First off, thanks to everyone for all of your congratulations and kind words in response to The French Laundry post. Since a few people have asked, I thought I’d share some tips on securing one of the famously elusive reservations. This isn’t really groundbreaking stuff—all the info is available elsewhere on the internet—nevertheless, here goes.
Basically, getting a reservation at The French Laundry comes down to pure determination. They claim there is no special treatment, although I’m sure if you’re someone really important, things would be different. In any case, it is possible for an average person acting alone to get in, but if you are hoping for a weekend dinner, it’s going to take some persistent effort. There are two ways to make a French Laundry reservation; by using Open Table or calling on the phone.
Taking the Open Table e-Route
There are three tables for each dinner service available through Open Table, only one of which is for a party of two. All of these tables become available at exactly midnight pacific time, 61 days in advance. Unlike the phone lines, which sometimes seem to be switched on at 10:01 or 10:02 instead of exactly at ten, the Open Table system is completely automated. Using a trusty internet clock, click ‘Find a Table’ at exactly 12:00:00.
If you don’t mind eating at an odd hour (5:30 or 9:30), Open Table may be the best option, particularly if you have a party of four. In my case, the timing didn’t work—it was easy to pop out of class every day at ten and try calling the phone reservation line over and over for a few minutes, but executing the perfectly timed internet reservation at midnight without The Gastronomer figuring out what I was doing proved to be too difficult.
If you find a desirable reservation on Open Table, it’s not yours until you finish the check-out process, so act fast. You’ll want to open an Open Table account and sign in beforehand. The French Laundry also requires a credit card to secure a reservation, so have that ready as well.
Finally, if you’re fortunate enough to live in northern California or have extremely flexible travel plans, canceled reservations are often made available on Open Table. You can find these by searching for a reservation for a nearby date; when you get the ‘There are no reservations currently available for the day you selected’ message, click on ‘Find next available day.’ There’s a good chance you’ll find at least one table available, probably on a weeknight, within the next thirty days (which is as far in advance as Open Table will look using this option).
If at First You Don’t Succeed, Redial
Phone reservations are taken two months to the calendar day (i.e. call on April 25 to eat on June 25; some months this turns out to be the same timeline as Open Table’s, sometimes it’s different). If you call before 10:00 PST , you’ll get a recorded message telling you the reservation lines are closed. If you call back after ten, you’ll get a busy signal. Almost always. But keep trying.
As it happened, I first called the phone reservation line on January 21, the day The French Laundry reopened after their winter break. The Gastronomer was out of town at the time—so I had the apartment to myself. I started calling at about 9:55 and got the recording. At 9:58 or so I got my first busy signal. 100+ redials later, it was 10:30, and I still hadn’t gotten through. Not surprisingly, the call volume is exceptionally high on reopening day. I took a break and tried again at intervals throughout the rest of the day, but didn’t get through until around 1 PM the next day. Dinner reservations for Sunday, March 22 were all taken, but I was just in time to grab the last lunch reservation. Unfortunately, it was at 11 AM, a ridiculous hour for a $240 meal, but I took it.
The next week, I tried calling again for a Friday dinner reservation. I called a few minutes before ten and got the recording, then a succession of busy signals, and then, at about 10:03, I got the recording again. Frustrated by The French Laundry’s lack of punctuality, I hung up and redialed. At around 10:15, I finally scored. Instead of a busy signal, a voice came on the line, telling me to hold and wait for a reservationist. It slowly dawned on me that this was the same voice I had heard at 10:03—the second recording had actually been different from the first, and if I had just stayed on the line, I would have gotten through twelve minutes earlier. Still, I waited in eager anticipation, but when it was my turn to speak to someone, all the dinner reservations were gone. My heart sank—I had gotten lucky and blown it. It was looking like my proposal might have to be accompanied by a reservation for an early Sunday lunch. Still a nice surprise, but not quite what I had imagined.
The next day I awoke invigorated and determined to try again. By now I was getting the hang of the routine. There was no point in calling at 9:55—I waited until 9:59. At 10:05, magic! I held my breath while I held for the next available operator. If you’ve never tried to get a French Laundry reservation, I’ve got to say, it’s quite an emotional ride. Calling over and over and over and getting busy signals gets tedious, but when you finally get through—what an adrenaline rush! Nearly all of the tables for two for Saturday, March 28 were taken, but I managed to snag one for 5:45. It was the hardest thing not to tell The Gastronomer right then and there. Seven days and 500+ phone calls after I first started calling Yountville, I was set.
Piece of cake!
Jeez……500+ calls. Wow, you got determination Vernon!
Good going!
Sounds like the EDD phone line!!! LOL…
I finally got a reservation yesterday. But only after making 400+ calls, with no result, except for a sore hand and neck. I finally made a reservation for 3 in Sept. 2009. Read my blog to find out how. It’s actually very easy. Just might cost a little… I tried all other methods and this was the only one I had success with.
I finally got one this morning after persistent dialing and redialing, I got through at about 10.10. I also did the midnight opentable thing, but failed with this. But I fully identify with the emotion and the adrenaline rush of actually getting through, when I was told by the recording to wait for the next reservation assistant I was almost shaking! I hope the meal lives up to the hype..!
After many attempts I was able to get a reservation at French Laundry. The only problem is that they only had reservations for a party of 4. There is only 2 of us. I took the reservation, hoping there will be some way to make this work. Either find 2 people to eat with us, or make up some crazy story about how the “other 2 people” in our party couldn’t make it. Does anybody have any suggestions? What will happen if we show up, just the 2 of us for the reservation?
Jennifer — If you show up with two people for a four-person reservation, they will let you eat, but I expect they will charge a cancellation fee for the other two people (something between $50 and $100 per person, I can’t remember the exact amount). Since the restaurant is small and always full, they do lose a significant amount of money when people with reservations don’t show up. It’s possible they’ll be nice if you make up a story about your two friends getting sick or something–it’s up to you if you want to go that route.
I expect if you know many people who like food, you won’t have any trouble finding some dining partners. Or maybe if you post the date of your reservation, you could find a couple of Gastronomy readers to join you…
After trying multiple times and failing we found an inside route…. Yes they do exist
Any one interested joining on Lunch at French laundry on 10/31 11.30AM lunch. Drop me a line at gan_irtt@yahoo.co.uk
Hi, My husband and I have managed to secure a booking for 6 at the French Laundry on Saturday 24 April 2010 11.30am however there is only the 2 of us. If you are a party of 4 and dont mind sharing a table with us please let me know your details! You can email me on melissabridge1@gmail.com. Cheers, Melissa.
Amazing and Inspiring. If you can do it so can I!
I was lucky enough (well, more like worked very hard at it!)to secure a reservation at French Laundry, which unfortunately I am no longer able to attend. It is a lunch reservation for 2 people at 11am on Saturday June 26, 2010.
If you would like to pay a small fee for a guaranteed reservation, without having to go through the pain of securing the reservation, you can contact me on cheeky.monkey8@gmail.com.
I am trying desperately to get a reservation to french laundry for October 5th or 6th any time for dinner, if that fails I will take any lunch time on those days. I will gladly pay a reward for one of these reservations if anyone can help me out. Please contact me at Bowen.Brendan@gmail.com , Thanks so much
Wow, your luck is very impressive. the first day i called, i called over and over from 10 to 10:28, finally got through and they were all booked. since then, i’ve tried 3 other days, and each day gave up after 10:20 without getting through at all. not only that but my wife has been calling from her phone too with no luck.
Hi – My wife and I are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary and we’d basically planned our trip around a dinner at French Laundry. We need a table for 2 for dinner at any time on Friday Oct 8th or Sat Oct 9th (or lunch on Saturday Oct 9th). We have a reservation for lunch on Sunday Oct 10th at 11:00 am, but it does not work with our flights that day. I’d be more than happy to A) pay for a reservation if someone has one they cannot use, and/or trade my lunch reservation for a dinner reservation. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
TH
I would very much be interested in your Sunday lunch reservation. I will pay a fee for it.
Hello! My husband and I are celebrating our 5th year anniversary! If anyone is looking share a table with a couple (ie. if you have reservations for 4 but there are only 2 of you) we would love to join you! Thanks! (714)855-8895
I had the same experience. After three days and hundreds of calls I finally got through and was so excited and relieved. My husband and I will eating dinner there next week. I can’t wait. eatingarounddc.blogspot.com
My wife and I will be in the area for a wedding on the Saturday, Feb 26, 2011. We would love to have dinner at the French Laundry on Thursday, Feb 24, 2011. If there are any couples looking to fill a table, we are a friendly, nice couple from Chicago looking to have a great culinary experience. I’m already behind the eight-ball because I didn’t know about the “2-month calendar date” reservation rule. You can contact me at airron.richardson@gmail.com if this seems like a reasonable plan.
Looking for reservations for two, or to share a table at The French Laundry on July 3, 4, 5, or 6 2011 for dinner. We’re from Redondo Beach, and have a sense of humor.
Next stop NOMA and Fat Duck!
Rolf
Looking for a reservation for 3 for July 5, lunch or dinner, or to share a table with someone. We are fun cousins from CA, Chicago, and Alaska
Way to contact us for 7/3, 7/4, 7/5, 7/6 is janniek@prodigy.net
Rolf’s wife
Looking for a reservation for four people for either 9/9/11, 9/10/11, or 9/11/11. let me know if you have one to share or one you are cancelling. Thanks!!
ewelte@meddatsys.com
Looking for a reservation on 9/12/11, 9/13/11, 9/14/11, or 9/15/11–Will take anything! Thanks
We are Desperate for table here. Anyone that has 4 open for anytime the 9/9, 9/10 or 9/11. Thanks!!
Looking for a reservation anytime this labor day weekend, 9/2-9/4. Willing to share a table. Let me know if you have anything. Thanks
afglobemaster@aol.com
We have reservations for 9/14/11, table for four at 9:00pm. I’d be happy to give them to Ann J, (or anyone) except perhaps a table for four isn’t what you had in mind??? I don’t know how to reach you, nor do I know how to pass along the obligation that comes with the reservation – in other words getting it into your name.
I have to confirm by the 11th, at which point, I’m canceling… The date/time just didn’t work.
ckholder {at} gmail {dot} com.
We have a reservation for 4 on 11/21 but only now have 2 people. Its dinner, 5:45. If anyone would like to join us, please email me at mkcady@hotmail.com
Is it possible to do reservations for 5?
Looking for a reservation for 2 on January 21, 2012. Please email Angie.liggett@gmail.com. Thanks!
I am just going to throw this out there. I am looking for a resi for 2 on Sept 15, 2012. I would prefer a dinner time, but right not I would be willing to take any and all opportunities. I know this is more than 2 months out, but I figure if someone happens to get one for the 15th and has to ditch, I would be looking to trade. Please email me at ZacharySzczer@msn.com
Hi there, we are looking for a reservation for 2. Willing to share a table with anyone. If you are looking for someone to join you to get a larger table, please feel free to contact us.
My wife and I will be in town next Thursday and Friday (March 15th and 16th) and would love to eat at French Laundry either Thursday for dinner or Friday for either lunch of dinner. If anyone can help, I would appreciate it very much!
Hi Patrick, sorry we cannot help for 15/16 March since we’ll be out of town. I was just trying on OpenTable and saw that if you have 5 or 6 peopel, it’s quite easy to find a table. I understand it’d be difficult but if you can get 3 or 4 other people, it should be easy enough to get a table.
Looking for a lunch or dinner reservation at French Laundry on May 19 (evening), 20, 21, 22 or 23. If anyone can help, please email me aglinski22@gmail.com. Thanks so much!
Hi, I would be interested in any of those dates. It’d would be easier if there are more than 2.
Contact: karoesler@gmail.com
Anyone willing to give away their June 27th dinner reservation at French Laundry? if you have a reservation for 4 people table, we can share the table. Thanks!
my email for above post: ineyman92@hotmail.com
Thanks!
I am looking for lunch or dinner on June 30, 2012 – if anyone has a reservation they are giving up ..
I am looking for french laundry reservation for week of july 29 th 2012. Anyone? I will be town from July 28 thru aug 2. Please! Thank u Stephanie
My wife and I have a table for four on Wednesday the 1st of August 2012. Room for another couple. If interested email me at pr0266@hotmail.com.
I’m looking for a reservation for 2 and am looking to pop the question to my gf! I’m having no luck through a variety of sources getting a res. I’m flexible in July/August, any date or time.
Please email me at rranganath@gmail.com if anyone has a reservation! This would give you great karma, and you’d be part of a great proposal story!
I`m going to be in Napa for my Birthday between August 8th and 10th with my gf. I`m looking for a reservation for 2.Even sharing a table of 4 would be great as well. Lunch or dinner is fine.
Please email me at dschrage23@gmail.com. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
After days of trying,I finally got a dinner reservation! Managed to get a table for 4 for dinner on August 9th. Looking for 2 to join us.
Let me know if interested.
natalietalia@hotmail.com
I think I finally figured out the BEST way to snag reservations at The French Laundry. So everything the blogger stated above is correct, but there is one MAJOR adjustment.
As the blogger stated, before 1pm The French Laundry (TFL) keeps an automated voice system running. When this automated machine runs, it first states that the reservation office is not open, and then it prompts you to choose from a number of options (directions, hours, etc.)
Right at 1pm, or 1:01pm, they switch it to another system. This system asks if you’re calling to make a reservation. If so, hit 1 (I think). Then you wait for a while before the phone starts to ring again. After it rings for another few minutes a real person answers and takes your reservation (if there are any left).
So here’s the trick. About 15 minutes BEFORE 1pm, call TFL until you get access to the first automated system. (This could take a number of tries, which is why I’m suggesting that you start 15 minutes BEFORE 1pm.) Then hit 5 (for directions) and hit any other number after that. I chose 1 (from N. Bay area). Once that recorded message tells you how to get there, you have the option of hitting * to get back to the main menu, or #. Hit the * key, and it will take you to the front menu which states that the reservation office is not open. Keep on going through that loop over and over again. When 1pm (or 1:01pm) rolls around, you will be one of the first callers to receive the other automated voice answering machine – which allows you to make reservations with a real person.
I did this and right at 1:00pm, the message switched. I then hit the number to indicate that I wanted a reservation and by 1:09 I got a live person. When I asked for a 2 person dinner reservation they had 5:00pm, 9:00pm, and 9:20pm available. How awesome is that???
Hi all, this is planning WAY ahead, but we will be in Napa from 31 December 2012 to 2 January 2013. Will TFL be open during the holidays? If so, my husband and I would jump at any table opportunities. We are travelling from Australia and also visiting San Fran and Aspen. My email is eves.lin@gmail.com
Hello. I’m trying to secure reservations for two for 8/23 or 8/24 for a very special dinner with my soulmate. I tried the recommendations above but was unsuccessful; I have only 2 days in Napa. Any help is greatly appreciated! Please email me at mgordon.mit@gmail.com
If anybody has a dinner res in mid August that they’re trying to dump/switch – I’d be happy to pay for it.
Thanks!
Neily@me.com
Hi,
If anyone needs two people to make up a table on Monday 20 August let me know. It is Hubby’s 30th birthday and we are visiting from Australia and only have a short tie period in which to dine at TFL.
Thanks
Em
holdthepeas@gmail.com
I’m looking for a reservation anytime (lunch or dinner) between 7/23 and 7/27 for two people. I don’t mind sharing a table and would be eternally grateful!
bradfordcpatrick (at) gmail.com
I’m looking for a reservation anytime on either Aug 18-19, 25-26, or Sept 1-2, 8-9, of 2012. Occasion is our 10th anniversary.
guys i just called them and made a reservation for dinner at 5.45 on a saturday!! i think im really lucky becuase this is the first time i called at 10am and it worked… before i knew how hard it was to make a reservation i would call in the middle of the day and of course everything would be taken. so this is the first time i called at 10am exactly and of course it was busy but i kept rediling as soon as i hear busy sound, and guess, what, at 10.14 i got the operator and they had dinner options for 5.45 and 9 something.. i took the earlier one… now realized that i should’ve taken the later one too and offer it to our friends… oh well… but anyway…. i think you just need to keep calling starting at 10 and eventually you willl get through
Hi All!
I am looking for a table for 2 on Sept 16, 17, 18th or 19th 2012. I have been calling, with no luck yet.
we would take lunch or anytime, any help would be greatly appreciated.
So if anyone needs 2 more people to make up a 4 top or just any suggestions!
Thank you!
I got a reservation for 4 on Sept 16th at 5:30. If anyone wants to switch for a 2 top anytime Sept 16,17,18 or 19th, let me know!
thanks!
Hey everyone,
Have a reservation for 4 people for the second week of August, and had 2 of our friends cancel last minute. Was wondering if anyone would like to share a table?
Dave- What day in August do you have a reservation?
Hi
We looking for a reservation in the 17,18 or the 19 of August.If anybody has these dates available,we can go any time.Thank you so much!
Ilona
Hi all,
If anyone has a lunch or dinner reservation for 2 people, ANYTIME between Sept. 05-09, and can’t make it, please contact me. Wanted to take my partner for her 40th, but spaced on the two month thing…
Thanks,
Darin
comepullmyfinger@gmail.com
Hi Melanie,
The reservation is on August 9th. If you are interested please email me as soon as possible. Thanks
Davethewave1123@hotmail.com
David,
I’m sorry that we kind of missed each other on this. I was looking for something earlier in the week. I hope that you are able to find someone to join you. I know that it sure makes me wish we were still in the area!
Looking for reservation for 2 for Aug 12 or13 call 505-206-7443
looking for a couple to join us for dinner on Sept. 16 at 5:30. We could only get a 4 top.
Let me know-
susancooley61@hotmail.com
Susan
I’ve been a ‘loyal’ follower of the Gastronomer’s blog, and have enjoyed the ‘fruits of her labor’ for a number of years. I just have to say that this string of emails is probably the strangest and entertaining
EEK’s has to be the best one, having figured out ‘their system’. (This will be most helpful when we plan our next adventure to TFL).
Dinner at TFL definitely set THE standard for all the wonderful places my wife and I have experienced since 2001. Perhaps Alinea has come the closest, or shall I say the most memorable to TFL. (At the conclusion of our culinary adventure at Alinea in 2006, none other than Tom Colicchio and Wolfgang Puck showed up ‘unexpectedly’ and were seated the table next to us. We should’ve known something was up, when the othrwise cool and collected staff were suddenly hurried and somewhat frazzled.) They seemed quite intrigured and amused at overhearing the server describe our few remaining courses. We left with the excitement of having experienced something on par, yet different than TFL. But one thing for sure, it wasn’t nearly as difficult scoring that “golden ticket” at Alinea as it was at TFL…
Hi, Looking for 2 people to join us for dinner on Sept 16 at 5:30 at The French Laundry! Please let me know if you’re interested!
Best Regards,
Susan
WE are trying to plan a Napa trip for November (2012)
We’re looking for a November 2,3,4, 9, 10,11, 16,17,18 reservation.
Please let me know if you want to sell or share a table. (we are a couple).
Thank you
Mai
kiwipapaya@yahoo.com
Looking for a table for 2 (or 4) for 10/11/2012.
please let me know if you have a reservation and can’t attend anymore.
thank you
If you have a reservation for a 4 top and need 2 people to share we live in the Bay Area and are open to any time any day. If I manage to get a 4 top I will post.
Thanks!
Still interested in dining at TFL. If you manage to have a reservation and need someone to share the table, please contact me at karoesler@yahoo.com
After hours and countless days trying to reserve a table for 2 on a FRIDAY with no luck I put a stop to it all. I applied for the American Express Platinum card and used their concierge service. The very next day later they called me with a reservation for 2 on a Friday night. This is the best way and works every single time. Don’t waste your time and call, much less if you get on their waiting list(totally useless). Works every time! Now i just wish Meadwood was open when were going. Oh well. Next Time!
Well, all, since I was successful not only once, but 2 for 2 on a Friday and a Saturday evening, I will share my success.
I used my LOCAL (2 blocks walking distance to the FL) hotels concierge to try and make reservations for a Friday evening and a Saturday evening. I made reservations to stay at the hotel about 4 months out and let the concierge know of my wishes.
I also figured I would call each day and try and make reservations on the day as well.
Low and behold, I was able to get through around 11:15 AM to find that there was already a reservation with my name on it. There were no other spots available and I was to be put on the waiting list.
The next day, the concierge called me up and told me they were successful in a Saturday evening reservation and therefore cancelled the Friday night one. I was not able to get through on Saturday by phone.
Total calls over 2 days was about 325. My suggestion is to try the hotels, they have a weird way to “get through” at the right time.
Good luck everyone, totally worth every penny.
BTW, she said “yes”
Hi all,
I’m trying to get a reservation at French laundry for dinner ANY Friday or Saturday in May 2013 except the first weekend! I want to surprise my boyfriend!
I’ve called over 500!times with no luck! I’m on all their reservation lists! If anyone has a reservation and can’t make it or has any more tips for me, it’d be greatly appreciated!!!
My email is dianna.louie@gmail.com
Thanks,
Dianna
Hello!
I am looking for a reservation on June 3rd 2013. My fiancé and I will be there on our honeymoon and could not get a table reserved today! We are on the wait list. If anyone has or will a table for 2, please let me know!!!
Thanks,
Amanda
Amandak107@gmail.com
Hi–anybody want to give up a table for 2 for lunch or dinner any day may 6-9th? I will pay a transfer fee!
Karen,
I have a couple seats I need to fill on Thursday 5/9 at 5:30. Please email me if you’d like to be added.
Thanks,
Ryan
Ryan Email: RDManders@gmail.com
My soon-to-be-husband and I are spending one night of our honeymoon in Yountville on Monday 1st July with the sole desire of dining at The French Laundry. We tried today (from the UK) both online and by phone but alas we were unsuccessful. Would anyone be able to help us secure a dinner reservation for 7/1? We know we shouldn’t get our hopes up but keeping fingers and toes crossed!
Looking for a reservation for two on any of these dates:
5/24, 5/25, 5/26, 5/31, 6/1, 6/2
Please email kirbysta85@yahoo.com !
Thanks!!!!
I am desperate need of a table for 2 anytime between July 5 and the 9th. Thank you.
Hi, I would really like to be able to get a table for three any day May 22-24, 2013. Just in case anyone has a reservation he doesn’t need anymore or need more people to fill their table, please email me at eou18@yahoo.com. Would really appreciate it! Thanks