judyjp52

The last time I was in New York it didn't seem like folks were dressing up for the theater or dinner. I am going next week with my 21 year old daughter to celebrate her birthday. Since it's going to be so cold, I want us to be able to bundle up and that does not always mean our best attire. What is appropriate these days? We have reservations at The River Club, Payard, and Balthazar.

doug_stallings

Both The River Club and Payard are moderately dressy, though neither requires a jacket or tie for men. But you won't feel out of place if you do wear your best. Balthazar gets a mixed kind of crowd (though mostly tourists these days), so it's a bit less dressy. This is the kind of place Brad Pitt would have gone in jeans and a $1,200 Prada cashmere sweater back in the day ... maybe a casual sports coat if it was chillier. But you'll still see some folks more dressed than others, especially at dinner, though you will not feel out of place in nice jeans and a nice sweater.

In NYC, the typical winter coat is a wool overcoat for men rather than a down parka. Those just aren't seen quite so much in Manhattan at these kinds of restaurants.

But I would urge you to take another look at the weather. We're supposed to have a bit of a warm-up next week, and most days the highs may be in the mid-40s and lows in the upper 30s. To me, that's not exactly frigid. It will be colder by next weekend, though, so I guess it depends on when you're arriving and departing.

judyjp52

Thanks, Doug. We are wearing nice wool coats and will have nice pants on. I was just wondering if a nice sweater with those pants would be acceptable for the River Club and Payard.

I am sorry if I didn't make it clear about when we are going. We are going next Friday through the following Wednesday. Unfortunately, that is the time when the forecasters are predicting it will be in the low 30's. We are coming from Georgia and for us that's cold.

mclaurie

Do you mean the River Cafe or the Water Club? The River Cafe is pretty dressy ("Jackets are required for Gentlemen in The Main Dining Room and Main Bar after 5:00 PM."), the Water Club is not as much. You are correct to worry about dress for where you're eating more than the theater. At the theater you'll see anything and everything. A nice sweater (with some jewelry?) should be fine though.

judyjp52

Oops. I meant the River Cafe. thanks

cindymal

The River Cafe is upscale but you can get away with a nice sweater,dress pants & shoes.Most people will be dressed up.I have not been to Payards but I believe you
will be ok there.I would definitely wear Jeans at Balthazar as it is very casual.