Shorts OK?

Question

Is it OK to wear nice shorts to the nicer type restaurants?

Answer

In New Orleans, the dress code for restaurants can vary, but in general, wearing nice shorts to a mid-range or upscale restaurant is not typically appropriate for dinner service. However, it depends on the specific venue and its atmosphere.

For more casual spots, especially in the French Quarter or along Magazine Street, wearing nice shorts (such as tailored or well-fitted options) is usually fine, even at restaurants with a more relaxed vibe. But when it comes to higher-end establishments, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Casual to Mid-Range Restaurants: Places like Mother’s Restaurant, Dat Dog, or Acme Oyster House
Upscale and Fine Dining Restaurants: For more refined dining experiences such as Commander's Palace, August, or Antoine’s, it’s best to avoid wearing shorts. Many of these venues have a more formal dress code, especially for dinner. In these cases, long pants or a smart-casual outfit would be expected, even in the heat of summer.
Dress Codes to Consider: Some restaurants may have specific dress codes listed on their website or posted at the entrance. While many are not overly strict, places that pride themselves on offering fine dining experiences may expect business-casual attire, which means no shorts for dinner. For lunch, shorts might be more acceptable, especially if you're seated outdoors.

If you're planning to visit a restaurant with a more upscale or formal ambiance, it's safer to dress up a little more. A smart rule of thumb is: when in doubt, go for long pants or a summer dress, as New Orleans is home to many luxurious establishments that want to maintain a certain standard of dress for dinner. For daytime dining or more casual spots, nice shorts should be perfectly fine!