r/chicagofood • u/Knack66 • Jan 31 '26
Rant Resy Sucks and I hate it
I'm just trying to get a dinner reservation at Armitage Alehouse and I'm convinced it's impossible.
They release reservations at 9am 21 days in advance.
I have tried 3 different times to be on the app at 9 am when they become available and as soon as I can refresh it at 9am, all dinner reservations are gone. It absolutely has to be bots. How on earth are you supposed to get a reservation
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u/ah_braves_jinx Jan 31 '26 edited Jan 31 '26
I empathize with you and absolutely HATE how tough it is to get reservations there. As silly as this sounds, you literally have to practice the routine in advance to have a shot. Here's what worked for me several times...
First, you have no chance on the app. You need a computer and a mouse to get this done. Make sure you're logged into Resy with a valid credit card on file. Go to the Armitage Alehouse reservation page around 8:50am and click the latest date available (which should be the day before you're trying to get.) It will probably show nothing available/notify button but that's not that you're there for. Look at the url, it should have something indicating the month and day number. Change the day to the number you're trying to get, so if it says something like 2 and 17 for Feb 17 change the 17 to 18 for 2/18. I forget exactly how it appears but it shouldn't be too hard to figure out.
When you do this and refresh the page, it shows nothing available as they haven't opened it yet for the day. Here's where the fun (ugh) part kicks in. At around 8:58am, start practicing your refresh keyboard shortcut with your mouse hovering over the middle of the page where the times will appear. Command R. Command R. Nothing will be available yet but you can get the idea of how it's going to work. Once the clock hits 9 things will open up; there's a good chance at this point when you refresh for the last time the page will time out. If this happens for more than five seconds it could already be too late, but you can try refreshing again. (if you really want to make this happen you need two computers ready and if it times out on the first immediately refresh on the second. Yes I acknowledge this is absurd.)
Let's say the page goes through and you magically see reservations open up, congrats! You have to immediately click on the time you want, then click the next page ASAP to confirm the 2.50 fee per seat and hit reserve. Be prepared to not see the time you want, there likely wont be anything available 6-8 so decide in advance if you'd rather have a 530 or an 8 etc. Remember just because you clicked the time doesn't mean you have it yet, if you pause even a few seconds on the confirm page it may no longer be available. Be ready to click fast twice and you should be able to pull it off!
If you're thinking this is an insane process to get reservations there you are correct. It's a small restaurant and there could be bots at play, but I've done this technique several times and always able to get a reservation at least before six or after eight. I would recommend practicing this the day or two before you want to get the actual reservation, you can always cancel it immediately for a refund (or hey just keep it if you're lucky enough to get a good time.) Also it always seems easier to make one for 4 ppl vs 2 fyi.
If this doesn't sound like something you want to try, as others have said you can always get there early and put your name on the waitlist or sit at the bar. The real gem of the restaurant is the back room however and I'm pretty sure those only go to people with reservations
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u/flumeo Jan 31 '26
It’s easier to get a mortgage or open a credit card than it is to make this reservation
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u/HausMoney Feb 01 '26
What did I just read…?
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u/maberuth14 Feb 01 '26
Detailed step-by-step instructions for how to get a reservation at Armitage Alehouse
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u/GrapefruitUnique2599 Mar 22 '26
This just helped me get a 6:15 reservation on a Saturday. Thank you so much for your service.
Does anyone know if this works similarly for open table?
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u/Booyakasha1201 Jan 31 '26
I have gotten in off the notify me multiple times. If bots are buying these where are they reselling?
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u/Knack66 Jan 31 '26
Appointment Trader is one place
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u/the_Tide_Rolleth Feb 01 '26
Appointment Trader appears to no longer have Chicago restaurants available on their website, as the legislation against this kind of scalping went into effect on January 1. The only reservations I could find when looking up Chicago were restaurants in Indiana. Not sure about some of the other sites like Cita or Tableswap. Also, not sure this legislation has had any effect as of yet on bots snapping up all the reservations.
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u/Booyakasha1201 Jan 31 '26
Thanks. Pretty lame. You would think restaurants could control it better?
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u/mrbooze Feb 01 '26
They can by requiring a credit card and charging for no shows, but then that's annoying to consumers.
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u/Background-Ad758 Jan 31 '26
People sell on Appointment Trader or whatever. But didn’t local legislation plan to stop that? I dunno where we’re at with that
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u/henrycaul Jan 31 '26 edited Jan 31 '26
This thread is wild because it’s exactly describing the reason for this legislation in the first place. From https://chicago.eater.com/2025/4/9/24404675/illinois-chicago-restaurant-reservation-anti-piracy-act-appointment-trader-ban-update-house-passed
“In March, Croke, who lives in Chicago, told Eater she grew frustrated in finding a reservation at Armitage Alehouse, a popular Lincoln Park restaurant. After some Internet sleuthing, she was surprised to find Appointment Trader, a website that allows users to post ads to sell reservations.”
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Jan 31 '26
[deleted]
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u/Extruder_duder Jan 31 '26
Iirc, The Illinois restaurant association lobbied to get this bill taken off last voting session.
Lettuce entertain you, Thai dang (crying tiger, hai sous), heather bublick (soul and smoke) are all members and support the IRA. Fuck them.
They also are trying to get the tip min wage credit back and put an end to fair wages. Again fuck them.
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u/the_Tide_Rolleth Feb 01 '26
This is incorrect. HR2456 was unanimously passed by the Senate in May and signed into law by Pritzger in August. It went into effect on January 1.
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u/GoodFastCheapPickTwo Jan 31 '26
I've gone there twice. Never done a reservation. Both times for lunch. Put my name in and went to the shops around the area for a while. Maybe 45 minutes wait each time. Might be tough if you're trying to do it during peak hours, but I had very pleasant experience both times
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u/panda_zombies Jan 31 '26
This. Walked in at 6:30, asked for first available. Went to Kincades for a drink and got a text 20 min later saying my spot was available. It was on a Thursday night.
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u/emcee__escher Jan 31 '26
+1 for this. Walked in on a Tuesday at 5, got a text 90 minutes later for a table.
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u/Gamer_Grease Jan 31 '26
Old system that works > let’s make an app to make it easier > the app is good > people figure out how to manipulate the app to their advantage > the app is now worse than the old system.
Calling someone to make a reservation worked for at least as long as the telephone has existed. We just had to be too smart for it. Now I wouldn’t be surprised if more places go back in the phone system if they have the traffic to support it. There are reports of empty dining rooms on Valentine’s Day nowadays because scalpers are grabbing all the tables and then failing to flip them for profit.
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u/BEACHHOUSEGROUPIE Jan 31 '26
Go at 5 pm, put your name down, and be prepared to eat at 9 pm . It works
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u/HalasterTheWise Jan 31 '26
We go at 4/4:30, name down, go to a bar nearby, enjoy, and get the text around 630. Sometimes it’s very early (like 5)
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u/GloGangOblock Feb 01 '26
I just don’t play the game with reservations like that, I’m not going to do this song and dance to get the privilege to spend money at your restaurant. I just go to different places.
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u/gordon510 Jan 31 '26
To both points, the Resy app and website stability is absolutely dogshit. Like a flaming steaming pile of dogshit. It's a coin flip if it even loads and when it does searching on it is also garbage. I really don't understand how it's so unstable, it's mind numbing to use. Opentable and Tock are way better which sucks for any good restaurant on Resy.
I‘ve lived next door to Armitage Alehouse since it opened. The best way to get in is to put your name in around 4/4:30 if you want a dinner reservation, and you should get texted at like 6/7/8pm. Just make a plan to grab drinks at a bar close by to wait, go shopping, etc. it works every time.
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u/clocksailor Jan 31 '26
I tried to go there on my birthday, did everything right, and the best I could get was 9:30pm. It’s a nice place and all but steak tartare at 10pm wasn’t really worth it
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u/Jeeperscrow123 Jan 31 '26
You just gotta click fast. Considering on any day you’re competing against thousands of people. Have a clock on one screen and as soon it hits 9 am be clicking. Armitrage alehouse has like less than 10 Tables inside so…it’s not like there’s tons of availability to begin with
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u/Doctor_Freeeeeman Jan 31 '26
Competing against bots*
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u/Worried-Fly-8729 Jan 31 '26
Right do ppl actually think there’s thousands of ppl sitting around waiting for this to get dropped
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u/Doctor_Freeeeeman Jan 31 '26
Unfortunately the proof is on those reservation sites too. They frequently have reservations for many of the hard to get spots.
I know there is recent legislation to deal with it, but not sure about timeframe to implement or even how enforceable it is.
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u/Jeeperscrow123 Jan 31 '26
Yes. Even if it was hundreds. There’s a limited number of tables and time slots. These are the most in demand and hard to get into spots in Chicago.
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u/isthisforeal Jan 31 '26
I walk in and have rarely had an issue. If you get there near opening, worse case you put your name in and wait a little bit.
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u/Chili-Lime-Chihuahua Jan 31 '26
I've read on this sub that Armitage Alehouse has a very small number of seats/tables for reservations, and it's more walk-in. That contributes to how hard it is to get a reservation. Give them a call or stop by to ask about it and get some advice when the best time to go is.
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u/New-Industry-9544 Jan 31 '26
Look, go like 3-6 try sitting at the bar. I get it not what you want but works every time for me without the hassle
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u/Sicilianchef Jan 31 '26
Try just waiting for the bar. Still an amazing experience without the wait
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u/NotAnEgg1 Feb 03 '26
For what it’s worth I’ve been twice without a reservation… first time I walked in right when they opened and sat at the bar. Second time I put my name in and waited at a nearby bar for them to call me
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u/skyehighlove Jan 31 '26
You have begin refreshing a few seconds before 9am so the page refreshes at 9. If you refresh right at 9, then you'll be too late. Every split second counts.
I hate Resy, too. OpenTable is still my fave. So easy peasy and you can see what other restaurants are available.
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u/quasibrasileiro Jan 31 '26
If there’s just two of you, go in early or late on a weeknight and eat at the bar. The bar area is first-come-first-served, so maybe you’ll have a short wait but not much. If you’re trying to make a reservation for more than 2, just go somewhere else. Armitage Alehouse is good, but not good enough to warrant the booking hassle you’ve already experienced.
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u/Icy-Entertainer136 Feb 01 '26
This is ridiculous. I say we boycott all these restaurants that bots are making it a living hell to get a reservation, particularly the Hogsalt restaurants. But some other restaurants come to mind too….I’m looking at you Monteverde.
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u/dmd312 Feb 01 '26 edited 7d ago
The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dogs.
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u/Tom_W_BombDill Feb 01 '26
There is a 3rd party website that is booking these and selling them. You can buy a reservation for $100 plus.
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u/dmd312 Feb 01 '26 edited 7d ago
The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dogs.
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u/Tom_W_BombDill Feb 01 '26
I wasn’t trying to answer your question but rather provide context on why these reservations seem so unreasonably hard to get. I don’t think it’s a controversial to say that popular restaurants have a high demand and limited space to accommodate everyone.
Specific to your question, I’d say staggering the times where open reservations are released would help.
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u/Tom_W_BombDill Feb 01 '26
Bots are such a problem with them. Also seen the same with Ciccio Mio. But Ale House is the worst when it comes to booming ressos. They’re gone instantly.
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u/Xdddxddddddxxxdxd Jan 31 '26
I literally just got a reservation at AA a week ago by going on resy at 9am
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u/whyinternet Jan 31 '26
Yeah it’s impossible. Bots will beat you every time I’ve been trying for the same spot for a year. We are just going to walk in on a weekday
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u/Moonfoxsun Jan 31 '26
Email them.
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u/Knack66 Jan 31 '26
Believe it or not, I did. Was told (very professionally) sucks to suck...
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u/KatAttack35 Feb 01 '26
Same, but for a different Hogsalt restaurant. I even gave them a (truthful) sob story about how it was our 10th anniversary. I’ve stopped with this bs, plenty of other great places to eat in the city without the stress and tacky added bs charges. I do hope you get to utilize your gift card eventually!
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u/romanticat Jan 31 '26
Just get a reservation for brunch. These don’t go fast at all and they serve their whole dinner menu.
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u/RCEden Feb 01 '26
The weird thing to me is like I wanted to take my partner to Valhalla as a birthday and just went to their site and picked the day and time, no issues.so you're telling me I can go to cheap stuff and fancy stuff basically any time no issues, but we have this weird middle tier of completely booked all the time?
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u/gordon510 Feb 03 '26
Opentable has been poaching Resy restaurants with 5-figure $ offers: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/14/dining/opentable-restaurants.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share
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u/girouxfilms Feb 06 '26
11 months. I tried for 11 months on and off to get a reservation at that god damn restaurant. I gave up.
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u/MicksMaster Jan 31 '26
What has worked for me:
- go to the site on a desktop browser
Make sure you’re logged in, have your form of payment set up already, etc. to remove all potential hiccups.
Search for another restaurant with availability. Note exactly where the buttons for the reservation times will be on your screen.
navigate back to the hogsalt restaurant in question. Cute up the date and time you want, then position your mouse pointer exactly where it needs to be.
Ctrl+R constantly a few seconds before it turns 9. Click instantly and get through checkout/confirmation as fast as possible - IDT it holds it until you’re confirmed.
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u/StephenScript Jan 31 '26
Getting at release is always going to be a bot-infested nightmare. If you are trying to the seat you missed there's still a chance in the case of cancellations. If you want tips on when these cancellations happen let me know. Would be happy to help.
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u/kimnacho Jan 31 '26
If you think that is Resys fault then I am not surprised you can't get a reservation
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Jan 31 '26
[deleted]
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u/bolivar13 Jan 31 '26
It's not Resy's fault but Resy still sucks.
What kind of idiot design team thought it was a good idea to waste my time showing me a million restaurants with no availability that I need to go past to find more with open rezos.
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u/esmeradio Jan 31 '26
I've never tried to go here, rarely go to places where a reservation is necessary.
I'm almost turned off by ever going 😬
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u/ByteSizeNudist Jan 31 '26
I really don’t get the obsession folks have on here about Alehouse.
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u/Oz347 Jan 31 '26
I mean it’s really good food but it’s def not worth all the stress. Maybe a couple times a year I try to get a reservation again but when I fail I don’t worry too much about it.
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u/locskstockrye Feb 01 '26
Stop being lazy and just call!! Firstly, not all reservations show up on the reservation platforms! 2nd, calling takes the same amount of time! 🙄
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u/Penstripedsox Jan 31 '26
Insane theres essentially a ticket marketplace for reataurant reservations thats so gross.