So imagine you’ve made plans with your friend and they drop the, ‘so can [insert significant other’s name here] join, I told them that I’d ask, it’s cool if you say no.’ Now you’re stuck in a pickle if you say no you’re being mean [or worse they’ll cancel/ flake] and if you say yes you’re screwed spending the evening fighting for attention from your friend. How do you survive this issue? I wish you’d learn that by now you can trust in me. I spend countless hours thinking about the left of center scenarios you can’t be bothered to think about so that when you encounter them- you’ll have the solution.

I present to you a list of 10 different scenarios where you could be faced with this issue and a solution so you can say yes on your terms. This is the second installment in the Singles Guide to San Antonio. I just decided y’all need this good word and I’m here to preach the news.

GO TO TORCHY’S TACOS AND NO ONE WILL WONDER IF YOU’RE THE THIRD WHEEL

So you’ve been suckered into this dinner by the fact that you’re feeling generous but you don’t need people to look at you with ‘poor thing’ eyes. So my tip: Head to Torchy’s Tacos. Share the queso since you’re already sharing your friend with their partner. Plus counter service is a must for avoiding the ever so awkward ‘how to split the check’ question from the server.

GO TO BISTR09 WITH A COUPLE WHEN YOU LOWKEY WANT TO BE IN ONE TOO

Maybe your friends are the epitome of #couplegoals and you’re trying to take notes on how their relationship is so successful? They’re definitely not the couple that makes you feel awkward if you tag along to the dinner party. So that’s why we’re recommending Bistr09 since it’s owned by a power couple too! The food is great, the ambiance is chill and you’ll have a great time hanging out- the three of y’all.

GO TO PINCH BOIL HOUSE WITH THE COUPLE THAT’S ALL ABOUT THAT PDA

We’re not against PDA we’re just unsure of how to act around someone extremely touchy- eh let’s be real it’s annoying as fuh. That’s why we’re recommending Pinch Boil House because nothing is sexier than grabbing your loved one with buttery delicious hands after digging into a bomb crawfish boil. Who knows maybe they’re slightly turned on by garlic kisses- at least you’ll enjoy a good meal if they do.

GO TO Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar WHEN YOU’RE NOT READY FOR THEM TO BREAK UP SO YOU THINK A GOOD MEAL WILL SAVE THE RELATIONSHIP

You didn’t want to get invested in their relationship because your friend can be kinda questionable but you did and now you love their SO. But now things feel like they might be on the rocks and you’re worried anything might make this house of cards just flop. We think a good comfort meal from Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar can do the trick. Sip on some cocktails, find the root of the problem and see if you can diffuse this problem before you’re stuck choosing if you’ll become a turncoat and stay friends with the ex if they break up.

GO Maverick Brasserie WHEN YOU’RE LEGIT HAPPY THEY’RE TAKEN

Love couldn’t look better on their face and you’re happy because it’s been a long time coming. How long we’re not going to speculate but long enough that you’re willing to sit through every third-wheel date you can as long as you can see your friend be happier than a bird with a french fry. We’re recommending Maverick Texas Brasserie for this dinner. Order from the menu or plan ahead and get enjoy the Chef’s dining table menu.

GO TO Bliss WHEN YOU’RE MEETING THE NEW BAE FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND YOU’RE REALLY WANTING THEM TO LIKE YOU

Evening bliss has been a phrase I use to describe when the moment is just perfect. So for that perfect moment, we’re liking Bliss. You want your friend’s new beau to like you so you’ve got to have a kitchen who’s able to pull out all the stops and wow them no matter their dietary restrictions. Bliss even has solid vegan and seafood options so you’re able to avoid any curveballs and look like a pro.

GO TO Chris Madrid’s WITH THE COUPLE THAT NOT SO SECRETLY HATES EACH OTHER

They’re always fighting. When it’s good- it’s good but when it’s bad it’s ‘get the mutha fuckin’ out the way bad! You’ve been roped into dinner with them and since you’ve known them both for a while you really can’t take sides. So how do you avoid them turning the littlest thing into a negative? A mouth full of burgers can stop anyone dead in their tracks. So try Chris Madrid’s and hopefully by the time they’re done eating they’ll realize they were just hungry and that love really conquers all.

GO TO Sushiana WITH THE COUPLE YOU’RE TRYIN’ TO ‘SHIP

Okay, so they’re not quite together but you know they belong together. You see it, social media sees it, the world’s always asking if they’re a couple. So like it’s time to commence operation GET TOGETHER ALREADY. Let’s get something sexy like sushi at Sushiana and then excuse yourself after you finish your tempura and leave them alone for the magic to hopefully work.

GO TO Lucy Cooper’s WHEN YOU ONLY LIKE ½ OF THE COUPLE AND YOU HAVE TO TAKE ONE FOR THE TEAM

So maybe you’re not a fan of their partner and you don’t have the heart to tell them or there’s nothing you can so you’re sucking it up and for lack of a better word, taking one for the team. Well, trust that Lucy Cooper’s has your back. Their action-packed evenings and full bar can distract you, make you more fun or allow you to relax without making it awkward!

GO TO BOHANAN’S WITH THE COUPLE THAT IS CELEBRATING

We’re talking DJ Khalid playing as you walk in level celebrating. No? I mean some kind of celebration is warranting a splurge. Bohanan’s alone is great for a solo night out but if there’s some celebration y’all gotta have then why not enjoy the royal treatment and eat delicious food at the same time.

I wrote this mostly so my coupled up friends can take me to different places and pity me for being the single girl and we can enjoy a good meal. Kidding!!!! I wrote this because we’re that single friend. As always be sure to follow my San Antonio foodie Instagram @sanantoniolovelist to keep up with the latest chaos in my life.

10 SA Spots To Eat With A Couple When You’re The Single Friend