Dress code - Dinner in July

What is normal dress code for most restaurants for Dinner in July? We plan on doing a mix of casual (lolos) and couple nice diners (Grand Case etc) and anything in between. Did not want to pack to many outfits just for dinner. Dockers and collar shirts (tropical/golf) acceptable for men or are jackets required? Thank you!

SXM is very laid back. I usually go to dinner in decent shorts and as you said tropical/golf shirts. Grace usually goes out in capris or a very casual skirt and a collared shirt of some sort. I do NOT even bring a pair of long pants. July is off season and restaurants are usually slower. I don't believe you will find any turning you away.

I agree, Eric usually doesn't even bring a pair of long pants. Jacket? No.. I would not personally dine in a t-shirt at one of the better restaurants, but even at that, you probably wouldn't be turned away. However, a collared shirt and a nice pair of shorts for men, and capris or shorts or sundress for a woman, is fine.

While I'm sure that we would not be turned away, I dressed in long pants for our dinner at Temptation in Cupecoy. It's elegant and air conditioned. Shorts just don't seem right to me in a place like that.

Other than that, collared shirt and nice shorts.

For what it's worth, my DH ALWAYS used to bring a pair of long pants which he NEVER wore, and we do often dine in many of the nicer dining spots on the island. No jackets for at least twenty-five years......" <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> "......says the man I married.

And of course, there are a few venues where you might be more comfortable in long pants and even a jacket but they are the exception and not the rule.

About fifteen years ago I started my own visual survey in the places we dined and to a night, including weekends when we personally would normally tend to dress up a bit more, there were always a few men in long pants but the majority were generally in nice dress shorts and collared shirts, be they golf style or button up types. Ladies would typically be seen in anything from dressy shorts and/or slacks/capris with nice tops to skirts and tops and/or sundresses and you might even see a few in more formal evening wear, but they are generally the island movers and shakers as opposed to the typical island vacationer.

These are merely my personal observations but I do think the bottom line, judging merely from the fact you thought to ask in the first place, you will be comfortable and dressed correctly wherever you go.

LOL

I also....for the first twenty plus years used to always bring one pair of long pants to wear. Finally, after all the years of NEVER using them, i stopped bringing them. There is NO PLACE on the island that one needs to get dressed up for......from the lolos to the finest dining. A decent pair of shorts, along with a polo type shirt is more than enough for any restaurant. And.....I always go during ''high season". One will never feel uncomfortable in any way they are dressed on the island.

Hi, Ed,

We generally go at the tail end of the 'high season' and even on Easter Sunday, we saw many male diners - visitors and islanders alike - dressed in nicer dress shorts but I will say, on that day - the majority of females, ourselves included, were more dressed up but I think that was personal choice, as opposed to anything dictated by the holiday or the venue as there were others dressed more casually, too.

That's one of the many really great things about SXM - or so it seems to me. Almost anything within reason is acceptable.

Would we ever go to dinner in jean type shorts and tee shirts? - only at the lolos, Cheris or a Pineapple Pete type place maybe but I wouldn't hesitate to wear a pair of nice shorts or capris with a nice top almost anywhere short of the Bajatzu, LeMoulin Fou, Mario Bistro. LaSamana, Le Sental, La Cigale, Antoines type places, all of which, IMHO, demand a more respectful attire.

Tee shirts are for the day, over a bathing suit or shorts for lunch.

La Samana still has a dress code. Jacket & tie for gentlemen, no shorts or T's.

Last visit ate in Grand Case at a very nice place and the owner turned away a couple in shorts. Immediately after other couple dressed in a sundress for her, slacks and a short sleeve dress shirt (no tie) for the man and he seated them without a reservation.

Haven't been to Sol e Luna since it sold but never saw shorts when we were there.

In Simpson Bay where most restaurants are casual, shorts should be okay. Any beach restaurants should be okay for t-shirts.

I've also seen that happen in Grand Case. David always brings one pair of long pants.

Which CG restaurant turned someone away for wearing shorts? This is news to me, but maybe because I have never eaten there.

I saw it happen at Spiga, several years ago. They had on shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops.

Perhaps it was the flipflops that caused the dinner refusal. Then again, there are 'shorts' and there are dress shorts. Who's to say.........

What I can say is when we were there in April I know for a fact John had on linen Bermuda shorts and a nice plaid collared shirt. I wore a sundress and the other party in our group I believe wore capris, and we were definitely NOT turned away. And for the record, there were many others dressed in approximately the same type attire.

During the course of our meal Lara came to the table and instead of just a quick welcome, she actually stayed and chatted for a bit. I doubt she would have done that had she been upset with our appearance.

I have been to most of the restaurants on Grand Case...and have never worn long pants. LaSamanna...never been too...don't plan too. I also don't go to the fancier places in a tee shirt...like i mentioned..usually a polo type collared shirt. If someone turned away diners on Grand Case....willing to bet it was NOT over the dress code, but probably filled for the night. If any restaurant wants to be that ''stuffy'' and require a ''dress code'' they won't last long on such a casual island. La Samanna is a whole different world...along with the people that stay there.

Ed,

In all honesty, we haven't been to La Samana in years and the last time we were there it was for brunch and we were nicely dressed but in more casual daytime attire.

The only time we dined at Le Santal it was probably 35 years ago or more, and yes, DH wore a jacket and tie, but truthfully, everyone did back in those days. It was a wonderful evening and one I won't ever forget but not one I've ever particularly wanted to repeat, primarily because of the dress code. For a very special evening here at home, that would be fine, but for us - not what we want on vacation.

Do they still have the loner jackets and ties? They did have and offer them to those not quite up to their dress standards when we were there so very many years ago. Personally speaking, if that happened to us I would be offended and not really want to dine there, but that's just me. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

IMHO there is a nicer look when men have a nice casual cotton pair of pants with polo or cotton shirt when out for a dinner with his other half in a sundress than the wife semi dressed up & hubby in shorts (flip flops are for shopping & beach again my humble opinion) good to know about la Samanna requiring jacket & tie. Too hot for that. Blanc du nil in phillipsburg & at airport have really nice white cotton clothing also Tilley.com. Just my thoughts. Enjoy your stay!

No, I don't think it was the shorts at all. These folks had on board shorts and t-shirts, and they just looked sloppy. It was Lara that turned them away. The restaurant was nearly full at the time.

I know you and John well enough to know that you wouldn't go to any restaurant looking sloppy.

Thank you everyone for the feedback. Casual it is and the pants stay home

That's the ticket. Bottom line......go and enjoy!!!

I'm a fan of nice pants (short or long) and a collared shirt. No tee shirts.
Neat and clean enhances the fine dining experience for everyone...including the wearer!
;-)

We dined at Spiga and I had Docker shorts and a buttoned, collared shirt with flip flops and there was no issue. Now of course, my flip flops were Michigan State Spartan flip flops so maybe that made the difference. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

This is why I prefer Papagayo. Just a towel in hand. Not sure I even wore flip flops.

My husband prefers nice shorts over long pants in the evening. I guess if a restaurant doesn't allow that, there are plenty of other ones that will appreciate our business! Too many good places to choose from, anyway!

First trip the cab driver looked at our luggage and asked us if we were staying for a month. It was only a week. We finally whittled it down to two carryons for a week and still bring back unused clothes.

I'm racking my brain to remember the name of the GC restaurant but can't. I'd hate to say the name I think it was if that wasn't the place. It had the best onion soup I've had yet. I'm sure I'd recognize it by sight. We sat in front in a curved section facing the street. It's on the non-water side of street.

We did NOT have a reservation and neither did the couple after the couple that was refused seating. So being "full" wasn't in question. In fact after our 3 course meal the place still wasn't full to capacity. I believe it was their attire.

PS Ed you posted

if restaurant wants to be stuffy they won't last long.

This restaurant is one of the oldest in Grand Case. I expect they'll be around for a long time to come.

I don't know, I think wearing shorts over long pants is kind of dorky, but it still beats capris.

Sorry, Pony, I couldn't resist.

Now, wait a minute, I LOVE capris.... (...well, maybe not over long pants... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />)

LOL, Cruzer! You got me there!

Carol, I think they were talking about men who wear capris, and any man that wears capris would herd cats.

Manpris are very stylish in Europe!

If I saw a man wearing capris, I would just assume that he lost a bet.

Capt.Rick always wears white linen capris. I think they look pretty good

Enough said, just proves my point!

I can only think to bring long pants for one reason and that would be mosquitoes. That said, we didn't take any and put mosquitos milk spray on before going out to dinner. No big problem last two weeks for us, but we have been bit before on other trips at dinner on both sides of island.

Don't know the gentleman in question but perhaps it's the man who makes the capris look pretty good? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Well, David has a pair of white ones, and I think he looks excellent in them; so I agree with your theory, Pat.

Really?? Never heard of men wearing capris!! Learn something every day!

They must be part of that "metro-sexual" crowd.

There's sex on the metro? Who knew?

And to think I wasted 44 years on the Long Island Rail Road. Darn

See what you started, Cruzer?

Men have been wearing capris for years. I guess it is a European look. They know what to wear with them, probably not the same shoes and shirts Americans wear with shorts.
I like the look and will have to pay more attention next time.

Most of the men's shorts I see, I would consider capris. Not sure how they call them shorts, when they go way below the knees.

Capris are closer to the ankle than the knee. They are more like pants, but shorter. Most men don't bother wearing them as they are more for women's fashion.

I always bring a pair of long pants to wear at the nicer restaurants and for when my wife wants to dress up for a special occasion.

While it is true that none of the GC restaurants will refuse service or even comment on customers who wear very casual atire, our experiences are that if we dress in what I'll arbitrarily call "evening casual" clothes we do seem to get a sense of appreciation from the staff for showing up in kakhi long pants and a nice, collared, short sleeve sport shirt for me and a nice summer sun dress for Linda as our subtle way of showing respect for the fine dining experience we are about to enjoy...

But even more appreciated than the way we dress is our honoring the French tradition of politeness by engaging in simple pleasantries when we first walk in ... like "Good Evening...How are you this evening?...we look forward to enjoying our dinner here this evening..."etc...before getting "down to business".

If I can dredge up some of these polite pleasantries in French from my ancient high school French classes, so much the better.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

I totally agree! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

La Samana does not require a tie....

Since we witnessed that it DID happen your statement "while it's true that none of the GC restaurants will refuse..." is incorrect.

I agree that if one doesn't want to wear long pants then they have many choices of places to eat in SXM---one restaurant doesn't even require clothing at all! But one takes chances if they truly wish to dine in GC and not at a LOLO. My motto is better be safe than sorry. Anyone coming from New England or Canada probably wears long pants when leaving home so they have them already what effort does it take to look proper at a fine dining restaurant?

I totally agree! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

I was born and brought up in New England, and generally, we never wore long pants in the summer. It is even hotter on the island and my take is how uncomfortable does someone have to be to dine in Grand Case to be properly dressed? I would think that a restaurant owner or server would be glad to have the customers in the low season. After all, someone in shorts is paying the same prices as the ones in long pants and sundresses. We are the ones paying for the food, so we should be comfortable.

I agree....Long pants in St. Martin is very uncomfortable and unnessary. I can understand if you are attending a wedding or funeral, but dinner? I would expect the employees of any restaurant to treat me the same whether I was wearing shorts and tee shirt or a dress / khakis. Just my opinion. I have never dressed for the sake of a restaurant, I just dress for me.

Actually long, loose linen pants are quite comfortable, and have the added benefit of keeping mosquitoes off your ankles. I'm one who believes that the nicer spots are deserving of nicer clothing by diners. If you look at any of the French couples you see dining in the fine restaurants in Grand Case, you will find them dressed to the nines. I just find it respectful to dress up a bit for the nice restaurants.

I've seen diners in shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops turned away from a Grand Case restaurant. That was several years ago, and now that business is down somewhat, that may not be the case.

But yes, it is absolutely up to you. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Ditto to what GaKaye writes.

Maybe we're considered stuffy but Mamma always made sure we dressed for dinner. I've eaten in Simpson Bay in shorts but I ate quickly and left. For me ---not everyone---dinner should be a fine experience that takes it's time.

That brings to mind back in the late 70's Grand Case restaurants had only two seatings 7 & 9:30 and you were never pushed to leave. Can't be sure when it happened but that has changed. When I asked at one restaurant I was told Americans come eat fast leave and we're left with empty tables so now we serve anytime and the table turn-over make us more money.

I'm glad you said it first, and I couldn't agree more. Not only is it disrespectful to your host (and paying does not give you the privilege of being disrespectful), you are also being disrespectful of the other diners and the enjoyment of their dining experience. I personally have never been uncomfortable in linen slacks and a light collared shirt, especially in the evening air, and women in sundresses look pretty comfortable to me. There's dress casual which is okay, and then there's "don't give a damn" casual, which isn't. Just my old stick in the mud opinion.

I don't remember exactly when it was when we went to what was once our favorite Grand Case restaurant, L'Auberge Gourmande. Unlike our previous times there, the waitstaff was all over us, constantly asking how things were, and if we needed anything. It was clear that they had changed their service from the typical French service to what most Americans want. Sorry, but I don't want that. We've not been back since.

I don't mind wearing a pair of long pants to dinner but don't make me wear socks with my loafers.

GaKaye we went to L'Auberge once after it changed hands---haven't been back either. Thought maybe next trip we'd give them another chance. Last visit ate at Le Cottage for the 1st time and now can't wait to return there.

Has anyone tried Sol e Luna since they changed hands?

GaKaye, what do you consider typical French service?
I don't think any restaurant in Grand Case does 2 seatings per night anymore.

No, I don't think they do either, but most don't make us feel rushed either. For me, typical French service is attentive at the beginning, and once my food is delivered the server doesn't come back to check and see if everything's ok. He knows it is. I can see him across the room, and if we make eye contact, he's at my table quickly to see what I need. He watches our wine glasses and sees that they're never empty. When he sees we're both finished with our meals he'll come and clear, bringing the dessert menu with him. After dessert, he doesn't return to the table until I ask for the check. I don't like a server who constantly stops by and asks if everything is OK, do I need anything. Probably my biggest pet peeve is a server who clears my husband's plate and asks if we want dessert while I'm still eating my entree. That's just rude. Most Americans are in too much of a hurry to get in and out of a restaurant to really enjoy a fine meal. I like the more relaxed tenor of European service.

GaKaye,
We too, really enjoy the type of service you have described. Absolutely hate it when the waiter comes to the table about every ten minutes while we are trying to enjoy our meals.

OMG, you sound just like me!
That is also my biggest pet peeve.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

as a restaurateur, assigned seating is a terrible idea. Either you have to precook the meals, or attempt to cook 100 meals at once. Service is also a nightmare. The first thing I thought was cruise ship.

again I agree with GaKaye. Maybe that's why I don't like eating in Simpson Bay. I always feel rushed.

Even though there are no longer 2 seating---I think Marios was the last to abandon that---there are still some places in GC that follow the rule of watching, not bothering, the patron while eating. And we always HAVE TO ASK for the bill. It's the only French my husband speaks, "L'Addition sil vous plat" and Merci

When I was 16 I remember going to dinner with my mother and another couple in Malorca Spain. The man from the couple reached for the wine bottle and the waiter almost flew across the room to grab it. They struggled as to who would pour and the man said he wasn't crippled and didn't need help. My mother told him it was the custom. As we were leaving I saw another waiter chastising our waiter for not noticing sooner that glasses need refilling. I felt badly for that waiter because I though the man was crass in every respect, not just dining.

I guess I will always prefer dining in fine restaurants. And in GC you don't always have to pay a fortune to do so.

I agree. Several restaurants do this type of service in GC. Bistrot Caraibes , Ocean 82,Le Testavin. We've never felt rushed in L'Auberge, but we normally go with a large group, so I guess they figure we're there for the duration.