Overblown. Or, there are several layers to what constitutes a "hot" restaurant. Here in Chicago, tickets are required for Next and Alinea, and a reservation is usually required for The Aviary (bar). Those places might be difficult to get into on short notice, but many aren't. Girl & The Goat has been perpetually hot since it opened 3 or 4 years ago (OpenTable says the next available tables are in mid-July), but you can still walk in and eat at the bar tonight.