Guide To Restaurant Apps
Affiliate links may be used in this post. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure policy here
Remember when you just asked your neighbors and friends for restaurant recommendations? And we calculated the tip “in our heads?” And restaurants were concentrating on quality menus vs. social media postings?
I definitely appreciate the technology which has enabled online reservations. I even more appreciate the easy access to the reviews of other diners; I take heed. When dining out is a treat, especially at a higher end restaurant, reviews definitely enter into the decision making process particularly when trying a new restaurant.
A few of the popular restaurant apps designed to make your dining experience easier:
Restaurant Reviews
Yelp, Urbanspoon, Chowhound, Zagat, Opentable. Available as app or desktop.
All offer a peek into the restaurant. Buyers of course beware, but overall a savvy review reader will recognize when a review reads true.
Online Reservations
Opentable continues to be the gold standard and has little competition. However restaurants must pay to participate s0 that will determine if a restaurant uses Opentable.
Tabbedout
The free mobile app which allows diners to open a tab, view and pay your bill. Calculates split checks. Available on iPhone and Android.
Happy Hour Apps
Looking for coupons, specials, and happy hours? Try Drinkowl mobile app, Happy Hour Finder mobileapp
Video Reviews
Tastemade offers a video guide to cities, restaurants and recipes. Calls itself the mobile city video guide.
Take Out Restaurant Apps
Place your order online, view your bill and pick up or delivery time. Grubhub, Seamless, Eat24, Snappyeats. Availability depends upon restaurants participation.
Personal Experience
I’m a huge fan of Opentable, I love its’ ease and the ability to view the table availability at peak dining times. I’ve used the mobile order restaurant apps with varying success; sometimes it is just easier and quicker to call if the interface is not user friendly.
When deciding upon a new higher end restaurant I definitely read the reviews, throw out the highest and lowest plus the few by the customer who wants it all for nothing and is never satisfied, and average out the remainder of the reviews.