I've come to the conclusion that ballcaps indoors is a southern culture thing.

You'd probably have an easier time getting the network channel to Martha Stewart instead of NASCAR on Sunday afternoons.

There are plenty of places to eat where ballcaps are frowned upon. You just have to pay the prices to eat there.

Welcome to my South where wearing a baseball cap and no shirt is considered elegant dining attire.

Snobery on parade.

Nope Hugh, it aint just a southern thang. Go anywhere in the US and you are going to find the hat on the head and not on the hanger in many eating establishments. I found it in SDak, NDak,Wyo, Colo, Mich., Illinois, Indiana,Mass, RI, Vermont, NMex and Tex plus about anywere else you can name. Hats were worn in downtown resturants, truck stops, fast food joints, Chain restruants, you name it. Ya reckon it could have been a bug implanted by NASCAR since it is now watched all over the country? Maybe there is sumptin in them Bud commercials that implants the bug in yer brain.

What's the big deal with addressing a group "you guys"? It's just the northern version of "y'all" and in no way is it intended to reflect the gender of the group you are addressing.

Perhaps the guy/gal wearing the ball cap has been undergoing chemo and is embarrassed by their lack of hair.

Who cares?

Live and let live.

If you are bothered that the person at the next table is wearing a hat, perhaps you need to reexamine your priorities.

Another example of someone with too much time on their hands. I would suggest dining at Ruths Chris Steakhouse if you don't want to see hats on the head. You'll get a real good steak too :)

Dan, does Ruth's do a "90 days same as cash" plan? :-)

Sheesh, come one. Isn't there enough drama in the world without you having to bring in some more for yourself? If you don't like the way someone dresses at a restuarant the don't look. Don't go there anymore. Same goes for the way you are addressed by the wait staff, if you don't like it, don't eat there.

What's wrong with wearing a hat while eating at a restaurant? I don't get it.

Amen lbb and brian,

What's the big deal? Heck, hats keep loose hairs from falling out and getting in other people's foods. Sure, Miss Manners would say that it is improper etiquette but who cares.

One thing I can say for sure is that somebody wearing a hat at the next table does not interfere with my dining experience in ANY way. If they are at a really nice restaurant, then they may end up looking stupid, but what sweat is that off my brow. If the restaurant doesn't want it, it's up to them to request the person to remove the hat. It's definitely not up to J.T. Quinn unless he/she owns the restaurant.

Now, having said that. If I can smell you or your cigar, or hear your conversation over my own (especially when laced with profanity or subjects that shouldn't be discussed while eating) that truly does interfere with my eating experience and I'll be sure to take that up with the management. If they don't address it, I'm more than happy to leave.

Hugh, no 90 day same as cash plan at Ruths, but they do offer home equity accounts to dine there. My wife & I usually go once annually for our anniversary. It's really expensive, but it is the best steak you will find.

This whole thread just makes me shake my head. The letter writer laments the deplorable manners of both servers and diners, and the response includes the intimation that a "fine dining" experience can be had at the local high-dollar steak house. Why do people in the South equate dining well with eating a steak? Break out of that chargrilled red meat food group and introduce yourself to something beyond steak and potatoes, people. I mean, for goodness' sake! It's so desperately plebian!

And yes, JonnieB, Missy is a "snob" when it comes to cuisine. Just be glad that you don't have to pay the check! ***grin***

And Mr.P., bless your heart, darlin', the next time you go driving all over the United States, please try to avoid the truck stops and the fast food joints and the chain restaurants and find the locally authentic fine dining experiences in the cities and towns you visit! (And PLEASE do not write me a book about how yummy truck stop food is. As if Missy would eat at a truck stop!)

This whole conversation upsets me. I'm going to take a nerve pill and lie down for a while. Someone please bring me a Perrier and lime, will you?

Missy, Meet me down at the lowe's motor speedway for the upcoming saturday night race if you want some fine 'cusine'. I'm talkin' 'bout a sausage dawg and a beer so cold it will curl them thar toenails. I'm buyin'. *grin*

oh...and good taste dictates that you don't light up your stinking cigarette in a restaurant.