How far in advance to book restaurants New Orleans

Question

Was thinking of maybe coming next Monday to Wednesday the 16th to 18th but finding many restaurants are booked. Obviously the popular ones like Commander's Palace, GW Fins, but even places like Arnaud's, Broussard's are booked up. I think Antoine's is one of the ones that is not. How far in advance do we need to book restaurants now after the pandemic? A month out, few weeks, several months, etc.

Answer

It sounds like you're experiencing some of the challenges that come with dining out in New Orleans, especially when it comes to booking reservations at popular spots. Since the pandemic, many restaurants in New Orleans have seen increased demand, and it's become more difficult to get reservations, particularly at the high-demand places like Commander's Palace, GW Fins, and Arnaud's. Here’s some general advice on how far in advance you should book:

1. Popular Restaurants:
For the most popular restaurants, especially those in the French Quarter or Garden District (like Commander's Palace, GW Fins, and Cochon), it's a good idea to book well in advance—at least 3 to 4 weeks, especially during peak seasons (holidays, weekends, and festivals). Some of these restaurants even recommend booking a month out or more, particularly if you're planning to dine on a Friday or Saturday night or during a special event like Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest.

2. Moderate Demand Restaurants:
For places like Arnaud's, Broussard's, and Antoine's, you can often get reservations with a few weeks' notice, but it's still advisable to book a month ahead, especially if you want a specific time or day (e.g., a prime dinner time or during a busy period). These spots can fill up fast, particularly around the holidays, so planning ahead will give you the best chance at securing a table.

3. Lesser-Known or More Casual Spots:
For more casual spots or less tourist-heavy areas of the city, you might be able to get reservations with a few days' notice, but it's always better to book in advance if you have a specific restaurant in mind. Restaurants like Dat Dog, Parkway Bakery, or smaller bistros may have more availability, but it's still a good idea to check ahead to avoid any last-minute disappointments.

4. Off-Peak Times:
If you're flexible with the time of day, you may have better luck securing a table during off-peak hours (like early lunch or late dinner), even at popular spots. Many restaurants have fewer reservations during these times, so you might have more options available if you adjust your dining time.

5. Special Occasions and Holidays:
If you're planning to visit during a holiday (like Christmas or New Year's) or around events like Mardi Gras, booking 2 to 3 months in advance is ideal for many fine-dining restaurants. New Orleans is a popular tourist destination year-round, so making reservations well in advance will ensure you don't miss out on the best dining experiences.

6. Walk-in Availability:
Some restaurants in New Orleans, especially those that are more casual or have a large dining area, may accept walk-ins. However, popular spots like Commander's Palace rarely have walk-in availability, and you might be looking at a long wait (if they accept walk-ins at all). It’s always a good idea to call ahead to see if they have any last-minute cancellations or if they can accommodate you on short notice.

Summary:
- For popular restaurants, plan on booking 3 to 4 weeks in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
- For moderately popular places, 2 to 3 weeks ahead is typically sufficient.
- For more casual spots, you might get a reservation with just a few days' notice, but always better to check early.
- During holidays or special events, try to book 2 to 3 months in advance.

It looks like Antoine’s still has availability, so if you're keen on going there, it could be a great backup! But if you're aiming for a specific place, don't hesitate to book as soon as possible to get your preferred time.

How far in advance to book restaurants New Orleans

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