Restaurant reservations

Question

We are planning a trip to DC for the beginning of March. We do not want to have an overheavy itinerary, but don't want to scramble to find places to eat. Is it fairly easy to get into places without or same day reservations? Or should I be making reservations now?

Answer

Washington DC has a vibrant and diverse dining scene, from casual spots to upscale restaurants. Whether you need to book in advance or can walk in depends on the type of restaurant, the day of the week, and your preferred dining times. Early March is outside the peak cherry blossom season, so the city is generally less crowded than in spring or summer, but reservations are still recommended for popular spots.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and strategies to make dining easier:

Fine dining and popular spots: For well-known or trendy restaurants, especially those near the National Mall, Georgetown, or downtown, reservations are highly recommended. Even weekdays can fill up quickly during lunch and dinner hours.
Casual or neighborhood restaurants: Many casual spots in neighborhoods like Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, or Capitol Hill often have same-day availability, particularly for lunch or early dinner. Walk-ins are more feasible here, but weekends may be busier.
Ethnic and small local eateries: Places like Ethiopian restaurants in Adams Morgan or Vietnamese/Asian spots in Chinatown may allow walk-ins or short wait times, especially for lunch or mid-afternoon dining.
Bars, cafes, and fast-casual options: These generally don’t require reservations and can be good backup options if your preferred restaurants are full.

Tips for planning:

Book reservations for any restaurants you really want to try, particularly dinner spots near tourist areas or with strong reviews.
Check online reservation platforms like OpenTable, Resy, or the restaurant’s website to secure a table in advance.
Consider going slightly earlier or later than typical dining hours (before 6 p.m. or after 8 p.m.) to increase your chances of walk-in availability.
Have a list of casual alternatives near your hotel or attractions in case your first choice is fully booked.
Some restaurants also accept call-ahead seating or virtual waitlists, which can be handy for spontaneous dining without long waits.

In summary, while it’s possible to find tables without reservations for casual dining, making reservations now for popular or upscale restaurants will save stress and ensure you get the experiences you want. For more flexible or low-key spots, walk-ins usually work fine, particularly outside prime hours.