It might be a problem but not what you think.

I've often been in Munich on business on my own and gone to eat/drink etc.

And, of course, often had to sit at tables where others already are seated.

As well as the obligatory toast, the "Gruss Gott", "guten appetit" etc on several occasions the table occupants- noting my English accent- struck up conversations (usually in Englsih). A group from somewhere on the Rhein seemed to want to try out their English. Recently a group -a mixed group- wanted to discuss English weather, for some reason.

And (wherever you are) you may get the other lone eater/drinker who wants to chat.

It's all usually good fun stuff and the only downside is you may land up with more glasses of beer than you would have liked!

2Lucky

No, relax. I've also spent a lot of time in Munich, alone many times due to business trips and not wishing to mix business and pleasure. So I wander around town and beer gardens on my own regularly.

Recommendations:

Viktualienmarkt beer garden by day.

This is a great place to meet people, people talk to you all the time, when you sit down or are standing at a barrel (table) just make eye contact smile and say prost as you drink your beer, you'll soon be chatting. Here you'll also meet brits and American tourists along with local Germans.

Hobrauhaus by night.

This is very touristy but there is always room for singles and you sit anywhere with space, again, smile have fun and folk will talk to you.

Also just sitting in the main squares and streets, just taking beer and people watching is very relaxing.

As for dinner,

never a problem if you are still alone. I like Ratskeller because it's huge and has atmosphere when alone, the waiters are very attentive and look after you.

If anything, you are more likely to be led astray when alone, because people often ask you to tag along. A couple of times I've gone to Viktualienmarkt for a quiet beer or two, only to end up on a crawl around the city with a group, once Americans and once Germans and both occasions I ended up back very very late! - Hic!

Stoofer

This is perfect, thank you all, I feel much better!

No, dining alone is not a faux pas in the states - or anywhere as far as I know. I travel for business almost nonstop and so end up by myself in a LOT of restaurants, sports bars etc. Its not the eating alone part I was concerned about - it was the alone woman at a communal table aspect in what essentially is a bar that I wasn't sure about, if it was common.

But you've all made me feel much braver - thank you again. And I'm definitely going to try your recommendations!

>it was the alone woman at a communal table aspect in what essentially is a bar that I wasn't sure about, if it was common.

A beer garden is not really "essentially a bar" - it's a place where families come together, where you can bring your own food and have a picnic (as long as you buy drinks), etc. Nothing at all to do with the environment of a sports bar.

You WILL get served, do you really think people will turn down your money during this peak tourist time ??? Lol !!! I went to Munich last Oktoberfest with 6 friends. They went back home & I stayed an extra 5 days by myself & had a blast. Not only did I get served in the Hofbraus beer garden & inside & the tents at Oktoberfest, I met the nicest people from all over the world, most whom I still speak with via email. It's not weird being alone, sometimes it's damn fun !!! And don't settle for fast food cause you're alone, enjoy the local stuff in a biergarten or restaurant. Hey, if you're gonna be there from 9/18-9/28, you can meet up with us !!! Enjoy !!

Bonf71 - thanks so much for for the offer to join your group, that's incredibly sweet of you! I'd love to, but only going to be in Munich until the 16th so will miss you.

Enjoy Oktoberfest, its going to kill me to have to leave before it starts!!

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