I've made ADRs several times before making any lodging ressies. You only need to have lodging ressies if you plan on using the 180+10 for onsite guests.
Keep in mind that there are a LOT of local residents who eat in WDW restaurants and never stay in a hotel. There's even an "Epcot after 4 PM" annual pass to accommodate those folks, and all our friends in Orlando have one.