Operation: Snag a Table at Carbone - How to Avoid the Hunger Games (But Maybe with Fewer Arrows)
Ah, Carbone. The Greenwich Village temple of rigatoni vodka and a celebrity sighting guarantee (well, almost). But before you can dig into those spicy meatballs, there's the Everest of New York dining experiences to climb: the reservation. Fear not, fellow gourmands, for I, your intrepid guide (who may or may not have resorted to impersonating a food critic's assistant), will equip you for this culinary quest.
Step 1: Embrace the Force (or Resy, Rather)
Carbone only uses Resy, the online reservation platform that makes scoring a table feel like winning the lottery. Here's the deal: reservations open up 30 days in advance at some mysterious hour (reports vary between 10 am and noon). Be there, or be square (and hungry).
Pro Tip: Download the Resy app. Trust me, those precious milliseconds you save by not logging in on your desktop browser will feel like an eternity.
Step 2: Master the Art of the Refresh
Here's where things get interesting. Unlike a normal reservation system, Resy doesn't hold your spot while you fill out your info. It's a digital feeding frenzy! Be prepared to tap that "refresh" button like your life depends on it.
Word to the Wise: Don't get discouraged if you see nothing but emptiness at first. Those tables can vanish faster than you can say "Mamma Mia!"
Step 3: The Notify Me List - Your Friend (Maybe)
Can't snag a prime-time reservation? Join the "notify me" list and pray to the pasta gods that someone cancels. Just be aware, this is a lottery within a lottery with unknown odds. But hey, if you win, it's a beautiful thing.
Step Alternative Strategies: Consider the Unconventional
Feeling fancy? Call the restaurant directly a day or two before your desired date. You never know, a table might open up due to a late cancellation. Just be prepared for some serious phone tag.
Social Media Savvy? Slide into Carbone's DMs (metaphorically speaking, of course). While they likely don't take reservations this way, a touch of humor and a well-crafted plea might just work its magic. (But probably not)
Be a Celebrity (Not Recommended)
This one's pretty self-explanatory. If you're, well, a celebrity, you might just waltz right in. For the rest of us, there's always the consolation prize of people-watching.
Remember: Getting a Carbone reservation is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, persistent, and maybe a little bit lucky.
FAQ: Carbone Reservation Conquering
How to increase my chances of getting a reservation?
There's no guaranteed formula, but be there at the witching hour (Resy release time) and refresh like crazy.
How can I join the waitlist?
Look for the "notify me" option when you search for a reservation on Resy.
Should I call the restaurant directly?
It doesn't hurt, but be prepared for limited success.
Is there another way to get in?
Unless you're Beyonce, probably not. But following Carbone on social media might be a fun consolation prize.
What if I miss out entirely?
Don't despair! New York is full of amazing Italian spots. Take it as a sign to explore and who knows, you might just discover your new favorite haunt.
