What happens if you show up with less people for ADRS?

[lor]

We are booked with group of 6 of us for a November trip, I have made all our ADRS for 6 of us, now there is one more person who MAY be able to join us, but it will be last minute decision, because of work related issues.

Now I can tweek our ADRS for 7 people, for the most part, might have to change to a group of 4 and a group of 3 for some nights , no big deal.
So, do I do this now while i still can, or wait???
what if I make our res's for 7 people and this person decides they cant come, and we show up at our reservations with only 6 people?

 

[Nadjalu]

Showing up with less people is never a problem. Showing up with 1 more....can be a BIG problem.

Most restaurants, especially during FD times or popular places will turn that person away. Meaning the 6 can eat, but the 7 person can't.

Sometimes they may ask if you want to wait for a seat, but know that it is rare and most often it is a 2+ hour wait. And the whole party has to wait there in order to be seated.

It is a big hassle if you can't change your adrs to add that extra person.

Sometimes you can split and make ressies for 3, 4, 2, and at least get everyone at the same restaurant.

Hopefully you can keep trying to add that person and will get to eat together, but have a back up plan for that person if you can't.