The One Who Keeps the Book New York
How to Get the Toughest Restaurant Reservations in New York
Often in New York, the most important dining question doesn’t revolve around where to eat: It’s how do we get in?
That’s where we come in.
For years, we’ve been going straight to the source to ask restaurant hosts, maître d’s, and general managers for all the secret tips, tricks, and shortcuts to getting into the city’s most in-demand restaurants. You know, all the ones you set countless Notifies on Resy for, and the ones you’ve set multiple alarms for in anticipation of their next reservation drop.
We want to make it easier for you to find out all the intel you need, so consider this your ultimate cheat sheet for getting into those much-loved restaurants, and check back here on the regular; we’ll be updating this list frequently.
Recently added: Ha’s Snack Bar.
The One Who Keeps The Book
Ha's Snack Bar Lower East Side
One of our city’s most beloved roving pop-ups, Ha’s Đặc Biệt, has finally put down roots on the Lower East Side, offering their often sold-out Vietnamese-inspired bites alongside fresh, natural wines.
Reservations Drop: Three weeks in advance at noon.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but your best bet is to get there early (they open at 5:30 p.m.).
Must Orders: The menu changes all the time, but do look for some of their signature dishes, like the snails in tamarind butter, the grated carrot salad, or the vol au vent.
Le Café Louis Vuitton Midtown East
It’s the first stateside culinary venture for emblematic luxury brand Louis Vuitton, housed on the fourth floor of their iconic 5th Avenue flagship.
Reservations Drop: 28 days in advance at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Yes. Try to stop by early for breakfast and lunch service by grabbing one of the six seats at the bar.
Must Orders: Dover sole; scallop soufflé; Le Croque “Louis Paris;” and the hazelnut entremet.
Pro Tip: Add your name to the waitlist if you decide to walk in, and do some shopping while you wait.
The Corner Store SoHo
It’s from the same team behind see-and-be-seen locale Catch, with an extra dose of classic stylings. Think Dover sole, ribeye, and shrimp cocktail, plus a whole section of the menu devoted to martini service. Cheers.
Reservations Drop: 14 days in advance at 10 a.m., including the current calendar date.
Should You Walk In? You can, but they only accommodate walk-ins in the event of cancellations and no-shows, so success may vary. If you do try to walk in, show up around 4 p.m. to snag a bar seat.
Must Orders: Five cheese pizza rolls; hand-cut French fries; wagyu French dip; and the shrimp cocktail.
Pro Tip: The dress code here is “smart elegant,” so make sure you plan your outfit accordingly.
Raoul's Soho
Photo by OK McCausland for Resy
Longtime regulars and visiting VIPs still line up for Raoul’s iconic steak au poivre, and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll be right behind them. This is New York’s original French bistro, after all.
Reservations Drop: 30 days ahead at 8 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes. The eight bar seats are reserved for walk-ins. Show up around 4:30 p.m. or on the later side, closer to 10:30 p.m., before the kitchen closes at 11 p.m.
Must-Orders: Steak au poivre; burger au poivre (limited availability); pommes frites; artichoke vinaigrette; profiteroles. To drink: Bordeaux; classic martini; espresso martini; Paper Plane; tequila Negroni.
Pro Tip: If you really want the burger, try walking in early on a weekday to nab a seat at the bar, or stop by for weekend brunch.
Photo by OK McCausland for Resy
COQODAQ Flatiron
Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
It’s the temple to fried chicken from the same team who invented the modern Korean steakhouse, aka Cote.
Reservations Drop: 14 days in advance at 10 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes; outdoor patio, barstools, and communal high-top sets are available for walk-ins and you can order from the full menu. Your best bet is to arrive before 5 p.m., or swing by around 9 p.m.
Must Orders: The Bucket List; Caesar salad; chicken and curry; and spicy tteokbokki. To drink, Champagne, of course, or The Egg cocktail. For lunch, they have a chicken and rice special that comes with miyeok soup, a halal-cart style platter, and soft-serve froyo for $24 per person.
Pro Tip: Do check in with the on-site maître d’ to get added to the waitlist. You can also contact the reservations team by phone at (646)490-5099 or by email at reservations@coqodaq.com from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Still can’t snag a seat? Try stopping in for lunch.
Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
Bungalow East Village
Photo by Alex Stanlioff, courtesy of Bungalow
This stunning East Village spot from “Master Chef” Vikas Khanna has been packed since it opened last year, and for good reason.
Reservations Drop: 20 days in advance at 11 a.m., except Tuesdays.
Should You Walk In? Get there right when they open at 5 p.m. for a chance to snag a table. The bar is also first come, first served.
Must Orders: Yogurt kebab, Ammi’s lamb chops, spice-roasted pineapple; lamb shank nihari; any of the breads; and the Chai Pani cocktail.
Pro Tip: If you’re OK with a more limited menu, the walk-in only bar is your best bet.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Alex Stanlioff, courtesy of Bungalow
Borgo Flatiron
Photo by Martien Mulder, courtesy of Borgo
It’s famed restaurateur Andrew Tarlow’s (Diner, Roman’s, Achilles Heel) first foray into Manhattan, complete with a working wood-burning fireplace, martini cart, backyard courtyard, and plenty of Italian-adjacent dishes in his traditional seasonal style.
Reservations Drop: 21 days in advance at 10 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, starting at 5 p.m. to get a seat at the bar counter or bar tables where they also serve the full menu. There’s also space for you to grab a cocktail if you’re on the waitlist.
Must Orders: Focaccia Borgo; fava purée; chicken liver crostini; risotto with mushrooms and la tur fonduta; and braciole with pine nuts and polenta.
Pro Tip: Walking in on the earlier side is preferable.
Photo by Martien Mulder, courtesy of Borgo
TATIANA, By Kwame Onwuachi Lincoln Center
You’ll taste dishes you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else at this sleek Lincoln Center stunner from acclaimed chef Kwame Onwuachi — pastrami suya and cornbread with jerk cod, anyone?
Reservations Drop: 12 noon, 28 days in advance.
Should You Walk In? Bar seats and an outdoor dining area are held for walk-ins, and you can add yourself to a waitlist. Showing up right at 5 p.m. is recommended.
Must Orders: Curried goat patties; honeynut piri piri salad; braised oxtail; short rib pastrami suya; the Bodega Special; and a POG Nutcracker.
Pro Tip: It’s not required, but do come dressed to impress. (Everyone else does.) Also, try calling (212) 875-5222 or emailing info@tatiananyc.com for help with a reservation.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Sailor Fort Greene
One of Fort Greene’s most loved corner bistros has some serious firepower behind it, including acclaimed restaurateur Gabriel Stulman (Joseph Leonard, Jeffrey’s Grocery, and Fairfax) and chef April Bloomfield.
Reservations Drop: Two weeks in advance at 11 a.m. for dinner. Brunch and lunch reservations drop on Mondays at 11 a.m. for the week.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but get there anytime between 4:30 and 4:45 p.m. if you want to get a seat. They also take walk-ins for lunch and brunch, too.
Must Orders: Lunch: Zuni Cafe’s anchovy with celery; and Sailor burger. Brunch: French toast; confit vegetable and goat gouda quiche; and Turkish eggs with flatbread. Dinner: Smoked arctic char pâté with parsley oil and pastrami spice; half-roasted chicken; and profiterole with vanilla ice cream and salted caramel.
Pro Tip: If you can’t get in for dinner, try stopping by for lunch Mondays through Fridays or brunch on the weekends.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Theodora Fort Greene
Photo by Melissa Hom, courtesy of Theodora
It’s chef Tomer Blechman’s (Miss Ada) beautiful ode to dry-aged fish, with a multi-faceted menu that draws from influences around the globe.
Reservations Drop: 30 days in advance at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but your best bet is to arrive before 5 p.m., or swing by around 9 p.m. They reserve 14 seats for walk-ins each night.
Must Orders: A little bit of everything to share: The swordfish belly skewer; hiramasa crudo; monkfish liver hummus; and za’atar kubaneh with a trio of dips. Oh, and a tomato water martini.
Pro Tip: If you plan to dine with a group larger than seven guests, email them at info@theodoranyc.com.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Melissa Hom, courtesy of Theodora
Bridges Chinatown
It’s a delightful European bistro from alums of hot spots like The NoMad and Estela, in the former home of Hop Shing in Chinatown.
Reservations Drop: 21 days in advance at noon.
Should You Walk In? Yes! The bar and bar booths are for walk-ins only and they also serve the full menu. Your best bet of snagging a walk-in seat is to show up at 5:30 p.m.
Must Orders: Comté tart with truffles (but of course); uni custard with shrimp; grilled king crab; and vin jaune gelato.
Pro Tip: Don’t be shy — they’d love to welcome you in. Says co-owner Josey Stuart: “Behind the curtain, we are just a restaurant hoping to help as many people have a fabulous night as possible. Come say hi; we’ll be here.”
SourAji East Village
This viral all-you-can-eat sushi omakase spot has been packed since it first opened in the East Village, and for good reason. In fact, it’s been so popular they recently opened a second location in Chelsea, too.
Reservations Drop: Three months ahead at midnight exactly. For example, all reservations for December will be available on Oct. 1 at midnight.
Should You Walk In? You can, but it really depends on availability. If there are no-shows, you might be lucky enough to snag a seat but there are no guarantees.
Must Orders: Here’s how it works: Everyone gets the same $98 omakase meal that includes nigiri, a hand roll, a maki roll, soup, and dessert, plus beer and sake. Just before dessert is served you have three choices of unlimited all-you-can-eat protein (lean tuna, fatty tuna, and wagyu) for 30 to 40 minutes. The whole meal lasts up to 90 minutes.
Pro Tip: Follow them on Instagram to make sure you’re up to date on last-minute cancellations and openings. And be prepared to have a good time.
Kisa Lower East Side
The C as in Charlie team’s ode to kisa sikdangs (beloved taxi-driver haunts) finally takes reservations, so now’s your chance to try it without waiting in a line too long to believe.
Reservations Drop: 15 days in advance at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Absolutely; two-thirds of seats are saved for walk-ins. Try to get there right at 5 p.m. when they open, as reserved seatings don’t begin until 6 p.m.
Must Orders: For dinner, you only have four choices here between mains. Go for the spicy pork or the stir-fried squid, and don’t forget to add on the ssam.
Pro Tip: Can’t score a Resy for dinner? Try walking in for lunch, Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. where you have your choice of gamjatang (pork bone stew), donkatsu (deep-fried breaded pork cutlet), or bibimbap.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Massara Flatiron
It’s the new spot from the same folks behind Rezdôra (also on this list), and everyone and their nonna wants to give it a try.
Reservations Drop: 14 days in advance at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Yes, you can give it a try. They do have some space for walk-ins.
Must Orders: Crudo pizzette; corteccia; cavatelli allo scoglio; “If Pasta Fredda Was Eaten in Amalfi”; branzino; and sfogliatelle.
Pro Tip: It’s not available just yet, but Massara will eventually offer a two-hour pizzette tasting menu, in addition to a large-format meal featuring goat, four ways.
Penny East Village
Photo by Teddy Wolff, courtesy of Penny
Claud’s upstairs little sister, Penny, is one of the city’s most sought-after seafood counters for so many reasons.
Reservations Drop: 14 days out at 9 a.m. but do know it’s a limited number of reservations.
Should You Walk In? Yes! In fact, they prefer it. The majority of seats are held open for walk-ins and it’s first come, first served.
Must Orders: Ice Box Plus, especially since it includes the live scallop and razor clams; stuffed squid made with a sofrito; seafood sausage with beans; confit oysters with spiced Club crackers; and the ice cream sandwich.
Pro Tip: If you want to double dip at both Penny and Claud, it’s best to check in with the hosts of each restaurant directly. Claud saves seats at their dining rail near the front of the restaurant for walk-ins, and Penny’s standing rail is ideal for folks who want to grab drinks or dessert.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Teddy Wolff, courtesy of Penny
Una Pizza Napoletana Lower Manhattan
This legendary pizzeria from Anthony Mangieri is your go-to spot for Neapolitan-style pies in the city.
Reservations Drop: Two weeks in advance at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, and if you do, get there by 4 p.m. If you’re a night owl, stop by around 9 p.m.
Must Orders: Marinara; weekly special pie; any of the gelati or the sorbets.
Pro Tip: Walking by and stopping in is your best bet for snagging a table; don’t call, email, or DM.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Roscioli – Tasting Menu Soho
This Roman import has been an incredibly hot ticket since it opened last summer.
Reservations Drop: 30 days in advance at 10 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Probably not. However, you could try your luck walking in upstairs for Roscioli – A la Carte although walk-ins are extremely limited.
Must Orders: You’re limited to the tasting menu here.
Pro Tip: Do your homework before emailing about a potential reservation; they’re more likely to help you out if you’ve been on the Notify list a few times.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Bangkok Supper Club Meatpacking District
Photo by Evan Sung, courtesy of Bangkok Supper Club
Bangkok Supper Club subverts the traditional narrative of Thai cooking, embracing Thai street food in a way you’ve never had it before.
Reservations Drop: 30 days in advance at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Yes! They hold a quarter of the dining room and the entire 11-seat bar for walk-ins. On weekends, they also reserve the highly covetable kitchen counter for walk-ins.
Must Orders: Uni crab tartlet; yum khai dao; beef tongue; grilled branzino; pork jowl (pictured here); any of the cocktails; and the coconut pandan dessert.
Pro Tip: Email them at reservations@bscnyc.co if you’re having trouble getting in, but do know that most reservations are made via Resy.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Evan Sung, courtesy of Bangkok Supper Club
Semma West Village
Michelin-starred cuisine from Southern India gets its long overdue spotlight at this lovely spot from chef Vijay Kumar and the same team behind Dhamaka, Adda, Naks, and Masalawala & Sons.
Reservations Drop: 15 days out at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes! The 12 seats at the bar are reserved for walk-ins. Get there a little before 5 p.m. or stop by closer to 9 p.m.
Must Orders: Gunpowder dosa; thinai khichdi; meen pollichathu; and valiya chemmeen moilee.
Pro Tip: If you want to try the Dungeness crab dish with parotta and coconut rice, kanyakumari nandu masala, you should pre-order it at least 24 hours in advance.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Laser Wolf Brooklyn Williamsburg
Photo by Gary He for Resy
It’s tough to beat the incredible views and equally standout food at this rooftop spot from acclaimed chef Michael Solomonov.
Reservations Drop: 21 days in advance at 10 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but get there at 5 p.m. to snag one of the 12 bar seats reserved for walk-ins.
Must Orders: The fries with tehina ketchup (be sure to ask for some ranch on the side); brisket kebab; lamb and beef kebab; and whole branzino with ginger and tomato for two.
Pro Tip: Once you get a chance to dine there, get a leg up on your next visit by asking for a reservation on your way out.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Gary He for Resy
The Coop at Double Chicken Please Lower East Side
Photo courtesy of Double Chicken Please
One of the country’s most highly coveted and tough-to-get-into bars, with deliciously juicy fried chicken sandwiches and inventive, creative cocktails you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else.
Reservations Drop: Six days out at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but if you do, you should get there before 5 p.m. for either a spot at The Coop (back room) or the bar in the front, which has recently transformed into Free Range, a lively walk-ins-only bar with drinks inspired by our favorite cartoon characters (yes, really). Do know that 75% of The Coop is first come, first served.
Must Orders: All of the fried chicken sandwiches; Japanese Cold Noodle; Cold Pizza; and Red Eye Gravy cocktails.
Pro Tip: This spot doesn’t use the Resy Notify feature so your best bet to get in without a reservation is to wait in line.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo courtesy of Double Chicken Please
Rezdôra Flatiron District
Stefano Secchi’s cozy ode to the food and wine of Emilia-Romagna has been packed since it opened in 2019 to rave reviews.
Reservations Drop: 30 days out at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but do know that it’s only for the bar and that you have to commit to a full meal, not just drinks.
Must Orders: Pasta tasting menu; gnocco frito; uovo raviolo; Grandma Walking Through the Forest in Emilia pasta; rib-eye; and olive oil cake.
Pro Tip: If you can’t snag a table for dinner, try stopping by for lunch. And you can also always try emailing reservations@rezdora.nyc for help.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Tigre Lower East Side
Photo courtesy of Tigre. Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
It’s a sleek and shiny (literally – there’s lots of chrome and mirrors involved) bar with disco era references from the same team behind Maison Premiere.
Reservations Drop: 24 days in advance at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Yes. Bar seats are held for walk-ins but they are limited, and it helps if you’re willing to stay for a shorter versus extended period of time. Walking in after midnight for a nightcap is your best bet.
Must Order: The Cigarette Martini.
Pro Tip: If you want to request a private shindig, email connect@tigre.com. Plus, do note that athletic and casual wear could prevent you from getting in the dining room. Also, in the winter, they have a “complimentary but compulsory” coat check to save space in their small dining room.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo courtesy of Tigre. Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
Konban Chelsea
It’s the city’s latest favorite spot for juicy, crispy cuts of Japanese katsu.
Reservations Drop: 14 days out at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but it’s best to walk-in for a lunch service on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. If you try to walk-in for dinner, stop by at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m. on weekends. Note that the last seating time is 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10:30 p.m. on weekends.
Must Orders: The katsu; udon; sake; wine; and The Soul cocktail.
Pro Tip: Call (917) 675-6070 or email hello@konbannyc.com if you don’t see any available reservations. And try to request a table with a garden view for prime photo ops.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Lilia Williamsburg
Photo by Mike Grippi for Resy
It’s chef Missy Robbins’ beloved Italian restaurant housed within an old auto garage that’s been packed since it opened in 2016.
Reservations Drop: 28 days in advance at 10 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but it’s best to do so right at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m. on weekends when the restaurant opens.
Must Orders: Cacio e pepe fritelle; bagna cauda; grilled clams; mafaldini with pink peppercorn; gelato.
Pro Tip: Call the restaurant at (718) 576-3095 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to speak to a reservationist. And stay close to your phone to get any Resy Notify notifications, usually around 2 p.m. on your desired day of dining.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Mike Grippi for Resy
L'Artusi West Village
Photo by Teddy Wolff, courtesy of L’Artusi
Since 2008, this West Village charmer has been a favorite among New Yorkers for its pitch-perfect pasta and warm, friendly service.
Reservations Drop: 14 days out at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but try to stop by when doors open at 5 p.m.
Must Orders: Crudo; garganelli; crispy potatoes; and olive oil cake.
Pro Tip: Getting to know the staff, and establishing a relationship with them, might just be your best bet for getting in. And if you’re having trouble getting in for dinner, try stopping by for lunch.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Teddy Wolff, courtesy of L’Artusi
The Four Horsemen Williamsburg
Photo courtesy of The Four Horsemen
The Four Horsemen has solidified its reputation as one of the city’s best destinations for food and wine ever since it opened in 2015.
Reservations Drop: 28 days in advance at 6 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but get there by 5 p.m. so you can get in by 5:30 when the restaurant opens for dinner.
Must Orders: The menu changes all the time, but don’t overlook any of the breads, pastas, and sausages, all of which are made in house from scratch.
Pro Tip: One of the best seats in the house can be found at the bar, which is reserved for walk-ins. And do consider stopping in for lunch.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo courtesy of The Four Horsemen
Rubirosa NoLita
It’s the premier Manhattan destination for Staten Island-style (read: thin crust with vodka sauce) pies and it’s been perpetually packed since it opened back in 2009.
Reservations Drop: Limited reservations are available seven days in advance for parties of up to seven people starting at midnight. Whatever reservations are still available after that get dropped at 11 a.m. the next day.
Should You Walk In? Walk-ins are often quoted waits of 45 minutes and sometimes, it might be more than two hours, but if you’re willing to wait, they’ll get you in. Half the restaurant is saved for walk-ins.
Must Orders: Chopped antipasto salad; roasted octopus; braised beef Braciole; anything with vodka sauce; and the tie-dye pizza. Don’t sleep on the seasonal specials.
Pro Tip: Pop by in the morning and see what’s available a few days before you want a reservation. Or if you want to walk in, put your name down on the waitlist an hour or two before you plan to dine.
Read more about Rubirosa’s enduring old-school, new-school legacy here.
