Our trip is almost here - just 4 short days. Quick question about the "dress code" for various NOLA restaurants: We figured we'd be dressing up every night, but how formal should we go? If we can put it in "guy's terms", then I can dress to match. Would you say the following are suit and tie, suit w/out tie, sportcoat and slacks, or just slacks:

Bayona
Restaurant August
Galatoire's (Fri lunch)
NOLA (lunch)
Hunt Room Grill
Creole Queen XMas Bonfire Cruise

Thanks again, fodorites - you guys have been lifesavers!

I will give you what appeared to be the minimum acceptable dress at the restuarants where I've eaten. Of course, this is New Orleans during the holidays, so you should dress up as much as you like. (I remember dinner at Emeril's several years ago when some of the diners were in full evening dress. Bayona--slacks and nice shirt; NOLA for lunch--jeans; Hunt Room Grill--slacks and nice shirt. Galatoire's has the dress code posted on their website--jackets for men for dinner and all day Sunday-so I suppose slacks and a nice shirt would be ok for lunch. If you have real concerns, call any of the restaurants and ask. I have never eaten at Restaurant August or gone on the cruise. Have a wonderful time in New Orleans!

Galatoire's not only requires jackets but will provide one for you if you don't arrive wearing one. There is a full rack of jackets in various sizes and colors. Our dinner there was excellent and service very good.

My experience in NO over the years is that the better you are dressed, the better your table and service.

What will be the dress code for Commander's Palace on Christmas Eve?

New Orleanians love to dress up on special occasions, and most go out to dinner dressed well. But you will also still see nice casual.

I would definitely dress well for Christmas Eve at Commander's. It should be a festive night there. Phone if you'd like to ask more pertinent questions: 504-899-8221

We've done the cruise twice. Once it was like going to a formal party, but the other time a lot of people were more casual. There is dining and dancing, but I'd phone and ask, 1-800-445-4109. I'd advise comfy shoes in case you are standing and/or dancing a lot.

We're having warm weather now, but it's predicted to be cooler by the end of next week, and that should get rid of the heavy fog we've had over the last few warm days.

Hope you enjoy your trip to the Big Easy!

Went to Bayona last week, midweek, and the crowd was nicely dressed, but not many coats and ties. The food! Oh, Bayona is special indeed!

New Orleans winter dress for restaurants:

Men: dress pants, nice long-sleeved button-down shirt, jacket

Ladies: evening dress with fashionable sweater if it's cool (or if a/c is cranked)

This is especially true around the holidays. This is the only time of year that it's comfortable to "dress up".


By the way, please be sure to post a full trip report when you return!