Do you often feel like you are limited to eating at a few select places because of your size? You’re not alone. Many people feel this way, especially when they are trying to find restaurants that cater to plus size individuals.
Thankfully, there are plenty of great options out there for those who want to eat somewhere that feels comfortable and welcoming. In this comprehensive guide, we will share some of our best tips and tricks when you’re looking for good food and a positive plus size friendly dining experience.
One of the best ways to find restaurants that will cater to your needs is by looking online in advance. This can be done by searching for specific keywords on websites like Yelp or Google Maps. For example, you can search for “plus-size friendly restaurants near me” or “restaurants with plus size seating.” This should give you a good starting point to find somewhere that you’ll feel comfortable eating.
Another great place to start is by using sites like Squaremeal to see what options are near to you, then you can start to filter down whether or not they’re suitable for you. Click here to give that a go!
Seating: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
When you are looking for a plus size friendly restaurant, the first thing you should do is check out what the seating is like. Many restaurants have chairs and booths that are not plus size friendly, so it is important to find a place that has ample seating that can accommodate your body. If you’re booking in advance you can take a look at photographs online (either their website or their Instagram) but if you’re simply walking by and looking for somewhere to grab lunch, a quick peek through the windows should be enough to tell you whether or not you’ll feel welcome.
Chairs you may want to avoid as a plus size person are :
-Chairs with arms
-Small chairs
-Plastic or rattan chairs
-Booths with tight space
-Bar stools and other tall chairs
These are just a general few to look out for, but as a rule of thumb, if the chair looks like it would be uncomfortable for you then it probably is.
On the other hand, some plus size friendly chairs to look for are:
-Larger, more comfortable looking chairs
-Chairs without arms
-Booths with plenty of space to move around
-Bar stools that have a back and footrest
When in doubt, it is always best to ask the host or hostess if they have any plus size friendly seating options available.
Top tip: if you can’t find any images of the seating on the restaurant or cafe’s Instagram, try looking at photos they’ve been tagged in or the location tag. Customer photos will give a much better idea of what to expect.
Not All Bathrooms Are Created Equally
Another thing to keep in mind when you’re looking for a plus size friendly restaurant is the bathroom. Unfortunately, not all bathrooms are created equally and many times plus size individuals are left feeling uncomfortable or even humiliated by tight spaces and inadequate facilities. When possible, it is always best to scope out the bathroom before you sit down to eat. This way, you can avoid any potential issues and have a much more enjoyable dining experience. Alternatively, you can ask to use the disabled bathroom if it is more accessible to you.
Advocate For Your Comfort
Of course, even if you do your research and find a great plus size friendly restaurant, there is always the possibility that you will encounter some discrimination from the staff. If this happens, it is important to advocate for yourself and speak up. Remember, you are the customer and you deserve to be treated with respect. If you feel like you’re not being accommodated, don’t hesitate to ask for what you need, whether it’s a bigger seat or a more accessible bathroom.
You’re worthy of a comfortable and enjoyable experience, so don’t be ashamed to ask for what you need to achieve that.
@kirstyleannetravels Never be afraid to ask! ❤️🥰 #plussizetraveltok #travellingwhilefat #fatacceptance #bodyliberation #plussizetravel #plussizequeen #plussize #plussizeseating #restaurant
♬ its called self care – LOLO
When booking in advance, always remember to include any special requirements in the notes section. This will help the staff prepare for your arrival and ensure that they are able to provide the best possible service. For example, you might mention that you need a bigger seat or that you would like to use the disabled bathroom. By doing this, you can avoid any potential issues and enjoy a stress-free dining experience.
By following these simple tips and tricks, you can ensure that you have a positive and enjoyable experience every time you sit down to enjoy a meal. So next time you’re feeling restricted by your options, remember that there are plenty of great places out there that will welcome you with open arms.
Related posts:
- 6 Tips for Using Airport Assistance
- A Guide To Southwest Airlines Customer of Size Policy