Is pre-interview dinner a dealbreaker?

Another perspective:

A great chief I really liked and respected told me you don't want to stick out in any negative way, and that may mean getting a drink or two if the setting calls for it. Use your own best judgment, of course. But as she said, residents are worked like dogs and they finally get an excuse to go blow off steam; do they really want to spend that time hanging out with a bummer student who won't talk, refuses to let down their guard, and goes home early? If you're at risk of being that person without a drink, don't be the only person cradling water just because of Decorum.

Of course many people are naturally charismatic and outgoing, and don't need any help feeling comfortable or engaging. Rock on, friend! Otherwise, chochacho, enjoy the free drink!

Actually one of the best nights on the interview trail for me so far was when I was a little bolder than usual, got a little tipsy, had a great time with the residents, and stayed out later than most of the applicants. The next day the residents were genuinely excited to see me, knew me, and spent tons of extra time and attention talking and trying to recruit me on the interview day, no joke. To be fair, I can be quiet and nerdy when sober, and totally know how to find the happy medium of pleasantly buzzed long before risking sloppy drunk. I don't think this was a bad choice. YMMV. We're all adults; take whatever you should have learned in college about your own alcohol tolerance and apply it.

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Is pre-interview dinner a dealbreaker?