What's the difference between making reservations for a restaurant and the concept of "Call Ahead Seating"?

Sometimes on restaurant reviews there are comments about "Reservations" and Call Ahead "Seating". Sometimes a place can have one and not the other.



What's the real difference?What's the difference between making reservations for a restaurant and the concept of "Call Ahead Seating"?
A reservation is when you call and have a table set aside for you.



Call-ahead seating is when you call before you leave for the restaurant and put your name on the waiting list, or inquire as to whether you'd be able to be seated if you came.



In other words, a reservation is (ideally) a sure thing; call-ahead seating just increases the chances that you'll be seated faster, or, if the line isn't long, confirms that you'd be able to get seated when you arrive.What's the difference between making reservations for a restaurant and the concept of "Call Ahead Seating"?
You can reserve a specific table (e.g by the stage), but call ahead would seat you anyplace in the establishment.

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