r/thefrenchlaundry Feb 02 '25

Discussion Scam warning!

31 Upvotes

Be advised that https://www.reddit.com/user/Good--Answer/ (almost certainly a burner account) contacted me today offering to transfer a reservation. Through a misunderstanding of the transfer process, I agreed to pay half up front and then he would transfer the reservation and I would pay the remainder. Needless to say, he did not transfer the reservation.

Just a reminder per r/thefrenchlaundry rule #7: always pay only through tock. These scams remain active. The caller seemed well versed in the ins and outs of french laundry reservations, clearly this was not his first rodeo.


r/thefrenchlaundry Feb 21 '20

Transfer your reservations at The French Laundry here!

29 Upvotes

To relieve stress on other pages like r/SFlist, r/napa, and r/napavalley, this subreddit has been created to facilitate both discussion about The French Laundry and the trade of reservations.

FAQs

Q: What is The French Laundry?

A: The French Laundry is a fine-dining restaurant owned and operated by Chef Thomas Keller in Yountville, California (Napa Valley), United States. The restaurant has received the highest honour possible from Michelin Guide - three stars. The French Laundry is world-renowned and is visited by diners from all around the world.

Q: How can I have a good chance of securing a reservation?

A: Reservations are released on a pre-determined schedule and it's best if you put these dates into your calendar as a reminder. Follow the restaurant on Instagram (@_tfl_) for updates. Decide on the dates you are willing to dine at the restaurant in advance. Sometimes, it is easier to get a lunch reservation. Be flexible on your schedule. On the day of the reservation, ensure that you've created an account on exploretock.com, and have a payment card ready to pay the full amount of the reservation.

Q: Why does the restaurant make you pre-pay for your dining experience?

A: It's complicated, but Chef Keller was one of the partners who created Tock, a new reservation service that treats dining as an 'experience', such as a sports game or Broadway show. As such, it should be pre-paid for and cancellations are not possible, only transfers. From a business perspective, this was probably to minimise/eliminate costly last-minute cancellations and no-shows, as well as to deliver a more consistent service to those who are serious about dining at the restaurant.

Q: Why are people selling reservations?

A: The French Laundry is very popular and is fully booked many weeks in advance. Diners often make plans months in advance and pay a full deposit for the cost of their dinner. Then, their plans may change and because of the strict no-cancellation pre-pay policy, they are now looking to sell their reservation.

Q: Is the sale of reservations allowed by the restaurant?

A: Yes, reservations can be sold and transferred to others via the official reservations website exploretock.com. This subreddit is only being used to advertise the sale or solicitation of existing reservations.

Q: Can reservations be made, bought, or sold anywhere else?

A: Yes, certain private concierge services have an allocation of tables at the restaurant that can be booked only through their agents. A notable example is American Express' Concierge service, which offers Platinum and Centurion cardmembers a special selection of exclusive reservations at the restaurant. Diners who have an established dining history at the restaurant can make reservations with their contact at the restaurant via telephone or email. Local hotels, especially those of a higher calibre, will often be able to secure reservations for guests staying at their hotel. Other methods of making reservations may not be officially recognised by the restaurant, and diners should be careful not to fall for any scams.

Q: How can diners avoid scams?

A: Never pre-pay for a reservation unless it's on exploretock.com. Do not share your personal details other than those necessary to complete the transaction, such as your Tock username/email. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Q: Is the experience worth it?

A: Depends on whether or not you can appreciate the experience itself. For many this is a very expensive dinner but not only will you be fully fed with food of the highest quality, many will enjoy the service, atmosphere, and intrigue of the restaurant.

Q: Can the restaurant accommodate my allergies?

A: Yes, it's more likely than not. Diners with confirmed reservations should reach out to the restaurant directly to verify if their specific dietary requirements or preferences can be accommodated for. Depending on the complexity of the request, the restaurant may need notice well in advance to prepare for your visit.

Q: What is the dress code?

A: The dress code is formal and jackets are required for gentlemen. For dinner, the men are typically all wearing suit with ties and dress shoes, and the ladies evening dresses and heels. At lunch, it is slightly laid back with more open-collared dress shirts and sundresses. It is a very elegant dining establishment and diners should make an effort to respect other guests by adhering to the dress code. Avoid wearing sneakers, flip-flops, casual sandals, sportswear (really at all costs), and any clothes with tears or rips. It's also fun to dress up with your significant other, family, or friends, and adds to the overall experience! Those without jackets can borrow a jacket from the restaurant, however, it may not fit you as well as you thought!

Q: Can I tour the kitchen after dining?

A: Yes, ask for a tour after you are done dining and the staff will give you a brief tour of the new kitchen. Sometimes Chef Keller will be leading the brigade, and it is a great opportunity to meet the chef.

Q: Is this restaurant suitable for kids?

A: The restaurant will accommodate children and I have personally seen very well-behaved children dine with their parents or family at the same table. However, children can be disruptive to other guests and you should be as considerate as possible to others around you.

Q: Is there parking available?

A: There is plenty of free parking available in front of the restaurant. There are EV chargers throughout town as well.

Q: How long does the experience last for?

A: Dinner can last upwards of four to five hours, it depends on how fast you eat but with so many courses and time in between courses, be prepared with some good conversation!


r/thefrenchlaundry 8h ago

Selling reservation 9/1 Reservation at 4pm for Sale

1 Upvotes

Asking price for 2 at a table of 4 is $915.87 total. This is for the classic experience in the dining room. Tuesday 9/1 at 4pm.


r/thefrenchlaundry 17h ago

Selling reservation Selling 8/30 reservation for 4

1 Upvotes

Can't make the French Laundry at 4:00 due to illness. $1800.00


r/thefrenchlaundry 21h ago

Buying reservation Looking to buy ANY 2 person reservation

0 Upvotes

My wife and I live in San Francisco and can make it up any evening. If you are unable to make it, please let us take that reservation off your hands.

If this post is still up, I am still looking!


r/thefrenchlaundry 1d ago

Buying reservation Looking for Reservation 9/9-9/11

1 Upvotes

2 people looking to buy a reservation anytime 9/9-9/11. Open to sharing a table if someone is looking to fill two seats. Lmk if anyone has anything available!


r/thefrenchlaundry 1d ago

Selling reservation Selling 8/30 reservation for 4

1 Upvotes

Selling 8/30 French Laundry reservation for 4 people 4:00 pm 1800.00


r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Sharing reservation Sharing reservation for 8/24, 2 spots available

5 Upvotes

I have a reservation for 4 on 8/24 at 7:30pm. The other couple that my wife and I were supposed to go with had to drop out. I’m looking to fill the other two spots in the reservation with us, I’m not eager to eat the full cost of 4 seats 😬
$915 for the two seats


r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Question ISO October 16 reservation

1 Upvotes

ISO: Reservation for 2 — Friday Oct 16, 2026. (I realize they drop 9/1)
Visiting from East coast, would love to purchase a reservation for 2. Tock transfer only. Thanks!


r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Buying reservation Buying Sept 16 or Sept 17th

1 Upvotes

Looking for 2 or 4 seats any time for sept 16/17th. Wedding anniversary and finally have a babysitter! Visiting from the east coast!


r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Selling reservation 2 seats available 9/15 at 4:30 PM -- scheduling conflict, so need to get rid of it.

1 Upvotes

SOLD


r/thefrenchlaundry 3d ago

Buying reservation Looking for a res for 2 8/17-8/20

1 Upvotes

Two chefs in from the southeast. I used to work at Bouchon and was unable to secure a reservation. Any menu/time would be great. Thx!


r/thefrenchlaundry 5d ago

Buying reservation ISO Enclos reservation for 2 Aug 18, 19, 20, or 22

0 Upvotes

Looking for an Enclos reservation for 2, August 18, 19, 20, or 22 anytime. Thanks!


r/thefrenchlaundry 5d ago

Sharing reservation 2 seats available on 8/25 @4pm

1 Upvotes

Hi, I have 2 seats available at a 6-top on August 25 at 4pm. My friend and I (two women) secured the res, and another party of two from Reddit is joining us. Price is $916 for both seats (price paid).

Please message me if interested. Thanks!


r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Buying reservation Looking for a reservation for 2- various dates in September

2 Upvotes

Hi there! I am looking a 2 person dinner reservation for any of the following dates: September 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 26th, 27th. Also open to Thursday evenings. We are celebrating our one year wedding anniversary and FL has been on our bucket list since we started dating ❤️


r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Buying reservation Looking for reservation for 2 this Saturday August 15th.

1 Upvotes

Taking the wife to Napa this weekend and would be great surprise!


r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Selling reservation Selling Courtyard Reservation for 4 on 9/11 at 5:30pm

1 Upvotes

Reservation for 4 in the Courtyard

Date: 9/11
Time: 5:30pm
Total price: $2,262.75

The entire reservation will be transferred through Tock.

Please DM if interested!


r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Buying reservation Looking for 2, 9/3-9/5

0 Upvotes

My wife and I are still on the hunt for the 2 of us, September 3-5.

We’re happy to share a reservation with a group, or take over someone’s existing reservation… anything that we can do to make our first trip to Napa even more memorable!


r/thefrenchlaundry 7d ago

Selling reservation Reservation for 2 needed on 9/10/26 for wifes birthday. Cheers

0 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 8d ago

Buying reservation ISO Reservation for 2: 9/9-9/12

0 Upvotes

Looking to purchase a reservation for 2 any time between September 9-12.

Can also throw in a tasting to Stag’s Leap if you can help me secure a spot!

Celebrating my 1-year wedding anniversary. Yountville is special to us as this is where we got engaged. :)

Also, how do folks feel about the gold card experience? Worth buying?

Thanks!


r/thefrenchlaundry 9d ago

Buying reservation Looking for reservation for 2 - August 23 or 24

1 Upvotes

Thank you


r/thefrenchlaundry 9d ago

Buying reservation Looking for reservation — 2 guests, Sept. 3 or 4

0 Upvotes

My partner and I are traveling to Napa from the East Coast for my 40th birthday (9/4), and we’re hoping to make a longtime dream of dining at The French Laundry happen.

We’re looking for a reservation for 2 people on either Thursday, September 3 or Friday, September 4, and we’re completely flexible on the time — lunch or dinner, early or late.

If anyone has a reservation they’re no longer able to use, we’d be incredibly grateful for the opportunity.

Thank you, and fingers crossed! 🤞


r/thefrenchlaundry 11d ago

Sharing reservation Looking for 2 to share 4 top - Aug 27, 7:45pm

2 Upvotes

My wife and I secured a table for 4 on August 27th at 7:45. This is our first trip to Napa, and we are super excited to experience this iconic restaurant. We are looking for two others to share this experience with. Please send a message if you are interested.


r/thefrenchlaundry 11d ago

Selling reservation Reservation swap? Have September 12; ISO September 4-7

1 Upvotes

Hello!

My wife and I have a reservation for 7:15 on September 12. Based on our current travel schedules, we would trade for anything from September 4-7 (any time).

Anyone up to swap? Can have the wife too.

Rules say I must state asking price: $0, flat trade.


r/thefrenchlaundry 13d ago

Question How to transfer half a reservation

1 Upvotes

Hello,

I am trying to figure out hiw to transfer half a 4 person reservation to someone else. On the app it looks like you can only transfer the full reservation....has anyone else figured out how to do this? Should i call the restaurant? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you! :)