Chicago Travel Forum

Hi,

We have made reservations for dinner at the Signature Room. After I made the reservation, I saw they have a dress code that states "no gym shoes".

Now, I am not really sure what they mean with gym shoes. I always wear Nike running shoes, I don't have anything else. Is that going to be a problem? Does anyone have any experiences with dining at the Signature Room and how strict their dress code is enforced?

This happens in the UK as well (and if they say it, they usually enforce it). I would take 'gym shoes' to mean what we in the UK call 'trainers' i.e. your Nike running shoes so yes, it's potentially a big problem.

You have an obvious and simple choice: buy some 'proper' shoes or take the risk of not being allowed in. Other people's experiences do not mean that, on the night you go, rules will not be strictly enforced.

Ten years ago I was turned away from the Rainbow Room in NY because I had jeans on. You'd be wise to buy a real pair of shoes or change your reservation to another restaurant. If the restaurant goes to the trouble of stating their policy on their website, they probably mean what they say!

When it comes to dress codes, the first thing that seems to be enforced in the US, is the restriction on shoes. There are many places here in Houston that will not allow you inside wearing trainers (your running shoes) or even jeans. I've seen people wearing designer trainers be turned away regardless of how fashionable they were.

The Signature Room is a fancier restaurant and if their dress code says no gym shoes that I assume that they enforce it. Nike running shoes are gym shoes.

If you just want to go up for the view, try the Signature Lounge where you can go for a drink. I know my husband wore tennis shoes there because we tried going to a piano bar afterwards and they turned us away because of his tennis shoes.

BTW, I've heard the food isn't all that wonderful at the Signature Room, you are paying for the view. But if you want that caliber of restaurant, you better pack another pair of shoes.

In the US you can find shoes for $15 at discount stores that will work

Thanks everybody for your reply. I will buy a pair of shoes at Water Tower Place across the street prior to going to the restaurant.

I know the food at the Signature Room is not the best food in the city and that you pay for the view, but the view is also the reason we want to have dinner there :-).

Thanks again to everyone who answered!

If you are looking for a throw away pair of shoes, try Filene's Basement, Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack or H&M (either on State Street near Macy's or along Michigan Avenue), not likely you'll find a cheap pair of shoes at Water Tower Place

Nike Running shoes are "gym shoes". In london if they say that they mean nothing that you would use to play sport in and boy do they enforce it!

Ps why do you not have any normal shoes lol just curious!

Haha, jules64 I just haven't found any "normal" shoes that are as comfortable as Nikes (haven't really bothered looking for it either).

Dabs, thanks for the tips on the stores, I will go find me a pair of "accepted" shoes when I'm there :-).

lol Ok was just curious! But then again I have over two hundred pairs of shoes and 190 of them are very uncomfortable, but hey I am female lol