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.
Newly added: Adda, Bemelmans Bar, Le Chêne, Lei, and Monkey Bar
The One Who Keeps The Book
Lei Chinatown
Photo by Matt Russell, courtesy of Lei
Lei, from King and Jupiter co-owner Annie Shi, brings a fresh new take on the wine bar, pairing an eclectic, globally sourced selection of wines with traditional Chinese flavors.
Reservations Drop: Two weeks out at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Absolutely! They save most of the room for walk-ins. The space is relatively small, though, so try to get there when they open at 5 p.m. or, if you’re a night owl, after 10 p.m.
Must Orders: Hand-rolled cat’s ear noodle with lamb braised in cumin and tomato; sweet and sour beef short rib; “Dali” goat’s cheese; sesame shao bing with cold butter; and steamed cockles with loofah gourd and Thai basil.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to take a peek at the wallpaper in the bathroom; it’s made up of cranes, some of which are in some, ahem, compromising positions.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Matt Russell, courtesy of Lei
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, the newly reopened 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. Since their James Beard Foundation win, lines have started forming around 4 p.m. for walk-ins, so get there by then or stop by closer to 9 p.m.
Must Orders: Gunpowder dosa; paniyaram; 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.
Monkey Bar Midtown East
The red vinyl booths and monkey murals of this swanky Midtown spot, originally opened in 1936, have seen everyone from Frank Sinatra to Isadora Duncan, and with the group behind 4 Charles Prime Rib now in charge, expect an extravagant menu of steaks, handmade pastas, and classic cocktails executed to the nines.
Reservations Drop: 21 days in advance at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? You can. The bar area has a few tables saved for that, and the bar itself is all first come, first served. Try to get there when they open or in the middle of the afternoon for lunch for the best shot. They do their best to fit in everyone on the waitlist, though, so just be patient.
Must Orders: Roasted prime rib; double cheeseburger; prime rib French dip; any of the handmade pastas; truffle monkey bread; Monkey Bar martini; and a classic Old Fashioned.
Pro Tip: Try to snag one of the iconic red vinyl booths, if you can, for the true 1936 Monkey Bar experience.
Bemelmans Bar Upper East Side
The iconic Bemelmans is the kind of place you’ve either been to or have always wanted to go to. And we highly recommend that you do: classics are classic for a reason, and Bemelmans, known for its live music and martinis, is no exception.
Reservations Drop: Three months in advance.
Should You Walk In? You can try, but be prepared to wait in line for an hour or two. The number of reservations is relatively limited, so this may be your best shot at a seat.
Must Orders: A classic martini with a delightful sidecar; pigs in a blanket; caviar service; and oysters.
Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on Dowling’s at The Carlyle, the sibling restaurant to Bemelmans Bar. Make a dinner reservation for Dowling’s and put your name on the waitlist for a nightcap over at Bemelmans and your night is set.
Want to know even more? Read on.
ADDA East Village
What started in Queens has now made its way to the East Village, with more tableside theatrics and the same warm hospitality and outstanding food.
Reservations Drop: 15 days out at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? You can try, but the restaurant’s popularity makes snagging a table without a Resy a feat. For the best shot, try to get there before they open at 5 p.m. to get in line.
Must Orders: Butter chicken experience (must be pre-ordered); bheja masala; lamb parcha; Sigdi prawn; baby goat biryani; Awadhi lamb shank korma; any of the mocktails; and the chutney trio martini flight.
Pro Tip: If you want to try that butter chicken experience, make sure you book a Resy that specifies it. It’s worth the extra effort.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Le Chêne West Village
Alexia Duchêne’s cooking may be all about technical precision, but at her first solo restaurant, the overall vibe feels effortless. This is French food as you might find it in Paris, with a decidedly New York sensibility.
Reservations Drop: 20 days out at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes! They save the bar and a few tables in the dining room for just that. For the best shot, try to get there as close to opening as possible, before 6 p.m.
Must Orders: Foie gras lucullus; pithivier with pork and smoked eel; and crab thermidor.
Pro Tip: The wine list is more than 3,000 bottles long — rely on the staff to guide you through it.
Want to know even more? Read on.
The Snail Greenpoint
Brooklyn’s latest hotspot is your next stop for classic bistro fare like steak au poivre and shrimp cocktail — plus a healthy dose of scene and a pitch-perfect martini.
Reservations Drop: Well, never. This spot is walk-ins only, but they do use Resy for their waitlist, so plan accordingly when you arrive.
Should You Walk In? Absolutely! That’s all you can do, really. Also, they’re now open for patio seating, which doubles the number of seats for hungry diners.
Must Orders: The burger; steak frites; fernet sour; and house martini.
Fun Fact: They’ve also got a standing-room-only chef’s counter available for one lucky person, for those of us with strong calves and a desire to see inside the kitchen where all the magic happens.
schmuck. East Village
Photo courtesy of schmuck.
It’s the American debut from an all-star bar team on the heels of their acclaimed Barcelona spot, Two Schmucks, designed to feel like you’re sitting in a (very cool) friend’s living room, complete with a menu of small bites and unforgettably fun cocktails.
Reservations Drop: Seven days out at 10 a.m. for members of Resy’s Global Dining Access program.
Should You Walk In? Yes! They primarily take walk-ins for the main bar (or, “living room”, in schmuck parlance), or next door at their space, The Kitchen Table, which is walk-ins only and has a totally different menu. Plus, when the weather’s nice they open a walk-ins-only terrace with its own special menu of drinks perfect for sitting outside.
Must Orders: In the Living Room: Larb Gai cocktail or the Patio Pounding Pear. At the Kitchen Table: the Doughboy Spritz or the apple colada. To eat, opt for the white bean cacio e pepe, puff pastry pizza with pesto, and crushed potatoes with spicy peanut butter schmear.
Pro Tip: People tend to line up early for the first seating, but the team says you should do what’s right for your group. Keep checking in and giving it a try — you never know whose plans might change!
Photo courtesy of schmuck.
Golden Diner Chinatown/LES
Photo by Aaron Richter for Resy
Golden Diner isn’t your typical greasy spoon, with diner classics like you wouldn’t believe, including highly covetable honey-butter pancakes that are a sight (and bite) to behold.
Reservations Drop: 30 days in advance at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Yes, especially now that their outdoor patio dining has returned. The line for weekend brunch, which was formerly walk-ins only, starts forming as early as 8 a.m. (More details on brunch here.)
Must Orders: Honey butter pancakes; cheeseburger; mushroom Reuben quesadilla; Thai cobb salad; tuna melt; kimchi tomato soup with vegan grilled cheese; breakfast burrito; and Thai tea tres leches cake.
PSA: Golden Diner now accepts reservations for brunch (yes, you read that correctly). Counter seats and a handful of tables will be kept open for walk-ins, but you can now make a reservation for brunch. You’re welcome.
Pro Tip: You can get those pancakes any day, all day — not just at brunch or breakfast. Get those for the table so you can try more of the menu. Plus, don’t put your phone down if you walk in and add your name to the waitlist; they’ll move quickly to text you if there’s an opening.
Photo by Aaron Richter for Resy
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 before they open at 5 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 passion fruit 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. Or consider booking Go Go Sing, their new karaoke room, if you’re so inclined.
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 tellicherry fry; any of the breads; and the Chai Pani cocktail.
Pro Tip: The bar seating is first-come, first-served and a great option to enjoy the full menu.
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.
Must Orders: Focaccia Borgo; fava purée; chicken liver crostini; risotto with saffron and sweetbreads; veal saltimbocca; and sachertorte with almond, apricot, and crème fraîche.
Pro Tip: Walking in on the earlier side is preferable. Can’t get a dinner table? Try stopping by for lunch on weekdays, 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
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. before they open at 5 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; asparagus and goat cheese quiche; and shakshuka with sesame bread. Dinner: bread with fennel butter; stuffed Swiss chard with radish relish; 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 Wednesdays 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 bay leaf and black pepper Mezcal 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 often saved for walk-ins 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 tomatoes and anise hyssop (but of course); uni custard with shrimp; grilled lamb and sweetbreads; 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 for dinner.
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, Tuesday 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 On Park Flatiron
It’s the second spot from the same folks behind Rezdôra (also on this list), and everyone and their nonna wants in.
Good to Know: Because of a fire that’s temporarily closed their original Flatiron location, Massara is now operating on Park Avenue for a limited-time residency in the space that was once home to Time and Tide.
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. At their new temporary location, they’ve also put a focus on crudo and seafood — just in time for summer — so act accordingly.
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; tuna with chimichurri; 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
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
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 80% 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
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
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 weekends and 4 p.m. on weekdays when the restaurant opens.
Must Orders: Cacio e pepe fritelle; bagna cauda; grilled clams; mafaldini with pink peppercorn; and 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
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.
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: 30 days in advance at 7 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
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: Any of the 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
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.
P.S. If you happen to be headed to the Hamptons this summer, check out Camp Rubirosa out east.
Read more about Rubirosa’s enduring old-school, new-school legacy here.
