“You don’t have to wear a tie or pantyhose to eat oysters,” advises the menu at Rhinehart’s in Evans, Georgia, which describes its decorative motif as Broken Down Beach Shack. While there is no actual dress code, those who arrive wearing a necktie and/or sheer hosiery surely will feel ill at ease. Shorts, T-shirts, and sneakers are the livery of choice for staff as well as customers. Rhinehart’s has trademarked the motto “Beyond Casual.”
Sitting on a bench at an outdoor table underneath a colorful beer-branded umbrella feels like a company picnic. Indoor customers occupy barstools or bench seats at bare wooden tables carved with years’ worth of graffiti. Scrawled love notes, slogans, and doodled-on dollar bills cover all available wall space, except for areas that are occupied by beer advertisements. Dishware and utensils are disposable. Cocktails come in plastic cups.
