My wife and I ate there a couple of years ago and we mentioned to our server that we wanted to go to Tao afterwards (we ended up not going, however). He sent over a lady who sat down with us and gave us stamps on our hands to go right up after dinner (no cover, if I remember correctly). I *think* she came over to check us out and make sure we weren't hideous looking and were dressed appropriately. A group of 8 guys might be a bit different than a couple, but I would think that if you're having a decent meal they'd be likely go ahead and allow you up. Good luck.