Rock Center Cafe does not take reservations on Christmas Eve...first come, first serve. I really want to eat where we have a view of the skating rink at Rock Center. Sea Grille is a little more than I want to spend. If I stop by late that afternoon and put our name on the list, is it likely that we will get in for dinner if we just do something else during the waiting time? Do any other restaurants have a view of the rink that will take reservations? Thanks!

barnum, Rock Center Cafe is expensive. I took a client there for lunch and for two without tip and no alcohol our lunch came to $100.

Those two are the only ones I'm aware of and Sea Grill is booked solid for that evening. (We got our reservations for earlier in the week some time ago.)

Don;t know how the cafe will run the line - they may require you to stay there or lose your place - or they may allow you to leave. The only way to find out is to call and ask how they'll handle it. (I assume you've spoken to them already - since open table says it's too soon - they may do resies only 30 days out.)

It will be a zoo and I wouldn't do it.

I still think it will be jammed, but have you tried making a reservation via opentable.com? Might work better than phoning.

opentable says it's too far in advance and on the phone i was told they will not take any reservations for xmas eve. thanks anyway guys!