How to get a reservation at a hard-to-book New York restaurant

Getting into a hard-to-book New York restaurant is mostly about timing and flexibility. Find out exactly when the restaurant releases tables and be ready that minute, set alerts for cancellations, be open to an early or late seating on a weeknight, and remember that many of the hardest places keep the bar or a few tables for walk-ins.

When do New York restaurants release reservations?

Each restaurant chooses its own booking window. Many popular places open reservations a set number of days ahead, often around 30 days, at a fixed time of day, frequently midnight or 10 a.m. Once you know the window, you know the exact moment the date you want becomes available. Look for it on the restaurant's own website or booking page, which usually states the policy. Then set an alarm a few minutes early, be signed in to the booking app with your card details saved, and book the moment tables appear. The most wanted slots can go in seconds.

Do reservation alerts actually work?

Yes, and they are how many people eventually get in. Most reservation platforms let you set a notification for a date, time range and party size, and they email or text you when a table opens up because someone canceled. Plans change all the time in New York, so cancellations are common, especially a day or two before. Set alerts for several dates, keep your party size flexible, and check the app yourself a couple of times a day, because the first person to tap gets the table.

Can you walk in to a hard-to-book restaurant?

Often, yes. Many restaurants keep some bar seats or tables for walk-ins, and some take walk-ins only. The trick is to arrive early, before the dinner rush, and put your name on the list; some restaurants ask walk-ins to arrive before they open for the evening. Leave a phone number and go for a drink nearby while you wait. Walk-ins work best for one or two people. A party of four or more is much harder to fit in.

Which times are easiest to book?

Easier	Harder
Monday to Wednesday	Thursday to Saturday
An early seating, around 5 p.m.	7 to 8:30 p.m.
A late seating, after 9:30 p.m.	Holiday weeks and special dates
Two people	Parties of five or more
Lunch, where offered	Weekend brunch at popular spots

If your first choice is gone, look at the days just before and after it. An early dinner on a Tuesday is far easier to land than the same table at 8 p.m. on a Friday.

How do you book for a big group?

Large tables are scarce and restaurants are often reluctant to list them on booking apps. Call or email the restaurant directly, explain the date and the number of people, and ask whether they have a large table, a set menu for groups or a private room. Be ready to commit to a set time and to give a card to hold the booking.

Why do restaurants ask for a credit card?

Many New York restaurants, especially at the higher end, now require a card to hold a reservation, much like a hotel. No-shows leave empty tables that cannot be resold, so restaurants charge a fee if you do not show up or cancel too late. The fee is usually a flat amount per person, and some tasting-menu restaurants charge more. Read the cancellation policy when you book, note the deadline, and cancel as early as you can if plans change, which also frees the table for someone with an alert set.

Calling directly is worth trying in other cases too. Phone lines can be hard to reach at busy places, but calling during the quiet afternoon hours can help, especially for special occasions, accessibility needs, large groups or dietary requirements. Be polite and specific, and ask to be added to a waitlist if they keep one.

What else helps you get in?

• Go to the bar first. Even if you cannot get a table, a seat at the bar for a drink and a few dishes is often possible.
• Try lunch. Some sought-after restaurants serve lunch, which is usually easier to book.
• Look at sister restaurants. Many popular chefs run more than one place, and the newer or smaller one may be easier to get into.
• Be a regular somewhere. Restaurants remember guests who show up, are pleasant and come back.
• Be honest about your party. Arriving with fewer people than booked, or more, causes problems for the restaurant and for you.

Should you buy a reservation from a reseller?

Some sites resell reservations at popular restaurants. Many restaurants do not allow it, may cancel resold bookings, and ask that the name on the reservation matches the guest. Using the restaurant's own booking system, alerts and walk-in list is the reliable route.

How to keep a list of places worth the effort

Some restaurants are worth an alarm at midnight; others are hyped. On Mosey you can rate the places you eat and the dishes you order, with photos, keep a list of the restaurants you are trying to book, and follow friends whose recommendations you trust, so you know which tables are worth chasing.

More guides to read next:

• Manhattan Chinatown food guide: dim sum, dumplings and bakeries
• Eating late in New York: what is open after midnight
• Cheap eats and lunch in Midtown Manhattan: where locals actually go

More in the US food guides and the ranked lists of places.