In a surprising turn of events, a New York Post reporter discovered that upscale New York City restaurants are more stringent with their dress code than the U.S. Senate. The reporter, Jon Levine, decided to put this to the test by donning Sen. John Fetterman's signature attire - a hoodie, gym shorts, and sneakers - and attempting to enter several high-end eateries throughout the city. To his dismay, Levine was met with scorn and rejection by ma?®tre d's who clearly had more common sense than Congress.

Levine's first stop was at Daniel, an Upper East Side culinary landmark known for its seven-course tasting menu priced at a whopping $275. The ma?®tre d' scoffed at Levine's outfit, stating that he would not be permitted inside, regardless of his occupation. A similar response was received at Le Bernardin, where a suited ma?®tre d' named Julien served up a cold stare and denied Levine even a taste of the renowned $480 dinner and wine pre-fixe menu. The three-Michelin-starred restaurant strictly forbids athletic wear and even denied entry to the more casual lounge area for those dressed like they just came from Pilates class.

Jean-Georges, another prestigious restaurant near Columbus Circle, was equally unwelcoming to Levine's attire. Four sentinels outside the dining room vetoed his entry, asserting that shorts were not allowed inside. Their dress code also prohibited jeans, sneakers, and sweatshirts. One employee even exclaimed, "It doesn't matter if it's Lady Gaga," emphasizing their strict adherence to the rules. The Grill, an ultra-luxurious chophouse in the legendary Four Seasons Restaurant space, wasted no time in rejecting Levine. The doorman, named Don, suggested that if Levine were to change into a pair of jeans, he might have a chance at gaining entry.

However, it wasn't all bad news for Fetterman's fashion choices. Levine found success at Nobu and Gramercy Tavern, where he was allowed to dine without any objections. The notoriously expensive Masa, known for its sushi bar omakase experience priced at over $1,000 per person, also welcomed Levine. The reporter was informed that Fetterman would be “absolutely” welcome at Eleven Madison Park, a three-star Michelin eatery known for its fully vegetarian nine-course tasting menu priced at $365. The restaurant stated that there were no expectations for evening attire, as long as one was wearing clothes.

While Fetterman may be pleased with the acceptance he received from some establishments, his sartorial experiment has stirred controversy among his congressional colleagues. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the Senate for relaxing its dress code rules, which allowed Fetterman to wear his casual attire on the Senate floor. Greene argued that the dress code is an important standard that upholds etiquette and respect for institutions, and she condemned the Senate for lowering the bar.

In conclusion, Levine's venture into the world of upscale dining while dressed as Fetterman shed light on the contrasting dress codes between New York City's high-end restaurants and the U.S. Senate. While most establishments strictly adhered to their dress codes, a few more lenient ones welcomed Fetterman's fashion sense. The incident has sparked a debate about the importance of dress codes and respect for institutions, leaving Fetterman at the center of attention.