Charleston dinner wear
 

How formal do we need to be at a place like Magnolias? Do I need a sport coat?

It has been about 10 years since we've been there, but I'd say probably not, particularly in the summer.
Consider it optional.

When we went with friends who live in Charleston, he wore a blazer and khakis, and so did I at his suggestion. Same at SNOB, I think.

You don't have to, but why not?

My husband never brings a jacket or tie on vacation(it's not a vacation to him if he has to wear them). When we had dinner at Magnolia's, I remember commenting that the men were almost "uniformly" dressed in khakis and Tommy Bahama-type shirts.

The uniform of the south, everywhere except the courtroom perhaps, is khaki pants and a button-down shirt. Shoes are appreciated as well :-)

Seriously, this will get you seated at nearly any restaurant in Charleston, especially in the Summer as Orlando_Vic said.

Thanks for the prompt advice. One last thing to pack.

Hopefully you meant one LESS thing to pack!

True, one less thing to pack!