scam.

Anonymous wrote:Dog patios are the best.

One reason why I don’t sit outside.

Depends on the weather, setting, and vibe.

If the indoor restaurant is nicer than the view outside, I tend to stay inside.

The exception would be if the weather is gorgeous and I want a little sun.

When the outdoor area is on the water or charming courtyard, etc. then I’ll opt to eat outside—especially when there is some shade.

I’ve never worried about bugs or other people.

Having said that, I’ve never understood the appeal of eating outside when it’s essentially in a parking lot or along a busy street.

I've decided I don't really like it. Even somewhere scenic, I'll sit outside an then go inside to use the restroom and the inside is nicer, prettier, quieter. Exception is ultra charming "garden-like" patios far from the street.

Anonymous wrote:This isn’t California or Italy, you aren’t missing anything.

Yeah, this is my thinking. There are so many flies here when you try to eat anything outside. Ugh

Anonymous wrote:Be ware of the rats in some parts of town. I was eating outside at Georgetown and a rat passed between my feet. I almost died. But I still eat outside, just not in Georgetown.

Same happened to me in Dupont Circle. And I had sandals on. Felt it scurry by.

It's rarely pleasant to do that in America because of how our cities and towns are generally designed. However, around the dcum area there are some restaurants with interior patios that I find acceptable.

Tell us more about the general passerby anxiety. What are you worried about?

Why? I absolutely hate eating outdoors, even though I know most people do. You don’t have to enjoy it.

I ate outside today at the Wharf and it was glorious. Right now is the best time to do it before mosquitoes are out.

Anonymous wrote:Be ware of the rats in some parts of town. I was eating outside at Georgetown and a rat passed between my feet. I almost died. But I still eat outside, just not in Georgetown.

I had a roach crawl by on the floor in a restaurant. I still ate there. It was a military base, so options were limited.

I enjoy eating outside on a nice day but it is definitely restaurant dependent. Some have very nice outdoor dining areas. Some feel like the outdoor area is conpletely ignored. There have been a handful of times we were seated at tables where everything needed a good wipe down as there was visible bird poop and/or pollen. Or there have been times we were seated at shaky tables. I take note of those places and don’t return. But most restaurants have really improved upon outdoor dining in recent years. Generally, I prefer outdoors for a less crowded and quieter dining experience. This post is actually making me wish I hadn’t started dinner because it’s perfect weather to eat outside.

I don't eat outside at restaurants because I don't want to inhale car fumes while I eat. You don't need to change your preferences, OP.

Different strokes for different folks OP. Don't do it if you don't like it.I live in Georgetown, and my husband and I prefer to sit outside at the Georgetown Harbor + other places in the neighborhood. Since the pandemic, we have eaten outside even in cold temperatures because most places have heaters. I don't like sitting inside with people coughing all over + having to listen to loud music.

What did you do during the pandemic as restaurants were slowly reopening?