Seven Steps Toward Conversation-Friendly Dining
Before
1. Look at online noise ratings when choosing a restaurant.
a. Open Table, an online reservation service, includes diners' noise level ratings so before you reserve, take a look at the average rating for noise. (On Open Table, "energetic" means loud.)
b. Yelp does not have separate ratings for noise level, but you can search for a quiet restaurant by zip code. (Enter "quiet restaurant" in the first search box, and the zip code in the second search box.) The search result is based on comments made by reviewers.
2. Ask for a quiet table when you reserve a table by phone or online,
During
3. Get a decibel meter app for your smart phone and measure the sound volume in the restaurant.
a. When you get above 85 decibels for over 20 minutes, your hearing is at risk for permanent damage.
b. Some members use Decibel 10th, a free app; for more details see Dane Wells’ post on the Forum
After
4. Voice your opinion to the manager when you are dissatisfied with the noise level, instead of just walking out disgruntled. If you found the noise level satisfactory, compliment the manager.
5. Use the decibel information when reviewing the restaurant or complaining to the manager.
6. Write online reviews on Open Table or Yelp, and post comments, reviews, recommendations, and complaints on the FitC Forum in the Conversation Friendly Restaurant section.
7. Send emails directly to restaurants; find contact options on their websites.