RESERVATIONS

Let's start at the beginning. Let's say you have a party of four that would like to dine at 7:30pm ,and so you need to make a reservation. You have tried booking it online and for some reason it won't let you, so you decide to call the restaurant to see if it's at all possible. Well first off, if you can't book it though the restaurant's website or Opentable, it probably means that there is in fact no room at the time you desire, so when calling... just expect to not get exactly what you want, especially on the same day. When speaking with the reservationist or host, be nice and open to adjusting your plans a bit. If they can miraculously fit you in, be grateful... that means they used there magic to maneuver 5 other tables so as to accommodate your one party. If by chance they say they can't fit you... it means the books are full and all the tables are seriously all reserved. They are trained to get as many people in the restaurant as possible... believe me they will get you in if they can. However they may be able to get you in on the earlier side or later side of the time you desired. Take advantage of this offer if you have a little flexibility. EVERYONE eats between 7 and 8:30pm, your experience might be a nicer one and a faster seating if you opt for whatever the reservationist offers you. If for whatever reason (you have a guest flying to NY on a 9pm flight, and you are dropping them at the airport, and you have to dine at 7, or you could only get a sitter to watch the kids from 7-9) opt for a more casual dinner at the bar or a communal type table. There's usually non-reservable spots and you can still enjoy the same food and drink that you would have at a "real" table. If none of this works for you, thank the person on the phone for trying, and attempt to snag a table at another restaurant.

Now let's talk about walking into a restaurant without a reservation. Same rules apply as over the phone as in person. If there is no room, there's really no room. Yes there will be empty tables in the dining room, and no you can't have them. The hosts job, just like the reservationists, is to seat as many people as they possibly can, so they WILL do their best to make something work. If they can't it's because we are overbooked, all tables have multiple seating and there's no room for error, and there's just not enough time to get you in and out in time for the next seating. The host is actually doing you a favor... opting you OUT of a 45 min meal because they too want you to enjoy your experience. But, if the host can find a table with a shortened table time, and you can honestly dine quickly as you have to pick up your kids from soccer or make it to the theater... take the table. At least you'll have food and wine in your tummy for that 2 1/2 hour play your going to sit through. The floor staff will make it as seamless as possible to get you in and out. But if that option doesn't appeal to you, seems too rushed, don't lie and say "we'll be out by 8pm", and at 8:45 wonder why the whole floor staff is circling around your table like vultures. All it takes is a little bit of planning ahead to get exactly what you want. The books don't usually get crazy until Thursday for a Friday reservation, so call on Tuesday for Friday and you will probably get the exact time you want.

Don't get me wrong... we want you to dine with us! Actually we need your business to survive so all of us from the reservationist, to the servers, to the kitchen will do whatever we can to accommodate you as best we can. But help us help you make this experience a great one instead of a difficult one. So if you know that your best friend is coming for a visit in 2 weeks, and my restaurant is your favor neighborhood spot and you want to show it off, call ahead and reserve. We want you to dine with us, we'd love the company!!