A debate over dress codes boiled over this week after restaurant chain Chili’s ripped rival Ruth’s Chris Steak House for its business attire rules.
Ruth’s Chris went viral on X for a post about its dress code that banned sportswear and baseball caps inside the establishment. That led Chili’s, the fast‑casual chain known for its baby back ribs, to issue its own response.
“The only dress code at Chili’s is that you have to be dressed,” the company wrote.
That answer – and the contrast with Ruth’s Chris style – sparked an internet debate.
One internet user purportedly called “Terry Thighbone” chimed in: “Hey we can’t all have class. Good thing Chili’s is here for the bottom feeders.”
Ruth’s Chris instructs diners to remove hats upon entering and directs those wearing baseball caps to sit in the bar or lounge. Its list of prohibited items includes: “gym wear, pool attire, tank tops, clothing with offensive graphics or language, revealing clothing and exposed undergarments”.
Ruth’s Chris, which was acquired by Darden Restaurants in 2023 for about $715 million, has faced criticism in recent weeks from diners who say the rules are too strict.
Chili’s post quickly drew thousands of reactions. Many users applauded the chain’s non-discriminatory manifesto, replying with comments such as “I’d rather go to chilis” and “I totally support this.”
One commentator, Sarah Good, suggested there was a time and place for both styles of dining establishment: “Well Chili’s is where we go to on a Thursday night for margs and chips. Ruth’s Chris is where we go for special moments. So thank goodness they set standards because some people would come dressed for a Thursday night at Chili’s if not prevented.”
One person suggested they may still be able to visit Chili’s even if they are in their finery: “Mr. Chili’s, can I please wear my top hat and opera cloak to your fine establishment?” they wrote in response to the post.
Others defended the idea of dressing up for a night out suggesting it harked back to a nostalgic idea of the good old days. One person argued that “people are tired of the general abandonment of all standards in society”, while another said of the dress code that “more restaurants should start doing this.”
They added: “Not everything is for everyone. People act how they’re dressed. When you take time to get dressed nice, you tend to act a different way than if you’re in sweatpants and a tank top, lol.”
“Make Dining Great Again,” another person said.
“This is great,” one social-media user wrote. “I wish cruise lines did this for the dining rooms. There is a buffet for those who prefer slovenly attire. Last cruise I was on, some family was wearing basketball jerseys and ballcaps in the dining room. The dad took his shoes off at the table. Gross.”
“I cannot stand it when men wear ballcaps in any restaurant,” another said.
But this sparked concern in some quarters: “What if President Trump went there and wore his MAGA baseball cap style hat. Would they kick him out or what?” one poster worried.