Going for my first time in a few weeks. Websites and reviews say since they reopened it has become more casual with dress code. We will be on a 12 day trip so if I can avoid packing a suit for 3 hours it would be to my benefit
I wouldn’t show up in jeans. But is a nice button down shirt with slacks and dress shoes ok? And if a jacket is needed I can pack a suit instead of a sports jacket doesn’t really matter space wise
Anyone with recent experience?
Last time I went a year and a half ago, I wore a sport coat and I’m pretty sure everyone there was in a suit or coat. That certainly could be different now. That being said, it is a special place, I would dress the same.
Kinda what I figured. If a sport coat is just pack the suit. Takes up same space in the suitcase
Nobody dresses up anymore. I wish they did.
All like the above, when I was there last year everyone dressed the part. And I hope people keep it that way. Enjoy your special evening!
I was there last May Memorial Day weekend. I wore slacks, button down and a sport coat and felt perfectly fine. I would say most of the gentlemen were wearing the same or suit and tie. I didn’t see anybody in jeans but I was inside the main dining room. The patio might’ve had some jeans I missed. But they did emphasize I should “dress comfortably” to use their words.
I just went back and found my email to them. I asked:
“Dress code: Jacket, open collar, dress slacks OK for gentlemen?”
She replied:
" Dear Joe,
Yes, that is all appropriate dress for men, particularly as we do not have a dress code. We just ask that you dress comfortably for the occasion of dining with us.
All my best,
Christy
Concierge
The French Laundry | 6640 Washington Street | Yountville, CA 94599
707.944.2380 | www.frenchlaundry.com"
Thanks Joe - that is what they post online and when I called to make my reservation (yeah there is a story there, but it worked!!) they told me the same thing. If it was a weekend trip, or I was local, I wouldn’t question it just bring a suit. on a 12 day trip, needing a suit just this once, that is why I ask…
You don’t have to wear a suit there. The last couple times I’ve sent I wore jeans and polo and/or jeans t-shirt and blazer.
well by suit if you mean matching jacket/pants and tie…I would not wear a tie regardless. But if I am going to wear pants/jacket it takes up the same space in my suitcase to pack blazer/slacks as it does to pack a suit/pants. maybe the blazer would get more use another night just because the weather will be cool, so Im likely to go in that direction.
never really thought about going the jeans route.
I hope you enjoy TFL. I’ve dined there several times, but it’s been quite a while. I’m sure things have changed and probably loosened up. I can guarantee there was no way that I wore a suit though. Probably not even a blazer.
I don’t want to take away from this thread, but these days, I’m done with suits and ties. I’m happy to show up at a restaurant in jeans and a blazer. But most of the time, I’m skipping the blazer.
I ate there Wednesday in slacks, dress shoes and a tucked in collared shirt. Plenty of diners dressed similar, fancier, and more casual.
Fine dining is dead if people don’t want to wear something more formal than jeans.
That must be why they changed the dress code to be more restrictive… or wait…
They changed it because of demand, not because of standards. They also didn’t want to have staff turn away people who showed up in jeans and t-shirts. Whether or not it is a good thing to you, it is a move away from the tradition of fine dining.
Sports coat and jeans the last and only 2 times I dined at FL. Could’ve ditched the coat.
Suit-and-ties are so 25+ years ago, unless you’re going to a funeral.
If you’re having a business dinner at TFL then by all means, wear suit and tie. If not, not sure why you would wear business casual attire.
I don’t want to take away from the OP’s question. Fine dining and dress code is probably worthy of a separate thread.
this seems like a perfectly appropriate thread to discuss this topic.
Last time I was at FL, I wore nice jeans and a sweater and felt completely fine. Some were dressed more casual than me and some more formal. Most sport coats/suits I see in places like this are so ill fitting and sloppy that I have a hard time calling it “dressed up”.
I had no issues with the dress code at FL, biggest issue was almost failing asleep at the table from being so bored. This was about 5 years ago so hopefully they have infused some life back into the food and dinning room.