Hey, ladies!

IN KEY WEST: A TABLE FOR ONE IS WELL DONE

Table for one, please.

As a woman dining out alone, you may have experienced the all-too-familiar drill: “Just one?” the host or hostess is likely to query.

As you’re seated, servers quickly whisk away any remaining place settings and chairs disappear, leaving you sitting solo and perhaps feeling a little awkward at all the rearranging your single presence begets.

But as soon as your confidence begins cratering, take note of the fact that enjoying a bite by yourself has its advantages, explained lifestyle expert and travel author Sue Cockell. One of those is realizing that enjoying just your own company will do.

“Own it,” Cockell said. “The fact that you are at a restaurant with a place setting for one shows your strength. You are amazing. Feel it and be proud.”

Key West professional life coach and art gallery manager Laura Mata agreed.

“Take yourself on a date. Give yourself what you would expect from an admirer or lover,” she said.

Here in Key West, we’ve been scouting some solo-friendly eateries for the ladies who prefer a professionally prepared meal over freezer-burned pizza. Or consider a time when you just don’t have the energy or inclination to get a group together for dining out.

The sublime Casa Marina Resort, 1500 Reynolds St., is one of this author’s favorite spots to hang for some peaceful alone time and a nosh by the pool or private beach. No need to be a hotel guest (major renovations are beginning in May) to enjoy the food offerings from the Sun Sun Beach Bar & Grill here. Try the mahi grilled fish sandwich slathered in Key lime sauce or Bahamian conch fritters sided with yuzu remoulade. Fanciful cocktails like the Skinny Cucumber Lemonade made from agave and vodka and the tequila-infused Coconut Paloma will help you celebrate your “me, myself and I” in the sunshine.

Craving some Asian flavors and maybe a cup of sake or green tea? Head over to Misohappy Sushi and Thai at 504 Southard St. and grab a high-rise chair at one of the outdoor tables for a satisfying savory bowl of “hangover” hot and sour soup, or a conch roll with cream cheese, scallions and smoked salmon.

Finding an eatery with outdoor seating space is easy to do in sunny Key West, like the fancy Marquesa Cafe at 600 Fleming St. in Old Town. There, bring a book, perhaps, and ask for a sidewalk table for one. It’s fun to enjoy an al fresco dinner at the Zagat-rated restaurant that serves up contemporary American cuisine.

On the more casual side, there’s pizza and pasta at Roostica, 5620 MacDonald Ave., Stock Island. It’s the place to grab a slice of the eatery’s wood-fired pies or an eggplant stack sub with fresh basil and melted mozzarella.

Or tank up on caffeine at the single-friendly Funky Rooster Coffee House and Wine Bar on Caroline Street. Outdoor seating abounds on the porch and the interior of the place is kind of like your uncle’s living room minus the uncle. In other words, it’s a true coffee cafe with local artwork and a welcoming vibe. Feel free to bring your laptop or a book to relax for hours if you need a break from the world.

Of course there are always sweet desserts to savor in town and it’s worth visiting the fabled Better Than Sex, 926 Simonton St. Not sure if we can vouch for the claim made by its name, but the private spaces and candlelit nooks are a unique retreat in which to indulge one’s sweet tooth.

“We see people coming in alone all the time, many who are traveling by themselves, military, you name it,” says manager Tia Marquinez. As proof, Marquinez pointed out an order going out — a semi-sweet chocolate coated wine glass filled with pinot noir.

Another idea for you women going solo for a night? Scan around for local bars or restaurants that offer live music. Comedy, trivia or open mic nights like Thursdays at Kava Culture on Fleming Street. You’ll find tons of solo visitors and locals sipping non-alcoholic herbal drinks while trying out their performance skills on the tiny stage there.

So, we here at Keys Woman hope we have inspired you to get out and have an adventure with the best companion of all — yourself.

“Slow down, explore, enjoy the process and celebrate your uniqueness,” says Mata.

“You are worthy.”