Plugged In: Apps are the secret to dining out

It went something like, “Vaccine cards, please.” And then something like, “I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
And that was followed by what I assumed to be an uncomfortable exit through the restaurant. After months of enjoying meals that weren’t carefully packed into throwaway, recyclable containers, I recently was at a restaurant when a party was asked to leave; actually, two parties, back to back, at the same table.
I’ve eaten both inside and outside, sometimes on the street, more recently at a cozy corner booth, and even once in an igloo, but never was anyone asked to leave.
It should go without saying that every industry has been impacted by the pandemic, some worse than others, and I believe that the restaurant industry has done – for the most part – an incredible job with putting health and safety procedures in place so that we can get back to enjoying our favorite tacos or spaghetti carbonara the way they were intended to be – straight out of the kitchen and into our mouths.
The best way to ensure you’re never the one being asked to leave is simple, reservation applications. OpenTable and Resy are two of the most-common reservations apps that have become two of my most-used apps. Not only do they make the reservation process easy and dare I say enjoyable (say goodbye to long hold times), they’re the best way to learn what the restaurant’s vaccination policy is.

If the restaurant has done its due diligence, its profile within the app will have all of the information you need in order to make the best decision for you and your party. You have the option to reserve a table inside or out, perhaps in an igloo, and you can book days, weeks, and even a month or two in advance. I recommend making accounts with both services as restaurants are typically available on one or the other, not both.
In Philadelphia it’s simple: Proof of vaccination is required to eat indoors. But it’s not so cut and dried when dining in the suburbs. No matter what side of the table you sit on, do yourself a favor and check the reservation apps to ensure yourself and your party the best possible dining experience.
No one wants to be a part of the group that gets asked to leave, but if you are, I’ll have an extra taco for you.
Robert Spinrad lives with his wife and dog in Glenside and writes about technology. You can find him on Twitter @robertlspinrad.

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