Locke-Ober: Better Closed than Casual.

[Luca]

While almost no place now maintains a suit-and-tie requirement, restaurants that cater to a business clientele typically still feature a crowd that is 50-75% in business-appropriate suits and the remainder is, if not elegant, at least presentable (no tracksuits or loud sportswear).

I must say that, although I often choose to wear a tie at the weekend and when I dine out, I don't think it's entirely reasonable to bar entry to someone on the basis they are tie-less. I don’t care all that much what the clowns are wearing. Perhaps instead of a stick they should use a carrot. 10% off the wine if you wear a tie and 20% off the champagne if you wear black tie!

[couch]

Luca, this proposal is brilliant. A marketing firm should organize this as a joint promotion for fine-dining restaurants. It could add value for the restaurateur, as contributing inexpensively to an elegant ambience and the reputation of having a "smart" clientele.

[alden]

A tie? The most you will see in terms of a dress code these days is the obligation to wear a coat at dinner. I really do not think that is too much to expect even on the weekends. I don't mean your local Indian take out. I refer to places on a par with the one cited by the OP.

Most top level restaurants (michelin 2+) shuttle the clients in flip flops and shorts to an exile room somewhere in the basement but often these clients have the economic muscles to get whatever they want. Pity, but there is just too much wealth searching too few good goods. A tiny economic crisis would be great news.

Cheers

[Noble Savage]

Indeed. “Boston has changed, often for the better, but not always so.”