Dress Codes -- What Do You Think

OK, it seems that I stumbled on a bit of a "hot button" on Dress Codes in restaurants being too laxed. This is just for curiosity sake. I'm really interested in what the general conscience of opinion is, and why. I am going to ask that if you respond to the poll, please take the time to explain your position. For the record, I'm not going to reply to my own poll, although I may offer a reply to those who do, if I feel it's necessary.

Thanks, in advance.

Well, Bill I assume the poll is about diners, but my bug-a-boo is with servers. I do not want to see their navels, nor their navel jewelry when I'm dining. So I think that server dres codes are way too lax in a couple of moderately priced places in town.

However, I really do enjoy getting dressed up every now and then for a nice dinner out and I think that it actually enhaces the dining experience. It just makes the evening more civilized.

We went on a cruise last summer and loved getting all dolled up in formal wear. And hubby looks fab in a white dinner jacket!

just right for me

Well, Bill I assume the poll is about diners, but my bug-a-boo is with servers.

For the record, this can go for servers as well as diners. It's not limited at all....

Thanks for the assist on clarification, Leah.

to each his own, man

I think it all depends on where you are dining....the wife and I dined at 3rd Ave. last Monday evening and our server was in jeans & a T-shirt. I would expect that for 3rd avenue, but not for say, Jack Fry's. I believe my dear Mother-In-Law, LeahS, expressed her shock of what she saw a few weeks back. We recently switched our lunch servers from jeans to Khaki pants and have been very pleased by the feedback we've received from our guests.

As far as our guests, I received a far amount of calls asking about our dress code. Other than the "no shoes, no shirt, no service"(say it with me movie buffs...."no dice!") rule, we don't have a formal policy for our guests. I love it when I see one of our tables with a couple dressed in shorts and tennis shoes and they very next table a couple dressed "to the 9's". I guess it means all kinds of people feel welcome and comfortable at our restaurant. And that's a good thing!

I think it depends on the time of day or what meal one is eating. Yes, the restaurant style / atmosphere can and does dictate what or how I dress. Pretty much a no brainer.

Les, I'd feel comfortable in nice shorts & tennis shoes for lunch at Cafe Emilie, but I'd definitly dress up a little more for dinner.

I do venture into some establishments where I have seen patrons totally underdressed. It has created a awkward feeling for me. As far as staff goes, I honestly think that professionalism should be the rule of thumb, again the venue style does effect that.

Did this make any sense??...

I think it depends on the time of day or what meal one is eating. Yes, the restaurant style / atmosphere can and does dictate what or how I dress. Pretty much a no brainer.

Les, I'd feel comfortable in nice shorts & tennis shoes for lunch at Cafe Emilie, but I'd definitly dress up a little more for dinner.

I do venture into some establishments where I have seen patrons totally underdressed. It has created a awkward feeling for me. As far as staff goes, I honestly think that professionalism should be the rule of thumb, again the venue style does effect that.

Did this make any sense??...

Sara, yes it does.....and is very well stated. Thanks!

As long as a dress code isn't posted at the door. It is that persons business what they choose to wear in my opinion. It may be tacky to other's but it is there choice.

I am simply amazed that someone would feel comfortable walking into the Oakroom in shorts even if the "dress code" is not posted at the door.

Some people just march to the beat of their own drummer. Also tourists that are staying at the hotel have probably never heard of the Oakroom. I wouldn't wear shorts there but too each his/her own.

The enjoyment of my meal has never been affected by the way people dress. The way people act, yes! We just returned from 2 weeks in Austria. I really wanted to attend the Mozart dinner in the Stiftskellar, but they had a jacket/tie rule for men. We packed in carryon luggage with primarily hiking clothes. No WAY would we pack dresses and sport jackets for Europe!

OK, it seems that I stumbled on a bit of a "hot button" on Dress Codes in restaurants being too laxed. This is just for curiosity sake. I'm really interested in what the general conscience of opinion is, and why. I am going to ask that if you respond to the poll, please take the time to explain your position. For the record, I'm not going to reply to my own poll, although I may offer a reply to those who do, if I feel it's necessary.

Thanks, in advance.

While I do not enforce any "code" per se, I can say that dudes in wife-beaters and flip flops do make me question my demographic a bit. On a lighter note, Friday is Hawaiian shirt night at my place and I encourage my staff and guests to indulge in it (though I still have yet to find one that works for me as most are just plain ugly).........hell, just clean fun!

I've never been a fan of dress codes in any form.

But I'd never advocate going to an extra fancy restaurant in shorts and a t-shirt. Typically I just tend to shy away from establishments where dress codes are important. Getting dressed up to eat a tasty meal just isn't my thing, and there are plenty of places where fabulous and delicious meals may be enjoyed without having to specially dress for it.

No WAY would we pack dresses and sport jackets for Europe!

Why not? I recently spent two weeks in France, and it was no hardship to bring one blazer and a pair of nice pants. They came in handy whenever we wanted to eat somewhere nice.