Introduction to the Noise Problem in Restaurants
It’s a restaurant owner’s dream: a lively ambience with delicious food, crowded tables, vibrant music and buzzy energy. But is it a diner’s nightmare? A bustling eatery can feel like a dreadful enclosed box if the noise level gets too high, making it impossible to converse with friends or even hear the server.
The Complaints are Real
When the South Florida Sun Sentinel asked readers if restaurants were getting too noisy, many admitted that dining out has become a challenge for them due to extreme sound levels. “Lately, more and more places have become unbearably loud,” Coral Springs resident Steve Feinberg said. “In some, background music is played at concert volume. This forces guests to practically scream over the music just to have a conversation.” The noise can be close to unbearable, said Steve Ruprecht, of Delray Beach. “Somewhere along the way, restaurants decided that dinner should come with a side of eardrum damage,” Ruprecht said. “Between overcrowded layouts and DJs moonlighting as playlist curators, the noise levels in some places make it easier to text the person next to you than actually talk to them.”
The Statistics
Restaurants field lots of complaints, from food quality to air conditioning issues, but surveys show noise is a major dining irritant. A 2018 Zagat National Dining Trends report listed noise as the worst annoyance at 24%, followed closely by service (23%). Crowds (15%), high prices (12%) and parking (10%) also made the list. It’s no surprise that some people are attracted to raucous dining venues, such as sports bars or dance clubs. And many restaurant owners have seen the studies that show pumping up music brings in revenue: A 2008 report found that Top 40 songs, blasted to a deafening 88 decibels, led to more beers ordered in less time.
The Science Behind Restaurant Noise
Still, other studies show it’s essential for these establishments to limit the clamor. Sound levels higher than 85 decibels can damage customers’ and workers’ hearing, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Researchers say restaurant noise should measure 55 to 65 decibels for people to be able to talk. A 2024 study showed that the frequency of noise complaints from diners started increasing at around 70 decibels.
At The Butcher & The Bar in Boynton Beach, the owner aims to combat noise from the open kitchen with acoustic ceilings and a stereo system that allows control over individual areas of the restaurant.
Have Restaurants Become Noisier?
Some say the “industrial-chic” restaurant aesthetic that started in the 1990s marked the beginning of widespread American restaurant cacophony. Owners gave up on cushioned seating, carpeting and thick curtains, and replaced them with concrete floors and high ceilings — not to mention open kitchens with clanging pots, whirring fans and bellowing chefs that added to the boisterous atmosphere. Eric Anderson, managing partner of the The Butcher & The Bar in Boynton Beach, said he moved into his space in 2020 and decided to keep the existing concrete floor and ceiling for an “industrial feel.” “I knew it would be loud,” he said.
Mitigating the Noise
He bought acoustic tile for the ceiling and artwork to absorb sound. He invested in a stereo system with volume control on each speaker. Still, on a scale of 1 to 5, he says the space hits a 4 on a crowded evening, with music ranging from ’70s funk to blues-rock bands such as The Allman Brothers. Although Anderson operates a bar-restaurant where the volume increases as the night proceeds, most restaurants should be playing background music that is “not recognizable,” said Eric Bass, an adjunct professor at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. “People should be able to hear each other across the table,” Bass said. “If people can’t hear each other, they won’t come back.”
Tips for a Mellow Evening Out
If you’re looking for a quieter dining experience, here are some tips:
- Avoid the rush. Arrive at the restaurant before peak dining hours so it’s less crowded.
- Call ahead and ask about sound levels and music. Restaurant managers are usually familiar with their acoustic systems and should be able to say whether their atmospheres are amenable to conversation.
- Try to sit by a wall or in a corner. These spots are not always quieter, but at least there will be fewer people surrounding you.
- Check reviews. On platforms such as OpenTable and Yelp, diners often mention sound levels as they review restaurants.
- Download this app. SoundPrint is a crowd-sourced collection of venues that allows users to measure a restaurant’s noise levels and share it with fellow diners.
- Set hearing aids to adjust for noise. Many modern hearing aids have a “restaurant mode” that reduces background sounds and focuses on the voice in front of the wearer.
Recommendations for Peace and Quiet
If you’ve been searching for restaurants with reasonable sound levels, Mike Mayo, host of South Florida streaming show “Mike Mayo’s Lunchbox” and a former Sun Sentinel food columnist, recommends several spots in Broward and Palm Beach counties. These include Escargot Bistro, Livello, Le Bistro, Il Paesano, Wan’s, The Katherine, Mundi’s Italian Restaurant, Deccan Spice, Thai Spice, Savia, M&M Thai Cafe, Jimmy’s Bistro, Nicholson Muir, and The Grove.
Conclusion
The issue of noise in restaurants is a complex one, influenced by design choices, music policies, and the desire to create a lively atmosphere. While some diners enjoy the energy of a bustling restaurant, others find it unbearable. By understanding the causes of noise and taking steps to mitigate it, restaurants can create a more welcoming environment for all their customers. Whether through the use of acoustic materials, careful music selection, or simply being mindful of volume levels, there are many ways for restaurants to balance ambiance with comfort.
FAQs
- Q: Why have restaurants become so loud?
A: The trend towards industrial-chic decor, open kitchens, and loud music has contributed to the increase in noise levels in restaurants. - Q: How can I find a quiet restaurant?
A: Check reviews, call ahead to ask about sound levels, and consider visiting during less busy times. - Q: What can restaurants do to reduce noise?
A: Restaurants can use acoustic materials, control music volume, and design their spaces with noise reduction in mind. - Q: Is loud music in restaurants really a problem?
A: Yes, loud music can make it difficult for customers to converse and can even lead to hearing damage. - Q: Are there any apps that can help me find quiet restaurants?
A: Yes, apps like SoundPrint allow users to measure and share noise levels in different venues.
