Yelp
If you’re looking for where the locals go, Yelp is the best option. Trusted reviews by Elite Members lets you know the info is coming from real people. Pros: Yelp’s tagline is “Real People, Real Reviews” and they make sure they live up to that promise. Almost everyone has a photo and for the most part leave detailed reviews about their experiences. Cons: Sometimes legitimate reviews get sucked into the “filtered” file for some restaurants.
Zagat
This is a trusted name in the food industry that has an assortment of lists and personalized recommendations for users based off taste profiles. Pros: The site offers rankings and “Best Of” lists that can help you find a place that wouldn’t otherwise be on your radar. Cons: The reviewers for the most part are anonymous, plus a fair amount of the reviews are short one- or two-line critiques.
Urbanspoon
When you’re in a rush to find exactly what you’re looking for, this is a rather impressive categorized site that allows you to browse based off of city, cuisine, critics’ picks or pricepoints. Pros: An interactive front page is helpful for someone who’s simply browsing for a new spot to eat. Cons: Anonymous users can give any restaurant a “thumbs up or down” which alters a businesses’ ranking. The anonymity can allow fraudulent votes whether good or bad.
Open Table
Want to make sure you get a table at the hottest restaurant in town? Well, this is all about helping you find the perfect venue and getting your reservations confirmed quickly and easily. Pros: It allows users to make a reservation and book their table instantly. Cons: Other than the reservation function, the site is pretty straight-forward with a very basic design and not many other features.
