Operation: Carburetor - How to Snag a Table at Carbone in NYC (Without Selling Your Soul)
Ah, Carbone. The land of flaming cheese wheels, rigatoni thicker than your nonna's arm, and reservations harder to get than a front-row seat at a Kardashian meltdown. But fear not, fellow foodies! With a little strategy and a dash of desperation (okay, maybe a whole lot of desperation), you too can experience the magic (and the bill) that is Carbone.
The Official Route: Resy Roulette
- The Gist: Carbone uses Resy exclusively for reservations. Bold and underline this fact, because it's like the cheat code of this whole operation. Every 30 days, a new batch of tables gets released for lunch and dinner.
- The Game: Be there. Be ready. Be faster than Usain Bolt on a sugar rush. Mark your calendar, set alarms, and prepare to refresh that Resy page like your life depends on it.
- The Odds: Not great. But hey, someone's gotta win, right?
The Unofficial Routes: For the Adventurous Foodie
- The Notify Me List: This is basically Carbone's way of saying, "We might call you, but probably not." Still, add yourself to the list. You never know, your grandma might win the lottery and you two can celebrate with mafia-style marinara.
- The Power of the Phone: Call the restaurant directly. Who knows, maybe the hostess will take pity on your charming desperation (emphasis on charming).
- The Celebrity Card (Not Guaranteed): Are you Beyonce? If yes, problem solved. If no, well...keep dreamin'.
Pro Tip: Carbone is a Major Food Group restaurant. They have other amazing spots! Consider venturing to Torrisi Italian Specialties or discovering your own hidden gem.
FAQ: Carburetor Edition
- How to Get on the Resy Waitlist? You don't actually get on a waitlist. You can add yourself to be notified if a table opens up, but it's a long shot.
- How Early Should I Be on Resy for Reservations? Be there at least a few minutes before the release time (10 am 30 days in advance). Every second counts!
- Does Carbone Take Walk-Ins? Not really. They might have a bar area with first-come, first-served seating, but don't count on it.
- Can I Bribe My Way In? We wouldn't recommend it. Unless you're offering a lifetime supply of cannoli, they're probably not interested.
- Is There a Secret Back Door? Maybe. But you'd have to get past security guard Vinny "The Enforcer" Lombardozzi first. Good luck with that.
So there you have it, folks. Your roadmap to Carbone conquest. Remember, patience is key (or a high-powered internet connection). But with a little perseverance and maybe a sprinkle of good luck, you'll be enjoying those legendary rigatoni in no time. Just don't forget your stretchy pants.
