I live in NYC. This only applies to a very small handful of restaurants that have a very large amount of hype built up around them relative to the seating avail

I live in NYC. This only applies to a very small handful of restaurants that have a very large amount of hype built up around them relative to the seating available. We're talking tens of restaurants in a city of thousands. If you try to book anywhere else, including very fancy places with Michelin stars, you will have no problem getting a reservation. You might not have your pick of time and date at some places, but you'll still get in.