How to avoid long waits at the restaurant

10 easy steps to avoid those dreadfully long waits at the restaurant.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A phone
• Some motivation
• An impatient appetite

1. Avoid the peak time.
   
   A packed house during the hours of 11:30 to 2pm for lunch, or 5:30pm to 8pm for dinner is common! If possible, stay out of the "danger zone".
2. Call ahead seating.
   
   Calling the restaurant while on your way, or just as you're leaving the house is a great way to get a jump start on the wait. Keep in mind that some restaurants will not allow this because they don't want to constrict their ability to seat "walk-in" guests. It never hurts to give it a try.
3. Be willing to split.
   
   It will take much longer to accommodate the needs of a large family, team, or group. If your willing to split up, you'll eat sooner. It's understandable if this is not an option, but if you have somewhere more important to be afterward ie: a dance, movie, play etc. this is a great option.
4. Avoid big corporate restaurants.
   
   These are the places everyone knows about. They see their ads plastered on the television all the time. Try supporting local restaurants that are privately owned. Your chances of avoiding a long wait are high and who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by the experience.
5. Avoid new restaurants for the first three months.
   
   This is the general period of time it takes for the "new hot spot" to calm down. It also gives the restaurant a chance to get their new operation under control.
6. Don't leave the building.
   
   The hosts will quote you a time that your table will be ready. This time is designed to be beaten or at least met. If they quote you 20-30 minutes, don't run to the mall while you wait. Sometimes things open up much quicker than anyone expects. Be there when they call!
7. Go out during weekdays, not weekends.
   
   Generally, weekdays will be slower. Service may be more personable too.
8. Don't be picky.
   
   If you are very particular about what table you want or what server you would like to have, your chances of a quick wait could be drastically reduced.
9. Sit in the lounge or cafe area.
   
   This is usually a full service area that will be first come, first serve. Many states will not allow children under the age of 21 in these areas. This automatically places you ahead of the families in front of you. Be quick to jump at the chance of a table even if it's dirty. The busser will be over in seconds!
10. Reservations.
    
    This is the traditional and most common way to bypass a wait. Remember; the sooner you call to set the reservation, the better your chances of a spot. Don't be afraid to ask for special requests such as a booth or a window seat.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't do anything shady. Using someone else's pager, saying you have some kind of eating disorder or being rude and demanding isn't ethical and you won't win over any special favors.
• Be patient. Getting upset at the hosts for the long wait will be stressful and distracting for them. Let them work it out in peace, they'll do much better.