How Casual is Casual?
 

I was wondering if someone can give me more information on how one should dress for dinner at a restaurant that is categorized as "casual" (more specifically, in the lines of Emeril's NOLA and Irene's Cuisine). Are we able to walk in with street clothes or would they really prefer "business casual"? I had read somewhere that the nicer you are dressed, the better service and table you will get. Is this so? Since we will be there mid-summer, while it is hot and humid, we really hesitate to get dressed up and would rather stay in shorts. We are from Southern California where everything is very laid back and casual. Thanks for any insight!

These are very touristy places and during summer you won't stand out if dressed 'California Casual' provided that you're not sloppy about it. Leave the flowered hats, parasols, and lace dresses out of the equation. You can still look nice and be comfortable without getting unnecessarily dressed up.

In HOT New Orleans, shorts are considered casual. Like Ted said, just don't be too sloppy. I was in N.O. late last June and it was miserable, but you can always find an air conditioned store to pop into real quick. TIP: Don't walk down Bourbon Street in the mornings, they are busy cleaning up from the night before, and getting deliveries. Check another street instead. HAVE FUN!!

Good advice about avoiding Bourbon St in the mornings. Royal St, on the otherhand, is wonderful to stroll down in the mornings.

When we were in NO a year ago we saw people in shorts and t-shirts everywhere.

kad, We walked into NOLA's about 4yrs ago, no reservations, party of 8, all wearing shorts, me w/ my Hawaiian shirt, and had no prob. getting seated.

In fact, we got so lucky as there had just been a party of 10 cancel a few seconds before I staggered, I mean walked up the the host to beg for a table w/ a US Grant tucked in my palm!

Unless you are an obvious street person, should have no probs with getting seated or decent service. Afterall it is a tourist city.
Just remember, you usually get back what you put out when it comes to service, IMHO.

BTW, we had a great meal and excellent service at NOLA's.

If you want real informal/casual, hop a taxi out to "Jacques-Imos" in Carrolton/Riverbend area. Pretty durn funky.
Let da gooood times rollllll.
Kal

Thanks, everyone, for all your great advice and suggestions! I look forward to experiencing NO for the very first time and I'm sure it won't be the last! Kal-I'll remember to keep a Grant handy! Sounds like you had a blast!

I go to Irene's all the time and I'd have to say you'd be more appropriately dressed in something business-casual. Don't go in shorts & a t-shirt.

kad, I hate to admit it but when the guy told me he could seat us right away, I switched the "Uly" for a "Jax".
Sorry...he showed his hand first. :@)

We also ran into a beautiful Southern Belle from Baton Rouge at NOLA's who just loved my Hawaiian shirt so we had a few coktails w/ her too.

It pays to network. Especially w/ good lookin' southern women with those great accents!

And yes, we do have a blast when we travel. We're cursed that way. %%-

Kal