Blue Duck Tavern immediately saw their reservation rate quadruple. (Photo by Samantha)

They were already some of the most coveted seats in town. Good luck now.

D.C.’s food scene is still buzzing from the Oct. 13 release of Michelin’s dining guide, which this year made Washington just the fourth American city to receive recognition. A total of 12 restaurants were awarded coveted stars, and many wasted no time expressing their excitement.

“This is amazing validation of what we’re doing at Masseria, which is something fairly edgy and new. It just goes to show that Michelin is young at heart,” said Chef Nicholas Stefanelli, referring to his unique menu focusing on the Puglia region of southern Italy.

Renowned restaurateur, José Andrés, expressed excitement for both his restaurant, Minibar, and the city overall, saying “today, my team and I have earned two stars, and I am proud to be showing the world what an incredible culinary destination we have here in D.C.”

Earning two, or even a single star, from the Michelin guide is no small task. Any establishment earning this level of recognition becomes a must-visit for avid diners, and some are known to travel simply for a meal at a starred restaurant. It also means the number of patrons jockeying for seats escalates overnight.

Chef Ralf Schlegel, who helms the kitchen at Plume, said they “saw an immediate jump after the announcement, when 20 people called for a table, and reservations are continuing to roll in.” Plume’s director of marketing and communications, Meredith Goldberg, added that “our website saw almost a 400 percent increase in traffic [on the day of the announcement], which is pretty incredible.”

The same thing is happening at Blue Duck Tavern, where general manager Joseph Cerione says reservations immediately spiked to four times the average rate. Packed tables have been congratulating the restaurant and diners are even taking pictures with the chef.

The receipt of a star, as well as Blue Duck’s distinct situation as a restaurant serving all three meals, seems to be serving the establishment well.

“I think we are in a unique position being one of three named restaurants that offers lunch service and the only restaurant that offers breakfast,” says Cerione. “I don’t know too many people can say they’ve had a Michelin Star breakfast and I think ours definitely lives up to this caliber!”

Washington’s is the 29th edition of the Michelin guide. Three restaurants, including Minibar, received two stars, while the remainder received one. Another 19 restaurants were also lauded for well-executed and reasonably priced meals in the Bib Gourmand release earlier this month.

Coupled with Bon Appétit naming D.C. the restaurant city of the year, the nation’s capital is finally shucking its reputation for unimaginative steakhouses—and we can’t get reservations anywhere to prove it.