Title: New York City’s Finest Restaurants Deny Entry to Senator Fetterman’s Casual Attire
Subtitle: Senator Fetterman’s signature style proves unwelcome in the city’s culinary landmarks
By Jon Levine
Published Sep. 23, 2023, 7:36 a.m. ET
New York City’s renowned restaurants have long upheld a strict dress code, but it seems that even Senator John Fetterman’s casual attire cannot gain him entry into these culinary landmarks. During a recent experiment conducted by New York Post reporter Jon Levine, Fetterman’s trademark hoodie, gym shorts, and sneakers were met with scorn and mockery from maître d’s who upheld the restaurants’ prestigious standards.
Levine detailed his experience as he attempted to dine at some of New York City’s finest establishments, only to be turned away at the door. At Daniel, a prestigious Upper East Side restaurant offering a seven-course tasting menu for $275, a maître d sniffed, “He would not be permitted here,” and added that guests have been turned away for improper dress regardless of their occupation.
Le Bernardin, a three-Michelin-starred dining room known for its exclusive atmosphere, was another rejection for Levine. The restaurant’s dress code forbids athletic wear, jeans, sneakers, and sweatshirts, making Fetterman’s outfit unfit for entry. Despite its reputation for welcoming guests in the more casual lounge, Levine was denied access even to that area.
Jean-Georges, a double-Michelin-starred restaurant near Columbus Circle, followed suit with four sentinels outside its dining room vetoing Levine’s entry. Their dress code prohibits shorts, and one staff member insisted it would be impossible to bend the rules even for notable individuals such as Lady Gaga.
While Senator Fetterman’s attire proved unsuitable for these esteemed eateries, there were still a few exceptions. Levine was able to enter Nobu and Gramercy Tavern without any issues. Additionally, Masa, a famous sushi bar known for its omakase experience priced at over $1,000 per person, happily welcomed Levine.
Among Fetterman’s colleagues, opinions varied. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the Senate for relaxing rules to accommodate Fetterman’s attire. Greene argued that dress codes are a standard of etiquette and respect for institutions and should not be compromised.
In the end, Fetterman’s refusal to conform to traditional dress norms resulted in a disappointing dining experience at some of New York City’s most esteemed restaurants. However, his unconventional style may still find a warm welcome at Eleven Madison Park, where a masked employee assured Levine that the senator would be “absolutely” welcome in all his slovenly glory.
Despite the divide in opinions about dress codes and personal expression, Fetterman’s experiment highlights the importance of adhering to the norms and expectations of different establishments. As New York City continues to uphold its culinary reputation, it seems that formal attire remains a prerequisite for indulging in its finest dining experiences.