How to Get a Table at a Restaurant
July 13, 2009 | In: Travel
Getting a Table at a Restaurant
Ensuring a table at a restaurant is essential if you are planning a romantic dinner, or even a Sunday family lunch. Here are some tipz on how to make sure you get a table at an eating establishment:
Reservations are usually required if the number of diners exceeds six. If you are planning to have dinner with friends, make sure that you call ahead (at least an hour) or drop by a restaurant to reserve a table in advance. Leave your name, the number of guests, and the time you are expected to arrive. Don’t forget to leave them a number where you can be reached. If you need to change some details, or if you cannot keep the reservation, have the courtesy to call the restaurant to cancel.
Calling ahead will not usually assure that you are seated the moment you arrive, if the number of diners is pretty much conventional. However, it will make sure that they hold your place in line and your waiting time is minimal.
Some restaurants give their diners an electronic disk. You will be added to their waiting list. You can then proceed in a more comfortable waiting area. When your table is ready, the disk will light up and vibrate, signalling that you can now go back to the restaurant to have your meal.
Showing up can also work. However, by doing impromptu visits, make sure that you are ready to wait a bit and that you will have to wait more if you wish to have special seating arrangements. Be understanding if other people who came after you will be given priority. It’s not you, but the just-freed table can only hold a certain number of diners. To avoid this, better to call ahead.
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