Where to Book When You Can Actually Get a Res

August is here. It’s arguably the quietest—if you can call it that—time in NYC, as locals spend weekends out East or travel abroad for longer vacations.

Not escaping the hustle and bustle? The good news: you might actually be able to book those hard-to-come-by reservations, or have better luck walking into those normally-too-crowded hot spots. With less competition, winning the reservation game should, in theory, be easier.

Read on for are a few spots we’re looking to book, and of course, what we’re planning to wear once the res is secured.

Ha’s Snack Bar

Starting our food tour on Broome Street, we’re heading to the cult favorite Ha’s Snack Bar. Tiny but mighty, this intimate French-Vietnamese spot features just 24 seats, an eclectic wine list, and a frequently-changing menu. Some past highlights include oysters served with green chili, garlic and tamarind butter snails, rotating seafood dishes, and pate chaud—ground pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles in a flaky crust. (Drool.)

To emulate the setting, dress yourself in a look that strikes a balance between laid-back and curated—much like the restaurant itself. Start with a classic slim-to-straight pant, and pair it with a light knit or asymmetrical tank.

Monkey Bar

On the top of our list is the historic Monkey Bar in midtown. Originally opened in the 1930s, the restaurant has remained an icon over the last almost-century for good reason. Patrons rave about their King Crab Rangoon starter, the Smoked Whitefish Caesar salad, the Double Cheeseburger, and of course, the Prime Rib. And while we could probably (definitely) order the whole menu, the absolute must-try-before-we-die dish for us is their decadent pull-apart Truffle Monkey Bread.

(A side note: the current owners are the same team behind 4 Charles Prime Rib and Au Cheval if you’re looking for more top-notch recommendations.)

What to wear? You could opt for dark tones that blend in with the dim, sultry atmosphere that Monkey Bar is so famously known for. A silk twill pant, or longline blazer, feel right for the smart-casual outing.

Or’esh

Relatively new to the SoHo neighbored is Or’esh, a live-fire modern restaurant serving up Mediterranean dishes. The drool-worthy menu is full of some heavy hitters—a Jerusalem Bagel to dip in babaganoush and tzatziki, a Golden Halloumi Kadayif starter, mains like an 18 layer wagyu New York Strip and lamb kebabs, and—yeah, we won’t even get into the desserts, because this is starting to feel a little mean.

The atmosphere is lively, the food is divine—now, what to wear? Think chic, but simple, and reach for a drapey midi dress or tailored mini.

Le Veau d’Or

Since reopening in 2024, Le Veau d’Or has not disappointed. Located on the Upper East Side, the tiny, charming French cafe is home to just 15 tables (no wonder they’re so hard to book!). The menu is offered as a multi-course prix fixe, with options like pâté en croûte, escargots, hanger steak frites, duck served with a tart cherry sauce, and mouth-watering desserts.

A coordinating satin skirt and top set, or classic LBD, fit right into the intimate, elevated bistro atmosphere.

Red Hook Tavern

A trip to Brooklyn is worth it for a meal (aka the legendary dry-aged beef burger) at the cozy Red Hook Tavern. Come for what is widely regarded as one of the best burgers in NYC, stay for the rest of the old-school tavern classics—like French onion soup, a wedge salad with buttermilk herb dressing, and pork chops served with grits.

As for getting dressed? The quaint spot with old-school feel doesn’t call for anything fancy—a classic pair of denim, a chic silk blouse, and ballet flats do the trick.

Torrisi

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention trying for a booking at the Michelin-starred Torrisi. Found in Nolita’s historic Puck Building, the iconic spot blends classic Italian flavors with influence from other cultures—a true love letter to the diversity found in NYC. The most-praised option on their upscale menu is the Tortellini Pomodoro—homemade pasta in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Other notable dishes include Cavatelli with Jamaican Beef Ragù, and Dover sole Francese, a lightly breaded fish served over caper sauce and citrus butter.

In an atmosphere this grand, patrons are encouraged to dress the part—so ladies, reach for a silky dress and heel, and gents, your tried-and-true blazer.