Thanks to my annual birthday Buca requirement combined with a 50% off pasta deal today, I discovered that my favorite family style restaurant is also a great place for a solo diner, because of the delightful bar area!
Brittany (spelling may vary) the bartender, and the "milkshake maestro"* whose name I didn't get were great to chat with and Brittany knows her stuff (easily troubleshooting my half correct ecertificate number, and quickly identifying the last remaining Buca in Florida :P)
I should add that the "small" spaghetti and meatballs here is my favorite pasta dish to order anywhere, because I KNOW that I can scarf down as much as I want, and still have another entire round 2 meal for later that day (or the following breakfast :D) if anyone wants to share, I go large and we add spicy sausage to the deal!
I will surely be dining here on a whim more often, company optional!
*- no they dont have milkshakes... I was excited like you are now and then similarly bummed too, sorry!