One thing I've noticed about OpenTable is that usually when I can't make a reservation through their service (e.g. when it says there are no available times left) I can still call the restaurant and be accommodated. After doing this a few times now, it's made me wonder about the value-added for the restaurant-goer as well as for the restaurant. It seems like in these situations, OpenTable is just getting in the way of the restaurant-customer relationship to the detriment of both.
this is mostly speculation, but my guess based on experience is that most places only allow opentable to book one or two tables per time slot. i've been rejected several times by a few places and instead walked in to a not particularly crowded place.
OpenTable isn't great if your goal is to go to a specific restaurant. It is very convenient if you're looking for a time slot in a particular area (e.g., before/after theater, an event, etc.) or on a particular date.
