Spoon University Logo
Lifestyle

The Best Restaurants To Break Up With Someone When You Can’t Do It At Home

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Georgetown chapter.

Valentine’s Day is creeping up, and for some of us, that means preparing gifts with chocolates or planning out fancy dinner dates. But what about those of us who are mentally over the relationship and ready to pull the plug? Breaking up with someone isn’t exactly fun but, going out to eat can lessen the blow.

Not all places are made equal. You need a spot to minimize the suffering and more importantly, the food has to be worth it. Going through a breakup sucks, especially for your ex when it’s right before Valentine’s Day. Although it doesn’t all have to be disastrous — at least you are getting a decent meal. Plus you’ll have good food to fall back on. Whether you’re digging into a box of McNuggets or snacking on leftovers, you’ll be on to a new start. With a full stomach to boot. Here’s are all the best fast food chains and restaurants to break up with someone.

1. McDonald’s: The To-Go Choice

When you need a speedy out, McDonald’s is the place to be. There is no table service, and even with a high volume of people, there are little to no wait times. It’s like whiplash — one second you’re ordering McNuggets with French fries, and the next you’re saying “This isn’t going to work.”  By the time your order is on the pickup counter, you’re officially single. At least you can indulge in some classic comfort food: a Big Mac, fries, and a McFlurry to go. If you’re in the mood to try something new you could also pick up the Strawberry and Creme Pie.

2. Olive Garden: Breadsticks Are Forever, But We Aren’t

Breaking up with someone over Olive Garden is a whole strategy. You’ll be chowing down on warm garlic breadsticks as you deliver the bad news. But that leaves you with Olive Garden’s massive portion sizes. Which would be perfect and filling for a pair but you are now one. This means heaps of leftovers for later. You’ll end up with a doggy bag overflowing with a warm soup and fettuccine Alfredo. Don’t forget the little mint chocolates. Honestly, that’s a win.

3. Panera Bread: “I Need My Space” Place

Panera is where you go for a gentle blow. The atmosphere is cozy and has a hum of people in the background. The scent of freshly baked bread drifts through the air. The whole ambiance here is civil and a good spot for you to end things over some tea and a bowl of tomato soup. When you’ve hit the end of your tough conversation, you can treat yourself to one of the pastries and tea. After all, what’s a tough conversation without a treat afterward?

4. Dunkin’: Keep It Cheap

Dunkin’ is where you go to keep the whole process concise. After all, there’s no point in spending lots of money on a breakup meal. Who wants to wait on servers, a bill, and risk making a scene in public? At Dunkin’ you can pay upfront. Grab your $2 coffee, some doughnuts, and give a quick “We should see other people.” Then there’s no hanging around, just make your easy exit. 

5. Baskin-Robbins: When You’ve Already Planned To Eat Your Feelings

Going here involves some forethought. It might not be the best breakup spot, but it is ideal as a post-breakup spot. You’re probably going to cruise by Baskin Robbins to eat your emotions after the turmoil of ending a relationship. This way, you’ll be spoon deep in scoops of cookies ‘n creme. Ice cream is a classic choice to chase the blues away. It’s just desserts, literally. 

6. Buffalo Wild Wings: I’m Not Crying, You Are

Buffalo Wild Wings has your back. You’re taking into account all pitfalls by going here. If there’s any potential for a heated conversation, the loud sports bar atmosphere will cover it up. If there’s any potential for tears, well, the Buffalo wings were just extra spicy that day. And if your significant other storms out abruptly, guess what? There’s TV to watch, and the Blazin’ Rewards App has daily free-to-play games with rewards and prizes. 

Aubree Hernandez is a writer with Spoon University where she writes all about food culture and trends. She has a background in creating content across social media platforms like making YouTube scripts or social media copy. This is where Aubree has honed her skills, she pulls on years of experience and practice to create content that's authentic and engaging.

Beyond her role at Spoon University, Aubree works for the University of Oklahoma, where she assists individuals in accessing essential resources. Aubree wraps all her interests up neatly into a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Media, Communications, and Humanities through Georgetown University. She balances full-time work with her academic and career goals and, she is dedicated to refining her expertise in writing and media.

From writing and illustrating to photography, nothing brings Aubree more joy than immersing herself in creative outlets. She believes the root of food is connection, a bridge that brings humanity together. As a longtime vegetarian, she has a particular interest in plant-based cuisine, food culture, and sustainable eating. Originally from Southern California, she now resides in Oklahoma City with her orange cat, Nacho. Connect with her on LinkedIn to follow her creative pursuits.