Let’s be real for a second. Trying to snag a table at 4 Charles Prime Rib is basically the culinary equivalent of winning the lottery while getting struck by lightning. It’s a tiny, wood-paneled "speakeasy" in the West Village that feels like a private club where you aren't invited. Brendan Sodikoff’s Hogsalt Hospitality team designed it to be exclusive, sure, but the sheer math of the place is what kills you. There are only about ten tables. Maybe thirty-something seats in total if you count the leather booths and the tiny bar. Everyone wants that English Cut prime rib or the American cheeseburger that rivals the one at Au Cheval, but there just isn't enough physical space for the thousands of people hovering over their phones every morning.
You’ve probably sat there at 9:00 AM, refreshing Resy like a maniac, only to see everything turn gray in three seconds. It's frustrating. It feels rigged. Honestly, it kind of is, because the regulars and the "Friends of the Family" list get first dibs before the public ever sees a slot. But if you want to know how to get a 4 Charles reservation in 2026, you have to stop playing the game like a tourist and start playing it like a local who knows the system. It isn't just about speed; it's about strategy, timing, and a little bit of social engineering.
The Resy Math and Why You’re Failing
Most people think reservations open at midnight. They don't. At 4 Charles, the books typically open 21 days in advance at 9:00 AM sharp on Resy. If you are clicking at 9:01 AM, you have already lost. You’re competing against bots—yes, people actually code scripts for this—and the thousands of New Yorkers who have their credit card info pre-saved.
Speed matters. Use the Resy app, not the website. Make sure your payment info is updated and that you’ve already selected your "primary" card. If you have to type in a CVV code, the table will be gone before you hit the third digit. Also, aim for weird times. Everyone wants 7:30 PM on a Friday. Forget it. Aim for 5:00 PM on a Tuesday or 10:45 PM on a Monday. The late-night vibe at 4 Charles is actually better anyway. The lights are lower, the jazz feels right, and you’re more likely to actually get through the digital gate.
The Power of the Notify Button
Don't ignore the "Notify" feature. It’s not just a black hole of hope. People cancel last minute all the time because life happens, or they realize they can't actually make a 10:30 PM dinner on a school night. When you set a notification, don't just set it for the specific hour you want. Set it for the entire evening.
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When that notification pops up on your phone, you have roughly 1.5 seconds to tap it and confirm. If you stop to ask your partner, "Hey, does 9:15 work?" the table is gone. You book first and ask questions later. You can always cancel a few minutes later if it really doesn't work, but hesitation is the enemy here.
Walking In is Actually a Thing
Wait, can you really just walk into the most exclusive spot in the West Village? Sort of. 4 Charles keeps a very small number of seats—usually at the bar—for walk-ins, but "walking in" doesn't mean showing up at 7:00 PM and asking for a seat. It means showing up at 4:30 PM, thirty minutes before they open, and standing by the door.
If you are the first or second person in line when the clock strikes 5:00 PM, you have a very high chance of snagging a bar seat. The bar offers the full menu. You can get the prime rib, the creamed spinach, and that ridiculous chocolate cake right there while chatting with the bartender. It’s arguably a better experience than being squeezed into one of the tighter booths.
Leveraging Your Credit Card Perks
If you carry a high-end credit card, use the concierge. Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders have access to the Global Dining Network through Resy (since Amex owns Resy). While 4 Charles doesn't always "hold" tables for Amex in the traditional sense, the concierge often has a direct line to the house or knows exactly when cancellations hit the system. It’s worth a 10-minute phone call to see if they can pull a rabbit out of a hat. Sometimes they have "held" inventory for premium cardholders that doesn't show up on the standard search.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Waitlist
There is an "in-person" waitlist that starts once the restaurant opens for the night. If you show up at 6:00 PM and they tell you it’s a four-hour wait, take the wait. Go get a drink at The Beatrice Inn or Katana Kitten nearby. 4 Charles is famous for calling people back. Many diners put their names on the list and then give up or go somewhere else. If you stay in the neighborhood and remain "on call," you might get a text at 9:00 PM saying your table is ready.
Also, be nice to the host. This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people act like entitled jerks because they can't get a table. The hosts at 4 Charles have a lot of power. If you’re kind, patient, and maybe mention it’s a special occasion without being weird about it, they are much more likely to squeeze you in if a party doesn't show up.
The "Lunch" and Brunch Secret
Occasionally, 4 Charles experiments with weekend lunch or brunch hours. These are significantly easier to book than dinner. The menu is largely the same—you can still get the burger and the prime rib—but the frenzy is dialed down just a notch. Check the Resy calendar specifically for Saturday and Sunday afternoons. It might not have the "midnight in Paris" vibe of the late-night service, but the food tastes exactly the same at 1:00 PM as it does at 11:00 PM.
Is the Hype Actually Real?
Is it worth this much effort? Honestly, yeah. The 4 Charles Prime Rib is different because they salt-crust it and slow-roast it for 12 hours. It’s not just a steak; it’s an event. The French Dip is arguably the best in the city, served with a side of au jus that is so rich it’s basically a dessert.
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But you have to manage your expectations. It’s loud. It’s dark. It’s expensive. You are paying for the atmosphere and the exclusivity as much as the beef. If you go in expecting a quiet, romantic evening, you might be disappointed by the proximity of the table next to you. But if you want a high-energy, classic NYC "moment," this is it.
The Strategy Recap for Success
If you're serious about getting in, you need a multi-pronged attack. You can't just hope for the best.
- Synch your clock: Make sure your phone time is perfectly synced. Open the Resy app at 8:59:55 AM.
- The 21-Day Rule: Mark your calendar for exactly three weeks out from your desired date.
- Solo Dining: It is infinitely easier to get a seat for one. If you’re a solo traveler or just a local foodie, your odds of getting a bar stool go up by 400%.
- Late Night Wins: 10:30 PM and 10:45 PM slots are the most common "scraps" left over. Take them. The kitchen stays open late.
- Email the Restaurant: For parties of 5 or 6, don't even bother with Resy. The restaurant handles larger groups via email. Be professional, be flexible with your dates, and be prepared to pay a deposit.
Actionable Next Steps
To actually get a table within the next month, here is what you do tonight. Log into your Resy account and verify your phone number and credit card. Set "Notify" alerts for every single day of the week for the next three weeks. Don't just pick one night. Pick them all. When the notification hits, don't think—just click. If you haven't snagged a spot within two weeks of doing this, head to the West Village on a Tuesday afternoon at 4:40 PM and wait by the door. You’ll be eating prime rib by 5:15 PM.
The system is a grind, but it’s a beatable one. Most people give up after the first time they see "Sold Out." If you stay persistent with the 9:00 AM refreshes and the walk-in strategy, you’ll eventually find yourself sitting in one of those leather booths with a martini in hand.