‘Vanderpump Rules:’ When Is the Best Time to Dine at Tom Tom?
After a much-anticipated wait, Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurant Tom Tom is finally open to the public. The newest Vanderpump Rules spin-off restaurant features gritty steampunk decor and a menu and cocktails to match.
Doors officially opened in August, so the venue, also owned by cast members Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, has had several months to work out any kinks. Being the newest Vanderpump production, Tom Tom certainly comes with quite a few hurdles for diners. For one, the restaurant does not take reservations for parties under six. So if you are looking for a romantic table for two, prepare to wait.
Since the restaurant is hot, plan to wait quite a bit, unfortunately. A number of reviewers on Yelp commented that diners can anticipate a line that can last at least 45 minutes (or more). Hoping to avoid the crowd? Plus, wondering about any insider tips on how to maximize your experience? Yelp Community users offer some insight.
Can you skip the line if you are just going for drinks?
Most users said you’ll still have to wait in a line, even if you don’t plan to eat. “We waited 45 minutes to get a seat for drinks,” one person wrote. “We didn’t eat, but there is still a wait.” However, another person said you can still go into the restaurant if you are only having drinks. “If you are going to the bar which has minimal seating you can go right in. Keep in mind all the blue seating against the wall is reserved.”
Two other community reviewers added that if there’s a line outside the restaurant you still have to wait. “Sadly, everyone waits and they accommodate first come, first serve. Get there as they open to assure you get in fairly quickly. Lovely space, enjoy!”
Is Tom Tom loud?
Some reviewers commented that dining at Vanderpump’s other restaurant, Pump was loud. So the community wondered if the experience was similar. This community member provided the most complete answer. “Definitely seems to be some mixed answers with this question. From the opinion of someone who genuinely has a distaste for loud and obnoxious music I feel I can honestly say that Tom Toms is not that loud and I have been there up til 12am. It’s certainly a lounge/bar chill environment where you can reasonably enjoy your meal, drink and conversation with your group. Plus they do crowd control in terms of limiting amount of people inside at one time.”
However, one person wrote, “Yes. If you’re there late night. It’s a bar/lounge, it’s not quiet.” Another person breaks down the noise level. “Loud. Back area is much better. Front bar is loud.”
When is the best time to avoid the crowds?
If you want to skip the line, consider going on certain days during the week. One community member said going on Monday or Tuesday was the slowest. Another reviewer commented that Sunday was a good time to go. “I went there on a Sunday and arrived very late so it was quite slow. Just note that they close at 12am on Sundays.”
Also, come as you are to Tom Tom–no dress code required. “There was a suit and tie doorman, so I though showing up in shorts and a black t-shirt might disqualify me, but my date and I got in no problem (though we had a wait a few minutes),” one reviewer wrote. “Perhaps the fact that it was a Wednesday night at 8:30p had something to do with it, but it wasn’t a slow night. Plenty of folks there.”
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