The solution is a website that tracks reservations and cancellations, using them to determine when tables open up at restaurants at the last second. Even the most exclusive reservations fall through at the last minute, and this site lets you pounce on them. It’s not a new site, and it has gotten press in the past, but this information is far more authoritative than any other source. A food editor has spoken: The site works as advertised.

The Website: Rezhound.com

Sidman explains just why it’s essential: It’s a great trick for a specific type of person: the penniless Millennial hipster who nevertheless wants to have a great dinner. Sure, you sacrifice a little planning ahead, but spontaneity is fun, too. If you can’t slip the server a hundred bucks, it’s tough to enjoy landing exclusive reservations. Now you can.