Do restaurants welcome walk-ins on New Year’s Eve? —Tom S., St. Louis
While many restaurants will accept walk-in guests, the more pertinent question is whether they can accommodate them, especially on one of the busiest nights of the year. I would caution against walking into a restaurant on New Year’s Eve without first calling ahead and having some kind of plan. There may be bar seating available, or perhaps a quick dinner can be arranged just before the next scheduled reservation, leading to a win for both the diner and the restaurant.
I also sought advice and insights from several chefs and restaurant owners:
Kevin Nashan: Sidney Street Café, Peacemaker Lobster and Crab, Peacemaker/4 Hands Kirkwood: “We welcome walk-ins at all our restaurants, and if there’s a cancellation in the dining room, we will certainly try to accommodate them. My advice is to arrive early, as you will likely be dining in the bar area. It’s definitely a gamble to get a spot during peak times, but you won’t know unless you try. Consider calling ahead to ask questions.”
Jim Fiala, The Crossing, Acero: “We would, but we haven’t had any walk-ins the past couple of years because we are fully booked. Occasionally, we receive calls about last-minute cancellations.”
Melissa Downs, Cyrano’s Café: “We do not allow walk-ins on New Year’s Eve. We host two shows featuring Erin Bode, and tickets must be purchased in advance, so we do not offer any other seating that evening.”
Natasha Bahrami, The Gin Room, Salve Osteria: “As many restaurants prefer reservations on New Year’s Eve, several family-owned establishments do take walk-ins, but it’s prudent to be prepared to be patient and try multiple locations. Arriving earlier in the evening is advisable to avoid peak dinner hours; however, many people who have made reservations may not show up, so you might just get lucky. Lastly, remember to show appreciation for your hospitality team—they are spending the holiday serving you and your group.”
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