I've never eaten there and not had a reservation. I suppose there is always a chance that someone doesn't show up for their reservation and you get their spot. It is a gamble.
I was there last week at 4PM for dinner with a reservation. There were a few walkups turned away while we waited. But when we got in there and when we left, there were alot of tables empty.
I was there last week at 4PM for dinner with a reservation. There were a few walkups turned away while we waited. But when we got in there and when we left, there were alot of tables empty.
From the experience of restaurants in our groups hotels I can tell you that empty tables does not mean there are openings for people to walk up. You keep track of your reservations and how many to expect during any period. If you are expecting 15 tables at 7:00pm and 10 at 7:10 then you start putting those aside after 6:30 or later. You can't assume all 15 open up at 7:00. So seeing empty tables in a very busy spot like BOG most likely means the people coming on their ADRs simply aren't there yet, not that there is availability.
I was there last week at 4PM for dinner with a reservation. There were a few walkups turned away while we waited. But when we got in there and when we left, there were alot of tables empty.
There was actually a party right next to us while we were checking in for our lunch reservation. The CM said, "I'm sorry, Sir. We are completely full for reservations." Nonetheless, he ran a search and said, "Oh wait! It looks like a reservation for 4 just opened up." So the CMs are still willing to check for you, but probably nothing you can't do on your own using MDE. I agree that walk ups are nearly impossible to obtain, but that doesn't mean someone won't cancel, even on the day of the reservation. You could get lucky, but I wound not count on it.
I was there last week at 4PM for dinner with a reservation. There were a few walkups turned away while we waited. But when we got in there and when we left, there were alot of tables empty.
The seating capacity of BOG is huge because at breakfast and lunch it is a counter service with a menu that is simpler and quicker to prepare. Dinner entrees take longer to prepare and plate so they cannot utilize all the tables in the restaurant so it often looks like there are plenty of available tables when in reality the kitchen would not be able to keep up.
1) You can line up REALLY EARLY for lunch and wait.
2) But, bring a pillow for your nap while you wait for a table.
3) The last person who waited for a table was Rip Van Winkle.
4) He got in after ONLY a 20-year wait.
I think it is ridiculous for counter service that you HAVE to have a reservation. I get it that it is limited for the number of people it can serve. I was there last December and I walked up and waited multiple different times. I think after the cm was tired of seeing me that she told me they were taking stands by at 2. I was by myself and I was the only person that got in. Since this isn't a last minute trip, I have my bog ressie for this trip.
The seating capacity of BOG is huge because at breakfast and lunch it is a counter service with a menu that is simpler and quicker to prepare. Dinner entrees take longer to prepare and plate so they cannot utilize all the tables in the restaurant so it often looks like there are plenty of available tables when in reality the kitchen would not be able to keep up.
My DS7 and I walked up for lunch one day during the last week of August around 1 pm and were let in. I had checked MDE and saw they had a table for one available, so I gave it a shot and they had room for us. I would think it would be easier with a smaller party for a late breakfast or lunch, but it's always worth asking. I think it would be harder to get in for dinner.
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