Listing more than 1,300 restaurants in 32 regions across the United States, OpenTable lets you compare availability and reserve tables without having to risk the dreadful rebuffs of maitre d's. Unlike other online restaurant sites, you don't have to wait minutes or hours for a reply, and there's no booking fee.

Listing more than 1,300 restaurants in 32 regions across the United States, OpenTable lets you compare availability and reserve tables without having to risk the dreadful rebuffs of maitre d's. Augmented by Zagat reviews, OpenTable lets you choose by neighborhood, cuisine and price, or pick a restaurant by name. Its best feature is its real-time database -- bookings are handled immediately. Unlike other online restaurant sites, you don't have to wait minutes or hours for a reply, and there's no booking fee. OpenTable's reservation form includes a space for comments so you can alert the establishment about special occasions or dietary needs. The site requests a credit card but does not charge no-shows, though repeat no-shows can be booted off the system. A frequent-diner program awards points redeemable for "dining cheques," valid at member restaurants.