Get online: OpenTable.com lets you book online at some of the US's best eateries. Enter your location and when you'd like to dine, and the site pulls up a list of available last-minute reservations.
Be flexible: on a slow night, like Monday or Tuesday, even the hottest restaurant in town is going to have seats either early (around 6 p.m.) or late (after 9 p.m.)
Charge it: If your credit card offers a concierge service, try asking them to call for you as many credit card companies work with restaurants to get privileged seating options.
Be a barfly: A little face time at the bar usually pays off, even without a reservation. Tell the maitre d', "I'm having some drinks at the bar. If a seat opens up, I'd be happy to have it"...you never know!
Be a regular: This doesn't help if you are travelling but by becoming a regular, you will always get a table, especially if you are a good tipper and friendly to the maitre d' or the hostess.
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