Fine Dining With No Reservations

by Keith Wagstaff - Citysearch Editor - 215 Reviews - 112 Lists

Updated: February 02, 2009

Freewheeling New York foodies love the casual, neighborhood feel of walk-in only restaurants. Unfortunately, a no-reservations policy usually means long waits in crowded restaurants. We take a look seven popular restaurants and find ways to lessen your wait time?or at least make it more bearable.

Walk-Ins Only

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Al Di La Trattoria
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    248 5TH Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (map)

    The Northern Italian cuisine at this Park Slope trattoria is very popular with the locals--maybe too popular. Fortunately, you can give the maitre d' your cell phone number and have a drink at the restaurant's wine bar around the corner, Al Di La Vino, where you can also nibble on cheeses and Mediterranean tapas until your table is ready.

  2. 2 3 Star Rating: Average Momofuku Ssam Bar
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    207 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003 (map)

    Critics have gone absolutely gaga over David Chang's stellar cuisine; unfortunately, so have hordes of New York diners. There really isn't a great time to hit up this spot during dinner service, but lunch (11:30am-3:30pm) is the perfect opportunity to saunter in, get a table right away and find out what all the buzz is about.

  3. 3 3.5 Star Rating: Average The Spotted Pig
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    314 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

    April Bloomfield's Michelin-starred gastropub is notoriously crowded, so we recommend calling ahead to get a rough estimate of the wait or settling for a seat at the bar, where they serve a full dinner menu. And, as with most popular walk-in restaurants, avoid prime dinner time around 8pm.

  4. 4 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Clinton St Baking Co & Rest
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    4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002 (map)

    The legendary brunch wait at this homey Lower East Side spot?often up to three hours?can be excruciating. You can either show up at 10am and bring a good book (may we suggest "War and Peace?") or eschew brunch for the less comprehensive but still delicious breakfast menu during weekdays.

  5. 5 3.5 Star Rating: Average Fatty Crab
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    643 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

    Zak Pelaccio's inspired Malaysian food draws a crowd?a big problem for such a small restaurant. Instead of waiting for an hour, order the chili Dungeness crab to-go or find a cozy pub and get it delivered right to you.

  6. 6 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Blue Ribbon Brasserie
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    97 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012 (map)

    There's always a decent wait at this Soho classic. Our advice? Jot down the restaurant's number and check in every so often while having a cocktail a few blocks away at the Soho Grand. If you're really desperate for a table, you can always get a group of five together and make a reservation a few weeks in advance.

  7. 7 3.5 Star Rating: Average Freemans
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    Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002 (map)

    Freemans is perpetually crowded, and if you don't show up early?like at 6pm when it opens for dinner?you are probably in for a long wait. Luckily, getting a drink at the bar with one of downtown's hippest, most attractive crowds is a great way to pass the time. If you really can?t wait, make a reservation with six or more people ahead of time.