Steakhouse 71 lounge for dinner?

[lynnfitz]

Hi, going to try and get reservations at Steakhouse 71 for our Jan. trip. I know in the past, when it was The Wave, the lounge and bar area wasn't too busy (that was during summer months). How has the lounge at Steakhouse been? I'm thinking if we can't get reservations (tomorrow is our booking day), should we just try the lounge? Wasn't sure if I should hold out for the lounge area, or book a different restaurant if I can't get Steakhouse-thank you! The day I'm looking for is our arrival day which is the last Sun. in Jan.

 

[EmilyGahr]

I can't comment on the lounge, but we are also going in January and I had no issues getting a reservation for Steakhouse 71 for dinner - I was even able to move it around a few times as we adjusted our schedule, and there was plenty of availability.

 

[SteveH]

This thread from October might help Steakhouse71 Lounge

 

[lynnfitz]

ok thanks everyone, now looking at the menus, we're thinking we might prefer to eat at the bar and get a burger, and my son loves their bacon and eggs as well. Sunday around 5 hopefully not too busy to get a seat at the bar for 3 people.

 

[jimmymc]

I'm currently seeing plenty of availability for lunch and nothing for dinner.

The lounge definitely holds some spots for walk-ups, so I would try getting there right before opening.

 

[lynnfitz]

Does the lounge stay open all day? Or does it close after lunch then re-open prior to the dinner crowd? We were hoping for an early dinner-thank you!

 

[jimmymc]

Does the lounge stay open all day? Or does it close after lunch then re-open prior to the dinner crowd? We were hoping for an early dinner-thank you!

The hours online say it stays open, but I'm not 100% sure. My guess is they just have the lounge menu from 2 to 5, then the dinner menu after.

 

[lynnfitz]

One more question! If I get reservations for dinner, and we show up and we can sit at the bar for dinner, would it be ok at that point to cancel our existing dinner reservation? We sort of like the bar menu better than the dinner menu, lol! It's our arrival day, so I don't want to end up without any sit down reservations. If we can't get a seat at the bar, we would keep the dinner reservation. Can you do that? Thanks!

 

[Marthasor]

One more question! If I get reservations for dinner, and we show up and we can sit at the bar for dinner, would it be ok at that point to cancel our existing dinner reservation? We sort of like the bar menu better than the dinner menu, lol! It's our arrival day, so I don't want to end up without any sit down reservations. If we can't get a seat at the bar, we would keep the dinner reservation. Can you do that? Thanks!

You can certainly ask at the podium, but there is no guarantee they will waive the fee. We had reservations for Steakhouse 71 in October (right after the actual anniversary). We arrived early and sat at the bar before our table was ready - there was plenty of seating. Especially if you arrive early, I don't think you will have trouble getting a seat at the bar.

 

[lynnfitz]

ok thanks, this morning was our day to book- it wouldn't let me prior to 6 am, at 6:01, nothing. It's only a 1 night reservation at Poly prior to checking into Saratoga, so I think it's going to be difficult to get a reservation. Will definitely try the lounge then! Worst case is we go to Contempo Cafe for dinner. I would love to sit at the bar for the first night of our arrival for dinner, fingers crossed!
Thank you-

 

[Marthasor]

ok thanks, this morning was our day to book- it wouldn't let me prior to 6 am, at 6:01, nothing. It's only a 1 night reservation at Poly prior to checking into Saratoga, so I think it's going to be difficult to get a reservation. Will definitely try the lounge then! Worst case is we go to Contempo Cafe for dinner. I would love to sit at the bar for the first night of our arrival for dinner, fingers crossed!
Thank you-

Just keep checking - we scored our dinner reservation about a week before our trip and this was right around the time the restaurant first opened so there was a lot of "buzz". People cancel all of the time. Also, check for "walk-ups" on the MDE app on the day you want to go.

 

[JZCubed]

You can certainly ask at the podium, but there is no guarantee they will waive the fee. We had reservations for Steakhouse 71 in October (right after the actual anniversary). We arrived early and sat at the bar before our table was ready - there was plenty of seating. Especially if you arrive early, I don't think you will have trouble getting a seat at the bar.

There is no fee if a member of your dining party checks-in at the podium (and nobody eats).