How far in advance will most NYC restaurants accept reservations?

Thanks -

Anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. For the really popular ones, like Union Square Cafe, you really have to book 4 weeks out or you're often out of luck.

It depends on the restaurant and the time of year. Peter Luger's can take as long as 6-8 weeks.

Keep in mind, for some of the most popular restaurants (i.e. Nobu, Grammercy Tavern), you must call exactly a month ahead and they often book up an hour or so after they start answering the phone. There are only a few which fall into this category.

It's funny, but I read Bubba's question differently. I thought he/she wanted to know how far in advance a restaurant would allow you to make a reservation. Meaning, could you make one, say six months in advance, if you knew you were planning a special trip? (Maybe I need a reading comprehension course?)

Of course, the short answer would be, it depends. There's no single reservation rule for NYC restaurants, and each place has its own policies.

Keep in mind some will ask you for a credit card when you make your reservation.

Popular restaurants generally allow up to 30 days in advance, many of which that's the only time you can get a reservation at a decent hour. No restaurant has ever asked for a credit card for a reservation in NYC from my personal experience. Sometimes hotels can also get you into popular restauarnts you couldn't otherwise get into. If you have trouble getting a dinner reservation for a special restaurant, go for lunch, much easier to get in. Summer time tends to be a bit easier, many NYers leave town, especially on the weekends. Also Sunday and Monday night tend to be the slow nights.

here's a suggestion....if you go to gramercy tavern, go to the front part to eat (the tavern)...you don't need a reservation, the food is unbelievable, and it's much cheaper than the back restaurant. go, put your names on the list, then go next door to flute (champagne bar) for a drink. a great night in my book!!!