Attire for North End Restaurants

[Elyssa]

My boyfriend and I will be at a Red Sox game earlier in the day and afterwards I want to take him to a great North End dinner. (It's his first time visiting Boston...my home town.)

We won't have time to change before going out to dinner and will most likely be in jeans or khaki shorts and t-shirts. We won't look sloppy persay but certainly won't be dressed up by any stretch of the imagination.

After doing a little research I've come up with going to one of the following (and we are taking all 3 addresses with us in case there is a long wait at one):

*La Summa
*Pagliuca's
*Trattoria il Panino

My question is will we be underdressed or out of place at any of these locations? Any places you would like to add to the list? We are looking for some place that is obviously casual in dress but wonderful in food. We don't really want to go over $40/person for probably appetizer/person and a main course/person. Looking for a traditional and delicious North End experience for my boyfriend.

Thanks!

[iheartveggies]

This is probably after the fact, but for what it's worth, I had two friends in from out of town in the exact same position, and we all ate at Trattoria il Panino in t-shirts with no problem. (And it was especially nice for the outdoor patio!)

[Elyssa]

That's what I'm leading towards--especially if the weather is nice. But I'm bringing along a list of all of your suggestions since I have no clue where we will be able to get in without reservations or how long the wait will be.

[chowfamily]

Depending upon the heat of the day, I might dress up a bit for Fenway. That could include really comfortable long khakis and a knit shirt with a collar.

You won't feel overdressed for the game. Many other fans are also making a day of it.

This does not answer your original question, but might give you greater flexibility and perhaps better service.

[ChefJune]

what Steve said about polo's, but I'd go to L'Osteria on Salem Street for casual traditional Italian-American... just my 2 cents.

[pasuga]

Seond the vote for L'Osteria.

[bachslunch]

I'm less taken with L'Osteria, myself. I prefer Elyssa's trio and Joanie's pairing to it, and I'd add Giacomo's, Saraceno's, and Daily Catch to the list of casual places I prefer.

[Joanie]

You don't have to worry at any of those places. You might also want to add Antico Forno and Massimino's to the casual list.

[ScubaSteve]

i'd just ditch the T's and opt for polos and you'll be all set.

[Joanie]

You really think the three restaurants she mentions care if someone has a t-shirt on? Actually, almost any restaurant these days doesn't care but that's another thread. If I were going straight to dinner, I'd maybe dress it up slightly but coming from a Red Sox game, none of those places will give a toss (not the word I'd usually use). Just don't wear a Dead Kennedys shirt or anything.

[ScubaSteve]

no i don't think the restaurant would care, but, the OP did take the time to inquire about dress code and i am just suggesting that they would probably be more comfortable a little better dressed than being right at the threshold.