4 Charles Prime Rib

Getting a table at 4 Charles Prime Rib feels like trying to score tickets to a secret show. This intimate West Village supper club, hidden away on a charming cobblestone street, has become one of NYC's most coveted dining reservations. With just 60 seats and a loyal following that includes celebrities and food industry insiders, tables disappear faster than you can say "dry-aged."

But here's the thing about impossible reservations: they're usually only impossible if you don't know the system. 4 Charles releases tables exactly 20 days in advance at 9 AM sharp, and once you understand the rhythm, you're already ahead of 90% of hopefuls hitting refresh at random times.

The Restaurant

Step inside 4 Charles Prime Rib and you're transported to a bygone era of Manhattan glamour. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over dark wood-paneled walls lined with vintage paintings, while plush leather banquettes invite intimate conversations over perfectly crafted cocktails. This isn't just dinner—it's theater.

The restaurant is the brainchild of the Hogsalt Hospitality group, the Chicago-based team behind acclaimed spots like Au Cheval and Girl & Goat. When they decided to bring their magic to New York in 2016, they chose this intimate West Village corner to create something special: a late-night supper club that feels both nostalgic and completely current.

The space itself has history—it previously housed the beloved restaurant Bright Food Shop for over two decades. But where Bright was casual and neighborly, 4 Charles is unabashedly luxurious. The 1920s-inspired design, complete with a marble raw bar and intimate booths perfect for date nights, creates an atmosphere that's equal parts speakeasy and steakhouse.

What makes 4 Charles particularly special is its commitment to the supper club experience. They serve dinner until 2 AM on weekends, making it a favorite among industry professionals who finish their shifts at other restaurants and want somewhere sophisticated to unwind. It's not uncommon to spot chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants grabbing a late-night burger and cocktail here.

What to Order

The menu at 4 Charles centers around one thing: exceptional beef. The signature prime rib, dry-aged for 28 days, is carved tableside and served with classic accompaniments like creamed spinach and horseradish cream. But don't overlook what many consider the restaurant's secret weapon: the cheeseburger.

This isn't your typical bar burger. Made with a proprietary blend of aged beef, it's been called one of NYC's best by food critics and Instagram influencers alike. The patty is thick and juicy, topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a perfectly toasted bun. At $28, it's not cheap, but regulars swear it's worth every penny.

The Chicago-cut ribeye is another standout, a thick bone-in steak that showcases the kitchen's skill with high-end cuts. For those looking to splurge, the dry-aged porterhouse for two is a showstopper that arrives with all the ceremony befitting its $140 price tag.

Start with the shrimp cocktail—massive prawns served with a cocktail sauce that has just the right amount of horseradish bite. The Caesar salad, prepared tableside, adds to the old-school supper club experience. And don't skip dessert; the chocolate cake is legendary among regulars.

The Drop Time

Here's where things get technical. 4 Charles releases new reservation dates exactly 20 days in advance at 9:00 AM Eastern Time. This means if you want a table on Friday, January 10th, you need to be ready to book at 9 AM on December 21st.

The system is precise and unforgiving. At 8:59 AM, you'll see no availability for your target date. At exactly 9:00 AM, all the tables for that day appear simultaneously. By 9:05 AM, prime time slots (7-9 PM) are typically gone for weekends.

Unlike some restaurants that release tables throughout the week, 4 Charles does this once per day, every day. The good news? If you miss Monday's drop, you can try again Tuesday for the next day's availability.

What the Internet Says

The reservation game at 4 Charles has spawned its own subculture of strategies and war stories on social media. On Reddit's r/FoodNYC, user @NYCEater2023 shared their method: "I set three alarms for 8:57, 8:58, and 8:59. I'm logged into Resy on both my phone and laptop. The second it hits 9:00, I'm clicking refresh every two seconds until the dates appear."

Another Redditor, @WestVillageLocal, revealed: "Tuesday and Wednesday nights are your best bet. I've gotten same-week reservations for those days by checking for cancellations around 3 PM when people are making dinner decisions."

On Twitter, food writer @ManhattanEats noted: "The bar seats at 4 Charles are easier to snag and you get the exact same menu. Plus, you can sometimes walk in for the bar if you're willing to wait."

A particularly helpful tip came from @ReservationHacker: "They do honor their 15-minute grace period rule, so if someone's late, tables get released. I've scored last-minute weekend spots by calling at 7:15 PM."

Pro Tips

• Be ready at 8:59 AM: Have Resy open on multiple devices. The exact second matters.
• Consider off-peak times: 5:30 PM and 10:30 PM slots are easier to get and the experience is identical.
• Bar seating strategy: The bar serves the full menu and often has same-day availability.
• Tuesday/Wednesday advantage: These are the easiest nights to book, especially in winter months.
• Cancellation hunting: Check around 3 PM daily for last-minute openings as people change plans.
• Party size flexibility: Tables for 2 are most competitive; parties of 4+ sometimes have better luck.
• Holiday planning: Book holiday period tables 20 days out religiously—these sell out in under 2 minutes.
• Account prep: Make sure your Resy account is fully set up with payment info to avoid delays during booking.

Remember, there's a $5 per person reservation fee, and they have a strict no-reduction policy—if your party shrinks, you'll pay a $50 per person fee. Plan your guest list carefully.

Or Let Mise Handle It

If the thought of setting multiple alarms and refresh-clicking your way through 9 AM drops sounds exhausting, there's a better way. Mise specializes in securing reservations at exactly these kinds of impossible-to-book restaurants. Our automated system monitors reservation availability 24/7, knows the exact timing patterns, and can secure your table without you having to wake up early or stress about clicking at the perfect moment.

While you're sleeping in on Saturday morning, Mise is already working on your Friday night dinner plans for next month. Sometimes the best reservation strategy is simply having the right technology on your side.