Although deciding to eat at a restaurant as you are strolling by may usually turn out okay, many eateries are packed full of people right after 5pm. Some even require a reservation. If you are out on the town and you want to hold your spot at a particularly popular restaurant, it is highly recommended that you make a reservation. Here are some tips:
Calling early is advised
If you wait until the last second, you will either, 1) not get a reservation at all or, 2) get a reservation at 9:30pm, which is way too late for most people to eat dinner! Most restaurants accept reservations a few days ahead of time. If the venue is really popular, they may even allow reservations up to a month in advance!
Plan an early or late dinner if you are pressed for time
Don’t think you can get a normal dinner hour reservation but want to eat there anyway? Plan around prime time. Make a reservation around 5pm or as late as 8pm to avoid the dinner rush. This improves your shot of getting the table you want at the last minute!
Be considerate when booking a reservation.
When booking your dinner reservation, be as considerate as possible to the employee on the phone. It is busy. You are probably hungry. The server has a million things to do. Try not to feel like you are entitled for a reservation and simply request one nicely. Honey will get you a lot further than vinegar.
Book a reservation online if possible.
These days, more and more restaurants are allowing you to book dining through online reservation system. This is highly recommended if possible! Call ahead before you arrive just to make sure that your online reservation went through!
Calling early is advised
If you wait until the last second, you will either, 1) not get a reservation at all or, 2) get a reservation at 9:30pm, which is way too late for most people to eat dinner! Most restaurants accept reservations a few days ahead of time. If the venue is really popular, they may even allow reservations up to a month in advance!
Plan an early or late dinner if you are pressed for time
Don’t think you can get a normal dinner hour reservation but want to eat there anyway? Plan around prime time. Make a reservation around 5pm or as late as 8pm to avoid the dinner rush. This improves your shot of getting the table you want at the last minute!
Be considerate when booking a reservation.
When booking your dinner reservation, be as considerate as possible to the employee on the phone. It is busy. You are probably hungry. The server has a million things to do. Try not to feel like you are entitled for a reservation and simply request one nicely. Honey will get you a lot further than vinegar.
Book a reservation online if possible.
These days, more and more restaurants are allowing you to book dining through online reservation system. This is highly recommended if possible! Call ahead before you arrive just to make sure that your online reservation went through!