Restaurants And Clubs Are Saying Tuesday Is The New Weekend ... And I Think We Should Embrace It

The Washington Post. Getty Images.

NY Post- It was bustling on a recent night at Avra on 60th Street and Madison Avenue.

Tables were packed inside and out, the bar was three people deep and locals who popped in casually for a table without a reservation were turned away again and again.

But it wasn’t a Friday, Saturday or even a Thursday — it was Tuesday.

All around the city, restaurateurs and diners are reporting a seismic shift in the vibe on Tuesdays. What used to be a night you could easily slide into popular places with no prior booking has become a coveted slot.

With so many people working from home at least part of the week — and often spending Friday through Monday out east or upstate — restaurants are now eerily quiet on weekends. But by Tuesday, people are back in the city, back at work and ready to go out.

“I was given the Tuesday shift that nobody wanted, but it’s turned out to be the best one of the week,’’ an Avra waiter told The Post with a smile.

“A few months ago, Tuesday became the busiest night at all our restaurants,’’ explained Avra partner Stelios Tsappas. “People are now making reservations two weeks in advance. It shocked me.’’

So this story has come out that going out on the weekend has be replaced for Tuesday nights at clubs and restaurants in big time cities. It makes sense if you think about it, NYC is a dead zone on the weekends with everyone heading to the shore, the Hamptons, or various summer specific areas. Everyone hightails it out of there. Why sit in an overpriced shitty apartment when you can be in a house on the beach, or with a pool, or on a lake with your friends? There are a million different ways to cool off and none of them are by sitting in your apartment. It may be financially irresponsible to pay rent in NYC and at a summer house but hey you just cut back where you need to , like my former roommate who didn't eat lunch during the week to save money for drinks. 

I'll be honest, I kind of love this. Anyone can go out on the weekend. It's as basic as it gets. Having a great weeknight is a game changer. A nice meal, few drinks, breaks up the week, makes you hate your job in the cube less, it's terrific. And think back to times in college, or your hometown bar if you didn't go away to school. Monday wing night specials, Taco Tuesdays or two for Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays. Weeknights ruled in college. Or in your hometown you knew the guy or girl behind the bar on a Wednesday and before you knew it you were out til 2am having a blast. 

Think of all the positives, the bars are less crowded, there's less pressure to look your Sunday best. People seem to be in a better mood. Weeknights rule, and weekends are for the birds. I just need to get official confirmation from known club expert Smacky Jables (aka Jackie Tables) if he agrees, then I will know for sure weekends are dead.