Jacket Required for Dinner?
 

Are there any restaurants in either the Napa area or Monterey/Carmel area that require men to wear a jacket at dinner?

Yes

No matter where you go, most reservations are essential at most tie/jacket sort of places - so just inquire when you phone to reserve.

While I can't speak for Monterey/Carmel as I've only zipped through on my way to other places; I can't think of a single restaurant in Napa that requires a jacket. This is California and we're very laid back.

I think I may have taken a sport coat to The French Laundry, but I don't remember it being required.

For the most part the inhabitants of California's wine country enjoy good living, good dining, and a relaxed atmosphere. While the food is definitely top notch, there's very rarely any stuffy attitude to spoil the fun.

Slacks and a button down shirt with a tie will do for the most fancy places.

I'd be very anxious for Puddy to tell us which restaurant requires a jacket. I can't think of a single one, including the top one, French Laundry. Maybe puddy was just trying to be funny.

Here's a couple...

Covey at Quail Lodge
Carmel Valley, CA

Club XIX
Pebble Beach, CA

AHHH...so it seems Carmel wants the jacket...I must agree with SFImporter and Patrick... nice casual dress is all that is comfortable here...Odd about Monterey/Carmel tho...I was just at a $34 entree and up restaurant this past weekend (Mendocino Coast)and, my gosh, no jackets..do you think those "other" places rent jackets????
R5

I'm curious where you get your information, puddy. I just looked at the web site for The Covey at Quail Lodge and I quote: "casual elegant attire. . .no jeans, shorts, or athletic wear". Is this what you interpret to mean "jacket required"????

I don't know about the club you mention, but otherwise I'll stand by my original statement.

When we were at Quail, guys wore jackets. But Quail is different. I think the answer, from our numerous trips to CA wine country, is "no" for Napa, Sonoma, etc. But if in doubt, why not call ahead. Or simply take a jacket in caswe it gets cool in the evenings.

From NYT's using info from Fodors:
http://www.nytimes.com/top/features/...ants_name.html

Covey at Quail Lodge
8205 Valley Greens Dr., Carmel Valley, CA 93923, USA
Phone: 831-624-1581
$30 to $50,Over $50
Carmel Valley
Continental

The restaurant at Quail Lodge serves European cuisine in a romantic lakeside setting. The menu changes daily, but look for rack of lamb, mustard-crusted salmon, and mousseline of sole, all accompanied by fresh local produce. Jacket required. AE, DC, MC, V.

However, if you look up the restuarant on the actual fodors.com site, the review is slightly different and it simply says 'jacket recommended.'

Sadly, I don't think there is a restaurant left in California that requires a coat and tie. A week ago I was having dinner in one of the best restaurants in my area and there was a guy in a corner table wearing shorts and a baseball cap. Its a shame to see traditions die.

Puddy, I don't understand why you are quoting an article from the New York Times about a California Restaurant. As I mentioned above, the restaurant's own website specifically says that "casual" attire is acceptable. While browsing on that website I sent an email to The Covey asking if jacket is required and I got back an answer from them specifically saying "NO" but smart business casual dress is appropriate. I'm not sure about you, but I think the actual restaurant is a better source of information about their policy than an article from clear across the country!!!