WARNING: Make Your Valentine’s Reservations Now!

Forget the days when OpenTable was the lone star in the dining reservation galaxy. Today, a constellation of platforms offers gateways to culinary adventures, each with its flavor and followers. Think of these reservation systems as the dating apps of the dining world: some cater to quick, casual meet-ups, others to long-lasting culinary romances. Each one, with its flair, aims its arrow to connect you with an unforgettable dining experience. It’s not just about booking a table anymore; it’s about securing a spot where sparks fly. 

In the city where the mountain meets the metro, these platforms are your gateway to gastronomic happiness. OpenTable, the seasoned veteran, still holds its charm, boasting a roster that includes Family Jones Spirit House, and Izakaya Den. It’s like a dependable friend who always knows a good place to hang out.

OpenTable.com

OpenTable is a savvy diner’s dream, particularly for a food enthusiast! This online reservation platform, launched in 1998, is a treasure trove for those eager to explore Denver’s vibrant culinary scene, from cozy brunch spots to high-end dining adventures. It’s a go-to resource for discovering new dining gems, delving into user reviews, peeking at appetizing menus, and securing a table at some of the city’s most sought-after restaurants. Whether planning a girls’ night out, a romantic dinner, or a solo culinary expedition.

Resy.com

Resy is a relative newcomer—founded in 2014 by Gary Vaynerchuk as a service that specializes in coveted tables. Resy.com is where you need to direct your browser for reservations at hot spots like Annette, Noisette, Safta, and others.

Tock.com

And then there’s Tock, which is this writer’s favorite, in no small part because it’s where restaurants that offer special event dining experiences tend to list said experiences. As a contributing editor for DiningOut and the exec editor of Denver Life Magazine, I’m constantly trolling the site to see what’s going on at our city’s finest dining establishments. With Tock’s ability to offer prepaid reservations and deposits, tasting menu restaurants flocked to the service.

There’s a New York Times article from 2020 worth a read: “What Does Your Favorite Restaurant Reservation App Say About You?” You can peep the whole thing here; if you’re in the #TLDR mood, here’s the summary (and, as it turns out, the first sentence: “OpenTable is economy. Resy is premium economy. Tock is business class.” But in Denver, I’d swap Resy and Tock, but I digress.)

So with Valentine’s Day coming up sooner than you realize, restaurants will soon start opening up their books for the big night of romantic follies. So we put together a handy cheat sheet for you so you can find that perfect table for you and your perfect someone and have the perfect night. Sound perfect? Perfect. Here you go: 

Resy:

1. Annette
2. Chez Maggy
3. Jacques
4. Safta

OpenTable:

1. A5 Steakhouse
2. Ash’Kara
3. Barolo Grill
4. EDGE Restaurant and Bar
5. El Five
6. The Fifth String
7. Guard and Grace
8. Izakaya Den
9. Matsuhisa
10. Mizuna
11. OAK at Fourteenth
12. Oliver’s Italian
13. Rioja
14. Spuntino
15. STK
16. Uchi Denver
17. Water Grill
18. Wildflower

Tock:

1. Beckon
2. BRUTØ
3. Fruition Restaurant
4. The Greenwich
5. The Guest
6. Hey Kiddo
7. KoKo Ni
8. Major Tom
9. Margot
10. Molotov Kitschen and Cocktails
11. Nocturne
12. Restaurant Olivia
13. sắp sửa
14. Somebody People
15. Sunday Vinyl
16. Tavernetta
17. Welton Room
18. The Wolf’s Tailor