Small social batteries need recharging regularly. Mine drains differently in alternate situations. In the right crowd, I can handle being there for hours without major drainage. In others, it drains quickly. When my battery gets dangerously low I become cranky and get easily overstimulated.

As an introvert recharging my social battery means that I need to have some time alone. Quiet time where I can just be. I often spend that time reading. However, I live in a house with five other people. Being left alone long enough to actually recharge is occasionally impossible. On these occasions, I go to a restaurant and have some food and alone time.

It seems like having quiet alone time in a restaurant would be unlikely. However, if you go at opening, say around 11, you’ll be one of a few in the place. Plus, once you’ve ordered, you’re mostly left alone. I also tend to frequent the same few places. So they know me. They know I’m just going to sit quietly, eat my lunch, and read my book. They don’t have to check on me often, because I really don’t need anything.

The Blue Bonnet

My favorite place to do this is The Blue Bonnet. It is an amazing Mexican restaurant in Denver. The place is big enough that it rarely gets too loud before noon. They let me order something that wasn’t on the menu – the BEST nachos. And they just leave me be to read and recharge. I have a couple of favorite servers who are so used to me that I don’t even have to order, they just double check I’m not changing anything up and then go on their way.

I have been frequenting The Blue Bonnet for years, and not just for my recharging time, but for family gatherings, and even for meetings. Their menu offers options for everyone. They have a bar atmosphere later in the night, and offer up some specialty cocktails depending on the time of year.

I’m not the only one who loves this place, its staff, food, and seating options. They made the list of 20 Best Restaurants in Denver in 2022.

My favorite place in the city

My favorite place is the restaurant which allows me the time I need to sit and recharge my social battery, even if I am in public. I love to sit quietly, read my book, and enjoy the nachos I love so much. Thanks to The Blue Bonnet for giving me what I need to keep going.