Everyone loves a 6:30 p.m. dinner reservation, and this is your week to get one.
Loads of Downtown-area restaurants have openings at that time slot – and other times earlier and later. Just scroll through the reservation platforms OpenTable and Tock and you’ll find them. I’m talking about restaurants located well outside the vehicle screening perimeter. Though, keep in mind that parking may be more difficult.
Some local establishments that have expected an abundance of business this week are so far not experiencing it. At the Third Ward’s Bavette (217 N. Broadway), owner/chef Karen Bell says “we have some reservations, but certainly nothing notable, and less than we normally would have at this point for the rest of the week.”
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Amilinda (315 E. Wisconsin Ave.) has extended hours this week – 5 p.m-1:45 a.m. through Thursday. Owner/executive chef Greg León is hoping it’s worth it but has been vocal on X about his frustrations. “This is not only not the money maker we all were told it would be,” he says, “but it’s actually driving away business.”
As of Tuesday, Buckley’s (801 N. Cass St.) reservations were “down more than 20%,” says co-owner Britt Buckley, but also says much of their business is walk-ins. But he reiterates there are “plenty of [reservation] openings” through Thursday.
On the northern edge of Downtown, Birch (459 E. Pleasant St.) is also experiencing a slow week for reservations, says owner/chef Kyle Knall. “My hope is Friday and Saturday pick up,” and “save the week,” he says.
Beyond checking the reservation platforms, I would urge you to go straight to a restaurant’s website or social media for more info.
