how apt that last summer I started my project of trying all kinds of Chicago fast foods & it was almost ALL carryout to eat in parks or at home. good practice for 2020 https://twitter.com/kofchicago/status/1298285021724389376

has anyone written about how seating for solo diners/drinkers outside was already almost nonexistent (I'd complain every summer tbh), & now even worse, at least in Chicago (& indoor bar seating isn't a thing right now)? it's patio table w/a friend or alone w/carryout in a park

I enjoyed this, on possible longterm changes in dining out https://twitter.com/hopnotes/status/1297926570317959171?s=19

on the bright side, I really, really like that more restaurants post menus outside now (especially since I haven't figured out QR code ones yet)

anyone else been meaning to shift to all cash at coffeeshops/carryout spots (for budgeting issues & tipping issues) (especially to avoid the awkward "no tip/15/20/25%" screens) but...that's over now?

another restaurant/bar observation, when it's only a patio now & they allow smoking, it's...not great (actually *every damn year* I forget this is my problem with outdoor festivals & get reminded again, lol)

real talk, I've tried but I cannot figure out how to do QR code menus/bills that are ubiquitous these days & was on verge of tears yesterday (thank you servers who let me order/pay the old way!), this is now a bigger obstacle to going out solo than worrying about seating issues

this whole rambling thread is meant to convey I DON'T object to any safety rules or other measures businesses are taking, just wanna know if I'm the only awkward technically inept person personally having trouble with any of them

ahh, it finally happened this week & happened TWICE, after ordering carryout &/or coffee from 50+ places wearing a mask (& sometimes language issues), an order was misheard (both were minor cold drink mixups I wasn't gonna bother correcting)

I meant to add this contest to this thread, I mean, creative stuff here but I'm not up for indoor outdoor dining https://twitter.com/TimeOutChicago/status/1315262059282604032?s=19