Virtual Cheers - a website that lets you pick a neighborhood bar backdrop, host a virtual happy hour, and raise money to support the bar and its employees - was as close to a perfectly poured, foam-free lager as many people got over the last year. Per The Washington Post, people missed their local bars so much over the past two years that they created platforms that recreate bar experiences virtually to support their favorite watering holes. Plus, with bars largely closed during the lockdown, there’s a lot of lost time to catch up on. You can make a dent in that one book that's been on your nightstand for the last five months, people-watch other patrons, or just regroup and resettle your thoughts. Whether you've had a long day at work, got a craving for a fancy cocktail, or are in the mood to go out, but none of your friends are handy, there are plenty of reasons to a bar alone. “You can’t beat the ambiance of a busy bar or the indulgence of being served a drink - in a cup you don’t have to wash.” Going to a bar alone, however, can feel daunting for many people. “I love reading, I love having a nice drink, but most of all, I love being by myself,” she tells Bustle.
While Zoe, 33, a Chicago chef, can easily pour herself a glass of zingy organic wine at home when her friends are busy, she finds herself riding intentionally solo at her neighborhood bar all the time.
