Kotkapura Royal Atta chicken Photo by Evan Sung, courtesy of Ambassadors Clubhouse New York

The One Who Keeps the BookNew York

How to Get the Toughest Restaurant Reservations in New York

Updated:

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.

Somssi Greenwich Village

Photo by Janice Chung, courtesy of Somssi

It’s an Asian American bistro from the team behind Atoboy and Atomix, led by their MVP former director of operations. Expect cozy, comforting food and an ambience to match, plus a list of wine and sake worthy of connoisseurs and newbies alike.

Reservations Drop: 14 days out at 10 a.m.

Should You Walk In? You can! They hold seats at the bar and in the dining room for just that.

Must Orders: Linguini ragù with mustard kimchi; potato, potato, potato and caviar; mutton chop with house pickles; fennel salad; and fries with kimchi cheese seasoning.

Pro Tip: Don’t overlook the embroidered lace curtains and the other decor around the restaurant — most of it is vintage or handmade and makes the space one of a kind.

Want to know even more? Read on.

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Photo by Janice Chung, courtesy of Somssi

Cleo West Village

Photo courtesy of Cleo

It’s from the same team behind delightful Brooklyn hot spots Margot and Montague Diner, and it expands on the ever-growing fascination with rotisserie chicken in our fair city. Here, the take is Lebanese in flavor and spice, accompanied by creamy labne ranch and crisp fries.

Reservations Drop: Two weeks in advance at 10 a.m.

Should You Walk In? They do hold space for walk-ins, but it’s cozy, so reservations may be your best bet.

Must Orders: Seven-spice rotisserie chicken; cornbread with harissa honey butter; za’atar corn ribs; crinkle-cut French fries. To drink, a Cosmopolitan or Boulevardier.

Pro Tip: If you can’t score a seat here, cross the river into Brooklyn and dine at one either Margot or Montague Diner.

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Photo courtesy of Cleo

Kidilum Flatiron District

Nandu curry features stir-fried crab meat, dark roasted coconut, and fennel pollen.
Photo courtesy of Kidilum

Slang for “beyond awesome,” Kidilum is the American debut from acclaimed chef Vinu Raveendran. Here, he puts the focus on the South Indian state of Kerala, so expect dishes like a luxurious nandu curry crab and a fragrant goat biriyani.

Reservations Drop: Two weeks in advance at 11 a.m.

Should You Walk In? Yes. They hold the full-service bar for just that.

Must Orders: Thayir wada (lentil dumplings); lamb chops with black pepper sauce; nandu curry crab; goat biryani; and Kidilum martini.

Pro Tip: Know that they don’t have room for high chairs, so plan accordingly before dining with little ones.

Want to know even more? Read on.

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Nandu curry features stir-fried crab meat, dark roasted coconut, and fennel pollen.
Photo courtesy of Kidilum

Ambassadors Clubhouse New York NoMad

Aloo mattar satpura, a seven-layer samosa, is unique to New York.
Photo by Evan Sung, courtesy of Ambassadors Clubhouse New York

Inspired by the illustrious mansions of Northern India, NoMad’s Ambassadors Clubhouse delivers vibrant Punjabi flavors. Their original London outpost is a beloved favorite, and New Yorkers now know why, too.

Reservations Drop: Reservations drop for the entire month two weeks prior to the first, but do know they fill up very quickly.

Should You Walk In? You can, but don’t get your hopes up. Availability is very limited and even the bar is reservation only.

Must Orders: Chile cheese pakode; original barbecue butter chicken chop; aloo mattar satpura; Kotkapura royal atta chicken; and Shahi Patiala seafood tower.

Pro Tip: If you want to know when the next reservation drops happen, make sure you register for the Priority Access list on their website or Instagram.

*Editor’s Note: As of August 12, 2026, Ambassadors Clubhouse is temporarily closed due to a fire. 

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Aloo mattar satpura, a seven-layer samosa, is unique to New York.
Photo by Evan Sung, courtesy of Ambassadors Clubhouse New York

Bistrot Ha Lower East Side

Photo courtesy of Bistrot Ha

The sequel from the dynamic duo behind Ha’s Snack Bar is a loving ode to Paris’ Bistrot Paul Bert, with Vietnamese influences that only they could infuse it with.

Reservations Drop: Two weeks in advance at midnight.

Should You Walk In? Yes, but if you do, start lining up by 4:45 p.m. before they open at 5:30 p.m.

Must Orders: The menu changes frequently, but if you see it, do order the pate mam chung; leeks vinaigrette; cold pork belly with peanut sauce and watercress; grilled black fish with nuoc mam; and ice cream bombe.

Pro Tip: It might be worth stopping by in person and asking to make a reservation for a future date. (It worked for us over at Ha’s Snack Bar.)

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Photo courtesy of Bistrot Ha

Ramen By Ra East Village

Photo by Ben Hon for Resy

This is ramen worth waking up for, known for delicious asa-ramen with a decidedly New York City twist, best savored for breakfast or brunch. Think bacon, egg, and cheese ramen, or savory salmon bowls. Bonus? You’re bound to see chef-owner Rasheeda Purdie behind the counter every time you go.

Reservations Drop: Reservations drop twice a month at 9 a.m. On the 1st, reservations open for the 16th through the end of the month. On the 15th, reservations open for the 1st through the 15th of the following month.

Should You Walk In? No, they’re reservation only. But if you want to try some of their dishes to go, you can definitely do that (see below) with their window service.

Must Orders: Steak and egg ramen; everything egg drop ramen; and bacon roasted tomato ramen.

Pro Tip: Can’t get a reservation? Try stopping by their counter for a cup of broth, ramen cups, and a bao for breakfast. You can reserve that by selecting a “window service” reservation.

Read more about Ramen by Ra here.

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Photo by Ben Hon for Resy

Odo East Village East Village

Photo courtesy of Odo East Village

It’s the more casual sibling to Odo, the two-Michelin-star restaurant from chef Hiroki Odo. In the East Village, he’s serving up a totally gluten-free, izakaya-inspired, kaiseki-style menu with a particular focus on rice.

Reservations Drop: 30 days in advance at midnight.

Should You Walk In? You could, but it’s unlikely you’d get a seat as it’s a small place (just 14 seats) and they tend to be fully booked.

Must Orders: The menu changes all the time, but do not sleep on the nutaae (seasonal shellfish starter); wanmono (soup with seasonal seafood); nikomi (braised wagyu beef tongue); or okakiage (Japanese-style fried chicken) if you see them. The shochu selection is also excellent.

Pro Tip: They may soon release some weekend late-night seatings that they plan to cater to walk-ins … keep your ear to the ground. Plus, try emailing the restaurant at odo.reservation@gmail.com to see if they can fit you in.

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Photo courtesy of Odo East Village

The Four Horsemen Williamsburg

Four Horsemen space
The Four Horsemen opened in Williamsburg in 2015.
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 p.m. 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.

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Four Horsemen space
The Four Horsemen opened in Williamsburg in 2015.
Photo courtesy of The Four Horsemen

I Cavallini Williamsburg

Focaccia with whipped ricotta and cherry tomatoes.
Photo by Ben Hon for Resy

When it’s from a team like the one behind much-lauded The Four Horsemen, you know it’s going to be good. Better than good. I Cavallini is their answer for Italian-inspired bites and drinks, located right across the street from their sibling. Plus, it’s a lot bigger — not that that will make getting a table any less of a feat.

Reservations Drop: Two weeks in advance at 8 a.m.

Should You Walk In? Yes, but space for them is limited. Come (very) early for your best shot.

Must Orders: The menu changes all the time but if you see the following, take note: nervetti and onion salad; trofie; lamb sausage with cherries and avocado squash; marinated peppers; chilled cucumbers with colatura; and tiramisu.

Pro Tip: Come early if you plan to walk in — as early as 4:15 p.m. — since doors open at 5 p.m.

Want to know even more? Read on.

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Focaccia with whipped ricotta and cherry tomatoes.
Photo by Ben Hon for Resy

Bong Crown Heights

Mama Kim’s lobster
Photo by Ben Hon for Resy

It’s the permanent home of chef Chakriya “Cha” Un’s Kreung, where they serve a tight menu of Cambodian dishes you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else.

Reservations Drop: Three weeks in advance at midnight.

Should You Walk In? Yes, and now that the weather is nice, the available patio seating tips the odds more in your favor.

Must Orders: The menu changes frequently but don’t overlook the following if you see them on it: Cha kapiek; clams machew; bone-in heritage pork; whole fried fish; and Mama Kim’s lobster.

Pro Tip: If you do make an attempt to walk in, try to arrive right when they open at 5:30 p.m., or stop by at 7 p.m. or 9 p.m. For now, the restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday.

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Mama Kim’s lobster
Photo by Ben Hon for Resy

Rubirosa NoLita

Photo by Michael Harlan Turkell for Resy

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. You can also givem them a call at 212-965-0500 for help getting a table starting at 11 a.m. If you’re willing to dine for lunch, reservations are a lot more plentiful, too.

Read more about Rubirosa’s enduring old-school, new-school legacy here

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Photo by Michael Harlan Turkell for Resy

Lei Chinatown

Lady Edison Jinhua ham with Asian pears at Lei
Lady Edison Jinhua ham with Asian pears from Lei.
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: Celtuce; soft-shell crab (if available); hand-rolled cat’s ear noodle with lamb braised in cumin and tomato; sweet and sour beef short rib; sesame shao bing with cold butter; Berkshire black sausage; and Lady Edison Jinhua ham with seasonal fruit. Just know that the menu changes frequently.

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, ahem, compromising positions.

Want to know even more? Read on.

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Lady Edison Jinhua ham with Asian pears at Lei
Lady Edison Jinhua ham with Asian pears from Lei.
Photo by Matt Russell, courtesy of Lei

Monkey Bar Midtown East

Photo courtesy of Monkey Bar

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: Gorgonzola-aged prime rib (limited availability); 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.

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Photo courtesy of Monkey Bar

L’Artusi West Village

Photo courtesy of L'Artusi
L’Artusi is one of Resy’s most notified restaurants in all of New York City.
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. for dinner.

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.

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Photo courtesy of L'Artusi
L’Artusi is one of Resy’s most notified restaurants in all of New York City.
Photo by Teddy Wolff, courtesy of L’Artusi

The Snail Greenpoint

Photo courtesy of The Snail

This Brooklyn 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 — unless you’re a group of seven to 10. This spot is walk-ins only for smaller parties, but they do use Resy for their waitlist, so plan accordingly when you arrive. For larger groups, reservations drop two weeks in advance.

Should You Walk In? Absolutely! That’s all you can do, really. Also, they’re now open for brunch on weekends, so there are more opportunities to sit.

Must Orders: For brunch, the BEC with romesco and hash browns; and a Bloody Mary with the octopus gilda. For dinner, the burger; steak frites; spicy mezcalita; and house martini. Oh, and the sticky toffee date cake with malt gelato for dessert.

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Photo courtesy of The Snail

schmuck. East Village

Larb Gai.
Photo courtesy of schmuck.

It’s the American debut from an all-star bar team, 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: Fourteen days out at 10 a.m. for everyone, with a few reserved 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. While it’s cold, you’ll enter through one main door for both spots, so let the host know what you’re looking for when you check in.

Must Orders: In the Living Room: Larb Gai cocktail, schmuck. Martini, or Versace Slippers cocktail. At the Kitchen Table: Le Banane, Strawberry & Cheese, and Melon, Cheese, Pepper cocktails. To eat, opt for the white bean cacio e pepe, puff pastry pizza with pesto, and crushed potatoes with béarnaise foam. Just know that the menu rotates and updates regularly.

Pro Tip: People tend to line up early for the first seating during the weekend, 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, and there’s plenty of room to walk in!

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Larb Gai.
Photo courtesy of schmuck.

Golden Diner Chinatown/LES

Ordering a burger at Golden Diner is always a good idea.
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, brunch included.

Should You Walk In? Yes, but do know that a line starts forming as early as 8 a.m. for weekend brunch (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.

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.

Ultimate Pro Move: If you want the pancakes or the burger, but don’t want to worry about setting a Resy Notify or waiting in line, head uptown to Golden Hof where they’ve got both of those hits, plus crowd-pleasers like a Busan lobster roll, chicken chile crisp sandwich, and even more flavors of Golden’s famed Korean fried chicken.

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Ordering a burger at Golden Diner is always a good idea.
Photo by Aaron Richter for Resy

Ha’s Snack Bar Lower East Side

Photo courtesy of Ha’s Snack Bar

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.). Recently, they’ve made it even easier to walk in, so your chances are even better.

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.

Pro Tip: It never hurts to stop by and ask for a future reservation for a party of two in person. Trust us — it worked for us recently.

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Photo courtesy of Ha’s Snack Bar

Le Café Louis Vuitton Midtown East

Photo courtesy of Le Café Louis Vuitton

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; monogrammed flower ravioli; Le Croque “Louis Paris;” and the hazelnut flower.

Pro Tip: Add your name to the waitlist if you decide to walk in, and do some shopping while you wait.

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Photo courtesy of Le Café Louis Vuitton

COQODAQ Flatiron

Coqodaq’s “Bucket List,” an all-in way to enjoy their Korean-style fried chicken. Photo courtesy of Coqodaq.
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; book their karaoke room, Go Go Sing; or consider COTE 550 and Bar Chimera, their splashy new location in Midtown.

Read more about COTE 550 and Bar Chimera here.

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Coqodaq’s “Bucket List,” an all-in way to enjoy their Korean-style fried chicken. Photo courtesy of Coqodaq.
Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.

Raoul’s Soho

Dinner at Raoul’s is always a good idea.
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., before they open at 5 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 at the bar during dinner); pommes frites; artichoke vinaigrette; and profiteroles. To drink: Bordeaux; classic martini; espresso martini; Paper Plane; and 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.

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Dinner at Raoul’s is always a good idea.
Photo by OK McCausland for Resy

Borgo Flatiron

The back dining room at Borgo
The back dining room at Borgo.
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 puree; chicken liver crostini; English pea and braised short rib risotto; fennel sausage with Umbrian lentils; and sachertorte with almond, apricot, and chocolate.

Pro Tip: Walking in on the earlier side is preferable. Can’t get a dinner table? Try stopping by for lunch every day from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

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The back dining room at Borgo
The back dining room at Borgo.
Photo by Martien Mulder, courtesy of Borgo

Bungalow East Village

The bar at Bungalow
The bar at Bungalow.
Photo by Alex Staniloff, courtesy of Bungalow

This stunning East Village spot from “Master Chef” Vikas Khanna has been packed since it opened, 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. And take note, there are no high chairs or room for strollers here.

Want to know even more? Read on.

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The bar at Bungalow
The bar at Bungalow.
Photo by Alex Staniloff, courtesy of Bungalow

Penny East Village

Maine lobster at Penny
Maine lobster gets cooked to order with brown butter and herbs.
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 — along with the newer nearby sibling spot and wine bar, Stars.

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; sungolds and yellowfin conserva; tuna carpaccio; confit oysters with spiced Club crackers; sesame brioche with butter; 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.

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Maine lobster at Penny
Maine lobster gets cooked to order with brown butter and herbs.
Photo by Teddy Wolff, courtesy of Penny

Theodora Fort Greene

You’ll see the kubaneh on nearly every table, and for good reason.
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 they open at 5 p.m., or swing by around 9 p.m. They reserve seats at their full-service bar for walk-ins.

Must Orders: A little bit of everything to share: the swordfish belly skewer; hiramasa crudo; monkfish liver hummus; and wood-fired sesame khubz (shawarma bread) with taramasalata and house-smoked bottarga. Oh, and a tomato basil 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.

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You’ll see the kubaneh on nearly every table, and for good reason.
Photo by Melissa Hom, courtesy of Theodora

The Coop at Double Chicken Please Lower East Side

GN Chan.
Double Chicken Please co-owner GN Chan.
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 bar with limited reservations whose drink menu is a game of Plinko. Do know that 80% of The Coop is first come, first served.

Must Orders: All of the fried chicken sandwiches and cocktails like Japanese Cold Noodle, Cold Pizza, and Red Eye Gravy.

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.

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GN Chan.
Double Chicken Please co-owner GN Chan.
Photo courtesy of Double Chicken Please

Bangkok Supper Club Meatpacking District

Bangkok Supper Club pork jowl
The pork jowl.
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: 28 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.

Must Orders: Uni crab tartlet; khao mun gai; beef tongue; grilled branzino; pork jowl (pictured here); any of the cocktails; and the coconut pandan dessert. If you can score a tasting menu reservation for the chef’s counter, you should absolutely do so.

Pro Tip: If you want to try the tasting menu, make sure to make a reservation that specifies it.

Want to know even more? Read on.

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Bangkok Supper Club pork jowl
The pork jowl.
Photo by Evan Sung, courtesy of Bangkok Supper Club

Lilia Williamsburg

Diners feasting on pasta at Lilia.
Lilia first opened in 2016, and it’s still tough to get a table at the Williamsburg staple for handmade pastas.
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; grilled artichoke; 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.

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Diners feasting on pasta at Lilia.
Lilia first opened in 2016, and it’s still tough to get a table at the Williamsburg staple for handmade pastas.
Photo by Mike Grippi for Resy

TATIANA, By Kwame Onwuachi Lincoln Center

Photo by Evan Sung, courtesy of Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi

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 oxtail crab patties, anyone?

Reservations Drop: 28 days in advance at 12 noon.

Should You Walk In? Bar seats and an outdoor dining area (when the weather cooperates) are held for walk-ins (at the bar, only for parties up to two people), 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 cosmic brownie for dessert; 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.

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Photo by Evan Sung, courtesy of Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi