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Finding a table in this area can be downright absurd some days–particularly nights and weekends. It’s as if, released from desk-bound day jobs, the same light bulb goes off in every NoVinian’s head, pinging them for dinner at the local Sweet Water Tavern. The resulting oversaturation of chairs and barstools is on par with the morning I-495 traffic jams each morning.
Beat the rush. I did, by making reservations in advance with OpenTable–an app available on iPads, iPhones, iTouches, Androids, Blackberries, etc. It’s website boasts over 28,000 restaurants have joined the service and offers to arrange for space in dining facilities across the entire United States, and further. Business in Beijing? Vacationing in Aruba this summer? Why leave an important business meeting or date night to chance?
Restaurant listings include a short descriptions, location, pricing, and parking details (including whether valet service is available). OpenTable users who have “booked and honored” their reservation are able to write reviews and rate via stars (5 being the best) on the quality of the food, ambience, service. They can also describe the noise level, a nice touch.
If you register with OpenTable, creating an account, you’re able to earn Reward points; enough points, and you can trade them in for a Dining Cheque, a fancy way to say “gift card” usable at OpenTable restaurants.
However, for the over-registered among us with more passwords and accounts than time to remember them, OpenTable really earns its good karma by allowing users to make reservations without signing up for anything. Only your email is needed for the reservation confirmation. Not bad.
Here’s to seeing you at the table and not in line!
