No Jackets Required

[sweeterpea]

We'll be heading to NYC in a few weeks; we're looking for nice meal at a restaurant that's fairly upscale that doesn't require men to wear jackets. Hubby so does not want to pack a jacket for this trip. We're willing to spend around $200 for two, without drinks, and will be staying in the Upper East Side. Thanks for any suggestions!

PS. please ignore my mistake further down the board!

[sweeterpea]

Thanks everyone, so much. This info is very helpful. NYC here we come!

[sweeterpea]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! Also, not only looking for restaurants near the UES, we don't mind restaurants suggestions that are easily accessible by subway as well.

[BernieMSY]

I believe that the 21 Club may be the only restaurant in town that still requires a jacket.

[jdmetz]

21 may be the only one that still requires a tie and jacket. There are a handful (Le Bernardin, Ramsay, La Grenouille, maybe) that require jackets.

[Spiritchaser]

I just paid a visit to Telepan this past weekend and I can confirm that it is still wonderful and does not require a jacket. Your budget, if you so choose, could get you the 4 course tasting menu with wine pairing.

[sweeterpea]

The menu from Telepan looks great, and a short walk from our hotel.

[JungMann]

Gotham Bar and Grill is also one of the better restaurants in town that doesn't require jackets.

[sweeterpea]

Thanks for all the suggestions, much appreciated.

[idia]

UES:
Centolire
Giovanni's Venti Cinque
David Burke & Donatella

Blue Plate Special: Very funny!

[BluPlateSpec]

Many years ago I was taken to a small, very exclusive restaurant on the east side. I was informed that I had to wear a tie and jacket to enter, no exceptions. When I said that I didn't have either, the very "proper" hostess supplied me a jacket and tie that must have been rejects from a Salvation Army dumpster. As we continued waiting I saw a reflection in a mirror of the entrance to the kitchen and there I saw a bus boy (no tie or jacket) reach out and grab the backside of the very "proper" hostess, she didn't object to put it mildly. So I learned that to eat in a fancy place, wear a jacket, to have fun, bus tables!

[RGR]

Very few upscale restaurants require jackets. And $200 without drinks will get you a very fine dinner at many places. A few that I like:

On the UES:

Cafe Boulud - http://www.danielnyc.com/cafeboulud

On the east side but further downtown:

Eleven Madison Park - http://www.elevenmadisonpark.com

Fleur de Sel - http://www.fleurdeselnyc.com

Tocqueville - http://www.tocquevillerestaurant.com

L'Impero - http://www.limpero.com

[jhan84]

My vote would definitely be for Cafe Gray in the Time Warner Center, very nice atmosphere, great food, and no jacket required.