SEATTLE, Jan. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Trying to get into the hottest new restaurant, only to be shown the Heisman at the door? Restaurant discovery app Urbanspoon today released its top tips for snagging the hottest table in town. And while we may not be able to help diners afford the latest $195 tasting menu, these insider tricks will at least help get your foot in the door.

Here are our Top 10 Tips to help increase your chances of scoring a coveted reservation:


    1. Tweet for your seat. Social media isn't just for finding new dining spots
       and sharing favorites with friends. In fact, more top restaurants are
       looking to social media to share exclusive offers with fans and followers
       and engage with new diners. Restaurants sometimes release last minute
       tables on their social media accounts. Don't be afraid to send a public
       message as well. Often a heartfelt story of an anniversary or other
       event, played out in a public forum, can help secure a spot from a
       restaurant that wants to be seen accommodating their customers.
    2. Membership has its rewards. Credit card companies frequently run special
       deals and exclusive seatings with top restaurants. Check your statements
       or call your credit card rewards hotline to inquire about exclusive
       dining offers.
    3. Persistence pays. If every phone call is met with the dreaded busy
       signal, use multiple lines simultaneously to increase your chances of
       getting through. Leave messages and be clear that you're open to last
       minute cancellations. In addition, check online at all hours of the
       night. Sometimes restaurants will release reservations in the middle of
       the night so set your alarm and check around 1-2am for those desired
       reservations.
    4. Walk in to book. If all that persistence still leaves you waiting to talk
       to a live person, stop by the restaurant to inquire about openings. Go
       early in the day, when the restaurant first opens, or near the end of the
       night, when it's off-peak hours and you're less likely to encounter a
       frazzled host.
    5. ...and walk in to eat: Usually restaurants will try to accommodate you if
       you're willing to wait. Missed reservations or tables held for VIP guests
       are released back to the public towards the end of the night. And if the
       restaurant commits to accommodating you, don't be afraid to check in with
       the host frequently - ultimately you are responsible for getting your
       table.
    6. Watch the clock: If you are trying to snag a table as a walk-in, ask the
       host or hostess when they need the table back. Restaurants often pad
       reservation times because they don't want to have to kick a diner out.
       Assure the host you'll be out well in advance of the next booking for the
       table to increase your chances of being seated.
    7. Open minds mean open tables. You're unlikely to snag the hottest ticket
       in town if you're only willing to dine at 8pm on a Friday or Saturday
       night. Ask for mid-week reservations or be open to dining at times you'd
       typically associate with the early bird special or late night munchies.
       Also, be flexible on where you're willing to sit. Being open to smaller
       tables, or being seated near the bathroom or kitchen make you more likely
       to actually get a seat at all.
    8. Don't bite the hand that seats you. Being a good tipper is great but
       don't forget the maître d after you've dined as well. A small thank you
       tip on the way out, or inexpensive gift around the holidays will ensure a
       prime seat the next time you visit.
    9. Cozy up to the Concierge. Restaurants often hold a few tables for guests
       of top local hotels and in return, the hotel will recommend the eatery to
       their guests. If you're traveling, don't hesitate to ask the front desk
       about that new trendy spot - they might be able to get you in even if
       your own efforts weren't successful.
    10. Sup at the stools. While there might be only one or two spots available
        at a time, this is still an option for singles or couples that are
        dining. Not only do most places serve food at the bar, your bartender
        might be less rushed than the on-duty wait staff.

About Urbanspoon

Urbanspoon is a leading online local restaurant guide that aggregates reviews from professional food critics, bloggers, and diners. Available on the web and through its popular iPhone, Android, Windows, and iPad applications, Urbanspoon provides reviews for restaurants throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Urbanspoon is an operating business of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI). For more information, visit www.urbanspoon.com.

SOURCE Urbanspoon