If you find a restaurant through a listing in the phone book, a local tourist magazine, or from an online service like Yelp, don’t rush out the door. Call first.
Things change. Call the restaurant and ask about their hours, parking situation, whether they require reservations — anything. What you’re really doing is confirming that they’re still in business. It’s no fun to choose a restaurant in an unfamiliar city, make the effort to get there, and then find out it no longer exists. This can be especially frustrating if you had to take a cab to get there!
Calling ahead will give you crucial information. Your questions — both asked and unasked — will be answered, and if necessary, you’ll have a chance to choose another restaurant before leaving your room.