Reservations seem like a cut-and-dry process. You call in, you inform the place of your party number, and then you show up—how hard could it be, right? Well, as anyone in the restaurant industry knows, reservations require a little finesse, and not every would-be diner knows their way around the system.
With the holidays right around the corner (and all those gift cards burning a hole in your pocket), it’s time we explored the ins and outs of reservation etiquette. Knowing how to lock your name on the VIP list will not only make your own life easier, but it will ensure you’re greeted with a smile by the waitstaff, not a knowing eye-roll.
Book the Number of People Who Will Actually Attend
Wait, don’t go anywhere! We know this sounds like obvious advice, but we promise there’s more to it than just calling with your name. While booking a reservation for two is hardly rocket science, the bigger issue customers have is with large parties. How many are actually going to arrive? Will you bring your children? The more the merrier—and the more work!
It’s oftentimes not enough to call with a ballpark number. If you have a Christmas or birthday party scheduled, make sure you get a final headcount before calling the restaurant. Busy seasons don’t leave much wiggle room, so when you request seating for five to eight guests, that usually puts restaurant staff in a pickle. Get the final number before picking up the phone.
Additionally, children are also little people. They count as members of your party, so don’t assume their tiny stature earns them a phantom spot. Staff also need to know which menus to prepare and where to seat you, especially if your rugrats are on the younger side.
Restaurants Won’t Make Special Allowances For You
We’re the main character in our own lives—not an employee’s life. Never assume that restaurants can or should make exceptions for you. No, you can’t smoke indoors. No, you can’t reserve two tables and just “push them together.” And no, you can’t always eat before everyone in your party arrives.
Turn times are also a big part of the holidays (and reservations in general). It’s important to know when you’ll arrive, but it’s just as important to know when you’ll need to leave. Most spots are gracious enough to gift an hour or two, but large parties can’t just laugh the night away until last call. Check with staff beforehand and let everyone know when it’s time to head home.
Guests also love to bring their own items sometimes, and that’s usually fine! But some places don’t let you waltz in with a bottle of booze or your own three-tier birthday cake. Don’t just assume the restaurant will be fine with it—and keep in mind that some places charge you.
It’s On You to Review Restaurant Policies
Staff know the drill. They know how much you’ll get charged for any missing guests, and they know whether you’ll need to pay upfront. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have insider knowledge, and that’s why the onus is on you to check that stuff.
Every spot is different, and that means every reservation deserves special attention. Which places charge a set gratuity? Which ones require payment upfront for reservations? How long in advance do you have to cancel? Do they charge deposits, and if so, do you get them back?
It’s way better to inquire before you park your keister at the table. No one wants to agonize over hidden fees…and no one wants to watch the host lose their cool over surprise costs. If your selected spot doesn't have that information listed online, feel free to call and ask.
Follow the Golden Rule At All Times
Treat people the way you want to be treated. Imagine how irked you’d be if you were at the front desk and a huge party came in with last-minute demands. Imagine how annoying it would be to have someone stay past closing. You don’t need to walk a mile in someone’s shoes to treat them with basic kindness, especially during the holidays!
Call the restaurant ahead of time to ensure they can accommodate any dietary restrictions. Make sure they have enough table space for parties of over ten guests. If someone’s running late, call the staff to let them know. Don’t get mad at them for doing their jobs, and make sure you tip big.
There’s a lot more to reservations than you might think, but it’s also pretty easy to be the customer waitstaff deserve. A little kindness goes a long way, and so does common sense. When you keep the staff in mind, they’ll be more than happy to accommodate you for years to come!
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