Excessive ambient noise has long been a hot-button issue for older diners, but it’s increasingly frustrating younger ones as well. In one recent survey, noise ranked just behind service among diners’ top restaurant complaints. You might expect restaurant designers and architects to prioritize acoustics, but many don’t for two main reasons: Some operators intentionally seek a lively, energetic atmosphere, while others simply don’t have the budget for costly sound-dampening measures. Unfortunately, acoustic treatments are often among the first expenses to be cut, and some operators think they will add them in later.
That said, here are a few general suggestions:
- Dine early.
- Dine during the week.
- Seek out perimeter tables and round tables.
- Consider smaller side rooms.
- Seek out rooms with ample space between tables.
- Dine outdoors.
I can also recommend the following somewhat quiet restaurants in St. Louis. The list is by no means exhaustive, so feel free to share your favorite low-decibel hangout at [email protected]—because there aren’t enough quiet restaurants, and all of us will benefit.
I said, BECAUSE THERE AREN’T ENOUGH QUIET RESTAURANTS, AND ALL OF US WILL BENEFIT.
Expensive
- The high-end steakhouses (801 Chophouse, The Capital Grille, Fleming’s, J. Gilbert’s), certain areas of Ruth’s Chris, The Tenderloin Room)
- The Kings of the Hill (Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill, Dominic’s)
- The Claytonites (801 Fish, Almond’s, The Crossing, Herbie’s, Oceano Bistro)
- Acero
- akar
- Andria’s Countryside (Edwardsville)
- BC’s Kitchen
- Casa Don Alfonso
- Citizen Kane’s Steak House
- Edera
- Il Bel Lago
- Paul Manno’s
- The Preston
- Sidney Street Café
- Truffles
Moderately Priced
- Bailey’s Chocolate Bar
- Basso (two locations)
- The Bellwether
- Big Sky Café
- Brasserie (side room)
- Café Provencal
- Dominic’s Trattoria
- Dressel’s Pub
- El Milagro Azteca (third room)
- Eleven Eleven Mississippi (upper level)
- Farmhaus
- Grace Chicken & Fish
- indo
- Little Fox
- Mainlander/The Jujube Inn
- One 19 North (upper level, in back)
- Pan D’Olive (in one of the booths)
- Peel Pizza (Clayton)
- Robin
- Salt + Smoke (Kirkwood and Downtown)
- Sapore Italian Café (side room)
- Sunset 44
Follow dining editor George Mahe on X and Instagram, or send him an “Ask George” email at [email protected]. For more from St. Louis Magazine, subscribe or follow us on Facebook, X , and Instagram.
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