I use it when it's available for regular non-special meals. It's easier than calling a restaurant and ask for availability in 15-minute increments. However, I found that some restaurants just do not answer their phones now because they use Open Table for reservations. Makes one wonder why they bother to have a phone at all.

When booking with Open Table and having someone in your party with food allergies or other special requirements, there is a nice section that you can put your request in. My peeve is that many restaurants either do not read that note or just can't be bothered to call you back and confirm. It's even more aggravating to call their number, have no one answer and not even know if they are able to accommodate your requirements. I also had the inverse happen where upon speaking to a real person on the other end of the phone and receive a verbal confirmation, to have it tossed out the window upon arrival at that restaurant because the person "forgot to enter it in the system".