With the rise in population, you can no longer waltz into a popular Austin restaurant and expect to be seated ASAP or even in 15 minutes. You may wait months for your reservation at any of these popular establishments. Here are our picks for the most sought-after reservations in Austin. If you “know a guy,” hold on tight. The lines are only getting longer.

Aba

Mezze-style dining captures the essence of Mediterranean hospitality at Aba. From the moment you enter, you’re transported to a world of shared plates and culinary exploration. The restaurant’s carefully curated wine and spirits program showcases rare Mediterranean vintages, offering unique pairings for your dining journey. Don’t miss the most talked about whipped feta on the menu! 1011 S. Congress Ave., Bldg. 2, Ste. 180, abarestaurants.com/austin

Bureau de Poste

Located in the former historic post office building in Hyde Park, the Bureau de Poste inside reservations is a hot commodity. In the colder months, you can snag a table outside but have your notifications on for an available reservation inside. 4300 Speedway, Ste. 100, bureaudeposteatx.com

Food spread at Nomade Cocina. Photo by JayHuang

Nomade Cocina

This new gluten-free kitchen is trendy right now. With multiple seating areas, reservations depend on which part of the property you want to be on, but all are hard to acquire. Weekend reservations may have you eating before 4:15 p.m., or after 9:30 p.m. Walk-ins are your best bet while having a drink at the bar while you wait. 1506 S. 1st St., nomadecocina.com

Food prep at Otoko. Photo by Andrew Reiner

Otoko

Reservations are released on the first of the month and are part of a rolling three-month period, with new reservations released on the first of the year. With only twelve seats in the restaurant, you are paying for much more than a meal; you’re paying for an exclusive show. (Pro Tip: Not all Omasake is created equal. At Otoko, they have a variety of options to choose from, as well as a Japanese cocktail bar.) 1603 S. Congress Ave., otokoaustin.com

Pasta Bar

Reservations are released on the first of the month at noon for the following month. The only reservations available before February are at 5 p.m. or at 9:30 p.m. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 4:30 to 10 p.m. open reservations are rare. (Pro Tip: Get there early. There is a fabulous reverse speakeasy-type bar with a very talented barkeep that makes the start of the night even more fun.) 1017 E. 6th St., exploretock.com/pastabaraustin

Suerte

You can get a reservation for up to eight people, but it must be booked a month in advance for prime meal times. There is some availability outside in the colder months, but if you want to be inside, you will have to eat after 9:30 p.m. most nights. Suerte has gained heat. 1800 E. 6th St., suerteatx.com

Tsuke Edomae

Reservations are required, but be ready to plan months in advance. Reservations for Jan. 1st through May 1st are all released on Dec. 31 at 9 a.m., but expect them to fill up quickly. This 21-course meal is a hot commodity and worth the wait! 4600 Mueller Blvd., #1035, tsukeedo.com

Uchiba

If you want a reservation less than three weeks in advance, you can choose between eating at 4:15 or 9:30 p.m. There is some availability on the patio or at the sushi bar at more ideal times. Uchiba also offers limited walk-ins, so you can always take your chances. (Pro tip: Put your name in and walk across the street to any of The Proper’s many bars for a drink while you wait.) 601 W. 2nd St., uchiba.uchirestaurants.com