Rain expected Monday, first day of no CA pier rides, and I can't get an ADR anywhere?

[kochfamily1234]

I thought with the rain, most schools back in session, etc. no problem...what gives? Went on line to make ressies and its a no go at all my fav places, so sad. Any suggestions? I'll try again in the morning, but we've always been able to make them for when we've wanted them in the past. Should I be planning on buying a Max Pass too? I was hoping for an after holiday slow down! (deep sigh)

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Depending on the size of your party and where you want to dine, go to the restaurant first thing when they open and try to put your name on the list. Sometimes walk ups are available, even on busy days. But you have to be early to grab anything that might be available. If you want more than one restaurant, split up. Have different people go to the various restaurants at opening to find out what time slots are open for you, if any. And keep calling the DINE Line and looking on the app to check for cancellations. Do you have FP runners? MP may help, but may not be necessary if you have good runners in your group and you know how to use the FP system. Only you can know if paying the $10 per person will be worth it for you.

 

[figment_jii]

Rain also impacts the restaurants; the ones with a lot of outdoors seating may close or have only a very limited amount of seating available. This may cause them to pull available ADRs because rain makes it hard enough to accommodate those guests with ADRs. The ones that have outdoor seating that I can think of are Cafe Orleans, Carnation Cafe, Plaza Inn (breakfast), RBT, Wine Country Trattoria, Ralph Brennan's, and Uva Bar.

 

[DLgal]

I have found that "day before" ADRs are almost impossible to make. I bet if you try today, you'll see different availability.

Also, when they are expecting lower crowds, they lower staffing at the restaurants and don't fill every table. Found this was true last week at Napa Rose. I only had the option of a 5pm or 9:30pm ADR 2 weeks out. We took 5pm but the restaurant was over half empty well past 6pm. They were obviously not filling all the tables.