Restaurants that are just too damn loud

[Louie]

Went here about a month or so ago. Food was good, but the ambience was absolutely awful. Concrete basement vibes and its the loudest restaurant in the city thanks to it. No music but the sound reverberates like crazy. I’d go back if the atmosphere wasn’t so painful on the ears.

[lmdramos]

I don't mind the decor, but agree it is noisy. How good the food is will keep me coming back regardless though when I am visit Omaha

[nativeomahan]

I absolutely hate restaurants designed so you cannot carry on a conversation without shouting. We tried one last evening, and the kitchen screwed up our order. Our waitress never came back to check on us a few minutes after our food arrived (isn’t that just basic restaurant protocol?), and finally after trying in vain to get an employee to make eye contact I started calling out to random wait staff a table or two away. No one could apparently hear my slightly raised voice. I finally literally had to shout “Hello! Waitress!” twice to get anyone to hear me.
Her response: “Sorry, I can’t help you. I’m not your waitress.”
It all got worked out in the end, and the manager comped our full meal and bar tab. But I doubt we will return because of the noise level.

[ChadJK]

Went here about a month or so ago... ambience was absolutely awful. Concrete basement vibes and its the loudest restaurant in the city thanks to it. No music but the sound reverberates like crazy. I’d go back if the atmosphere wasn’t so painful on the ears.

I don't mind the decor, but agree it is noisy.

I absolutely hate restaurants designed so you cannot carry on a conversation without shouting... ...But I doubt we will return because of the noise level.

Intimate dining is a lost art. Most new restaurants are designed with an open concept. Lots of hard surfaces. You can make eye contact with 75 people while eating and the sound bounces off everything.

[nebport5]

Went here about a month or so ago... ambience was absolutely awful. Concrete basement vibes and its the loudest restaurant in the city thanks to it. No music but the sound reverberates like crazy. I’d go back if the atmosphere wasn’t so painful on the ears.

I don't mind the decor, but agree it is noisy.

I absolutely hate restaurants designed so you cannot carry on a conversation without shouting... ...But I doubt we will return because of the noise level.

Intimate dining is a lost art. Most new restaurants are designed with an open concept. Lots of hard surfaces. You can make eye contact with 75 people while eating and the sound bounces off everything.

You just described Saddle Creek B.C. (Over Easy was painfully loud too), I particularly loathe excessive noise pollution in restaurants and it’s enough to keep me away even if the food is good. I was on the fence about trying Santoro and now will steer clear.

At the risk of veering further off topic, there may be an interesting side thread here.

This might be an interesting side topic.

[Greg S]

Yeah I am not a fan of eating at places that are too loud either. Most of the time if I am going it's to spend some time talking with whoever I am with. If I can't do that, I won't return.

[Louie]

I will take 6/10 food in a 10/10 ambience over 10/10 food in a 6/10 ambience.

[ChadJK]

One of my favorite things about Brother Sebastian's is how they've divided up their dining room into smaller rooms to create an intimate setting. That combined with the dim lighting makes it feel cozy.

[Louie]

One of my favorite things about Brother Sebastian's is how they've divided up their dining room into smaller rooms to create an intimate setting. That combined with the dim lighting make it's feel cozy.

Completely agree. There are better steaks in Omaha, but Brothers ambience is so inviting and warm.

[Brad]

One of my favorite things about Brother Sebastian's is how they've divided up their dining room into smaller rooms to create an intimate setting. That combined with the dim lighting make it's feel cozy.

Completely agree. There are better steaks in Omaha, but Brothers ambience is so inviting and warm.

The Drover is my favorite and it’s broken up similar too.

[ChadJK]

The Drover is my favorite and it’s broken up similar too.

Agreed. Their dim lighting and low ceilings give it an intimate feel too. Though, I haven't been since they reopened after the fire.

[nativeomahan]

I will take 6/10 food in a 10/10 ambience over 10/10 food in a 6/10 ambience.

8/10 on both food and ambiance would work better for me.
I’m sure most of us have a relatively short list of “go-to” restaurants, where we spend 75%+ of our restaurant budget. I have my more casual “weeknight” type places and my “special occasion” spots that we might eat at a total 3-4 times a year. We try to check out highly rated new spots from time to time as well, of course. Almost all of the places on our “weeknight” list are within a 5-10 minute drive from our home, as we have no shortage of decent spots close by. Frankly it takes a darn good reason for us to drive further than 10 minutes to have lunch or dinner. The only special occasion spot nearby to us is Fleming’s. The others are mostly downtown.
We love Asian food, but with the exception of Indian recipes we don’t cook much Asian cuisine at home, so those are restaurants we often dine at when we go out. We also love Italian food. Regardless of where we go, however, 100% of our favorite places have a relatively quiet indoor ambience. A loud dining room is a complete deal breaker for us.

[nativeomahan]

One of my favorite things about Brother Sebastian's is how they've divided up their dining room into smaller rooms to create an intimate setting. That combined with the dim lighting make it's feel cozy.

Omaha used to have a dozen or more quiet, intimate dining spots, with high back booths, carpeted dining rooms, subdued lighting and soft background music. Even when they got busy you could still carry on a conversation. A fair number of these spots were inexpensive as well. I’m struggling to come up with a single even slightly upscale new restaurant to open in the past decade that offers these customer friendly features. Perhaps the Committee at the Cottonwood. I have not yet dined there.

[Busguy2010]

I've been to a number of the Italian steakhouses throughout my life, some still around, some gone. That's what's a good restaurant setting to me. Good food, no obnoxious music, leather booths, almost a fine dining approach, but not with the price. Johnny's comes to mind first. And what with the holidays around the corner, reminds me of the scenes in Goodfellas. I haven't sat down to eat anywhere but a sports bar in forever, but that ambiance, the leather seating, the warm lighting, is what it would take. All about intimacy.

[nebport5]

Yes, it’s not just the physical environment but also the noise pollution that passes for music to create “the vibe”. Who in the heck wants to hear arse shaking club music while you’re eating?! I tried watching a Husker game once at Let It Fly and they blared club music(louder than the game) during every commercial break which sent me packing before half-time. Somehow they’ve successfully pulled off upscale, yet trashy, but I digress.

The last time I was at NeX(or whatever the heck its called now) the outside music was so deafeningly loud I gave up on what I was looking for and left.

I’m no spring chicken, but is this seriously what the kids want while dining and shopping these days?

[Jins123]

Pitch in Dundee is painfully obnoxious, noise wise.

[OverlookedFarm]

Great topic.

I agree, 100%.

I think several factors contribute to it, but mainly restaurant design. And, as said before, like the Drover/Brother Sebs, it's laid out to be more intimate.

Santoro's, New Charlestons, Mohogany, Pacific Eating House, 30Hop, etc are just waaaaay too loud to enjoy the evening. Let alone, kids can't handle the noise levels. heck. Tanners on a game night is quieter.

The "cheap" and crappy modern brutalist architectural design phase that Omaha can't quit right now is leading to more and more of these structures with little thought into actual practical aesthetics.

I expect noise at a sports bar, bar, sporting venue, but not having to raise my voice to communicate across the table at a nicer place.

Wanna know what else takes away from the dining experience? Poorly clothed guests. It's a PROBLEM in this town. Pivot Prime is one of the few places that is forward in acknowledging that dress is a major part of the dining experience. And, I think it lends itself to the noise issue.

If you are going to a place at or above Bonefish-Charlestons level, the expectation is to wear a jacket, dress, shoes, slacks. No polos, no sandals, tees, shorts, etc. Having a drink with my haberdasher last month, flipping through Flusser, it's terrible how poorly Omaha dresses compared to even 15 years ago at nice restaurants.

[nebport5]

Great topic.

I agree, 100%.

I think several factors contribute to it, but mainly restaurant design. And, as said before, like the Drover/Brother Sebs, it's laid out to be more intimate.

Santoro's, New Charlestons, Mohogany, Pacific Eating House, 30Hop, etc are just waaaaay too loud to enjoy the evening. Let alone, kids can't handle the noise levels. heck. Tanners on a game night is quieter.

The "cheap" and crappy modern brutalist architectural design phase that Omaha can't quit right now is leading to more and more of these structures with little thought into actual practical aesthetics.

I expect noise at a sports bar, bar, sporting venue, but not having to raise my voice to communicate across the table at a nicer place.

Wanna know what else takes away from the dining experience? Poorly clothed guests. It's a PROBLEM in this town. Pivot Prime is one of the few places that is forward in acknowledging that dress is a major part of the dining experience. And, I think it lends itself to the noise issue.

If you are going to a place at or above Bonefish-Charlestons level, the expectation is to wear a jacket, dress, shoes, slacks. No polos, no sandals, tees, shorts, etc. Having a drink with my haberdasher last month, flipping through Flusser, it's terrible how poorly Omaha dresses compared to even 15 years ago at nice restaurants.

While I generally agree that dress is a problem it’s not unique to Omaha. Spend some time in Denver where people dress like shat all the time. Flannel and denim=The Denver Tux. Long sleeves are made of tattoos. People even wear jeans to the opera. But this is also an American cultural/generational issue. The amount of young people who think it’s acceptable to wear sweatpants everywhere is disheartening. Thanks social media. As a straight man it’s unfortunate how many times I wished some leggings left more to the imagination. And way too many men think flip-flops are acceptable to wear anywhere other than the beach, pool or shower.

So I think you’re asking a lot for people to wear more polished clothes at the Bonefish/Charlestons level. If you could get men to wear polos and even nice shorts at these establishments it would generally be an upgrade. That and to get women under 30 to leave their jammies and fluffy bunny slippers at home in favor of at least their baggy acid wash jeans and frumpy oversized fleece. Can this look die already? It may have looked cute if you’re a beautiful celebrity on tiktok but for most it does not flatter.

*old man rant subsiding to afternoon nap*

[Toto]

Any restaurant requiring more than a polo is a restaurant I don't belong at.

[nebugeater]

It's not just the younger generation.

In the last few years, I have gone on two cruises. On Holland America lines, which tends towards an older crowd. The Formal nights in the main seated dining were an eye-opener for what people tried to wear. Saw a number get turned away. There are standards for regular nights in the main dining room ( not buffet), too, and people pushed for them. Now I don't thing you need a tus and formal dress for formal night but you should not even think once that sandles, shorts and a tee shirt work

[Brad]

It's not just the younger generation.

In the last few years, I have gone on two cruises. On Holland America lines, which tends towards an older crowd. The Formal nights in the main seated dining were an eye-opener for what people tried to wear. Saw a number get turned away. There are standards for regular nights in the main dining room ( not buffet), too, and people pushed for them. Now I don't thing you need a tus and formal dress for formal night but you should not even think once that sandles, shorts and a tee shirt work

I think a little differently. I go on vacation so I don't need to dress up. I would have never guessed that I needed formal clothing on a cruise. That said, I have never been on a cruise and have no plans of ever going on a cruise. A good vacation for me is jeans and a hoodie in the mountains.

[djc311]

Great topic.

I agree, 100%.

I think several factors contribute to it, but mainly restaurant design. And, as said before, like the Drover/Brother Sebs, it's laid out to be more intimate.

Santoro's, New Charlestons, Mohogany, Pacific Eating House, 30Hop, etc are just waaaaay too loud to enjoy the evening. Let alone, kids can't handle the noise levels. heck. Tanners on a game night is quieter.

The "cheap" and crappy modern brutalist architectural design phase that Omaha can't quit right now is leading to more and more of these structures with little thought into actual practical aesthetics.

I expect noise at a sports bar, bar, sporting venue, but not having to raise my voice to communicate across the table at a nicer place.

Wanna know what else takes away from the dining experience? Poorly clothed guests. It's a PROBLEM in this town. Pivot Prime is one of the few places that is forward in acknowledging that dress is a major part of the dining experience. And, I think it lends itself to the noise issue.

If you are going to a place at or above Bonefish-Charlestons level, the expectation is to wear a jacket, dress, shoes, slacks. No polos, no sandals, tees, shorts, etc. Having a drink with my haberdasher last month, flipping through Flusser, it's terrible how poorly Omaha dresses compared to even 15 years ago at nice restaurants.

Funny you mention Mahogany. I was very disappointed they uprooted from a dedicated building to move into a strip mall... people can argue otherwise, but that's basically what it is. It's just a new one. For the cost to dine here, I don't want to go back.

[Busguy2010]

But this is also an American cultural/generational issue. The amount of young people who think it’s acceptable to wear sweatpants everywhere is disheartening. Thanks social media. As a straight man it’s unfortunate how many times I wished some leggings left more to the imagination. And way too many men think flip-flops are acceptable to wear anywhere other than the beach, pool or shower.

So I think you’re asking a lot for people to wear more polished clothes at the Bonefish/Charlestons level. If you could get men to wear polos and even nice shorts at these establishments it would generally be an upgrade. That and to get women under 30 to leave their jammies and fluffy bunny slippers at home in favor of at least their baggy acid wash jeans and frumpy oversized fleece. Can this look die already? It may have looked cute if you’re a beautiful celebrity on tiktok but for most it does not flatter.

*old man rant subsiding to afternoon nap*

I'll never forget one time I was at Lowe's buying some lumber, and some softy was walking down the aisle wearing flip flops. He apparently stepped on a staple that went right through his flip flop and into his foot. He jumped around and understandably blurted some expletives, and was looking around for someone. I was the only other person around, and I guess by my non-reaction, he realized I wasnt going to help his case and he limped off grumbling. This was before 360% camera coverage. I hope he realized a hardware store is one of those places not to wear flip flops.

As far as restaurants, I hardly go to any. But of the ones I do go to, none of them are anywhere anybodys gonna take note of your dress. If I cant get by wearing a jeans and a button up thats not buttoned all the way up, nor tucked in, then that place isn't for me.

As far going out in public in general, yeah, I think everybody should at least change out of what they slept in lol. I'll sometimes wear sweat pants if all it is is a trip from the house to the grocery store. I usually think a pair of black jeans is more than enough effort on a daily basis. As far as leggings go, we all know why women wear them. They say it's because they're comfortable, which I'm sure theres some truth to, but come on. Come on lol.

[Stan]

Any restaurant requiring more than a polo is a restaurant I don't belong at.

I can't think of any restaurant in Omaha I care to go to that requires a jacket. For one, I know I'm going to be paying top dollar and I better be blown away by the food. That's not usually the case and you're paying more for the prestige and the experience than the food.

[Stan]

Also didn't know other men were so against flip flops. That's probably going to be me in the summer, but they're not just the flimsy Old Navy flops, but leather and cloth and if I hurt myself for wearing them, I'm an adult and take responsibility for that.

[almighty_tuna]

That's not usually the case and you're paying more for the prestige and the experience than the food.

For sure - I'm paying top dollar for excellent food, not to play dress up. I don't need to impress anyone.

[Linkin5]

Imagine caring what some stranger is wearing in public. God some of you people are insane.

[Busguy2010]

Times and standards are certainly different. Its an interesting tie-in to that other thread "Would you go back in time?" I get the idea, at least based on some historic videos I've seen, no man would go out in public not fully dressed in a suit. It would be an interesting era to go back to. Now it would be "what's the occasion?" Shoot, I wore a button up long sleeve shirt with some black jeans the other day just to run a few errands and I felt the most dressed, as most everybody else was wearing sweat pants, leggings, hoodies or pajamas, etc. Its not very hard to look good nowadays lol

[nebport5]

It’s not about impressing anyone. (Well maybe for some). Rather it’s about respect. It used to be that dressing to a code at a nicer restaurant implied the level of food and service you’d receive would be top notch. Unfortunately, some of those codes were also meant to exclude others. Codes aside, the level of service and food isn’t what it used to be in general. That said, having worked in the food & beverage industry I still see a general correlation between the level of care exerted by kitchen and service staff at nicer attire establishments vs more casual grub establishments. The expectations are higher and it generally shows. Of course you can have a great meal in a causal joint and drop a small fortune in a fine dining restaurant that disappoints with cuisine and service. Personally, I don’t love the general pretension that often comes with fine dining. And yes, the price and portion are often as challenging to appreciate as they are to be executed and profitable.

[nebport5]

Also didn't know other men were so against flip flops. That's probably going to be me in the summer, but they're not just the flimsy Old Navy flops, but leather and cloth and if I hurt myself for wearing them, I'm an adult and take responsibility for that.

It’s one thing to wear less concordant with the weather. Leather and cloth slides, sandals, Birks, etc I would think are fine most places. It’s another when it’s the trashy ones (I think we’re both referring to) in the dead of winter and it’s obvious one's personal hygiene has been neglected. Yes, I’m judging you and no I don’t want to eat around such people.

[GenX]

There used to be a time where people dressed up for “special” or important things. Now, not so much.

[OverlookedFarm]

Imagine caring what some stranger is wearing in public. God some of you people are insane.

Imagine going to a fine/finer place to celebrate a graduation or anniversary and the group next table over is dressed in whatever they rollout of bed with and flip out their ipads.

It's not about money
It's not about pretension
It's not about anything other than respect.

It's a societal contract on being out in public.

The reality is, I wouldn't go back to the restaurant because the overall dining experience was less than I desired. It hurts business. In turn, exclusivity and being able to "join the club" of decent society creates demand.

Reverse is wearing a sport jacket to the beach, etc. Dress up and down to the occasion.

Maybe I'm being crotchety, or live in a different century, but it is what it is.

[nebugeater]

It's not just the younger generation.

In the last few years, I have gone on two cruises. On Holland America lines, which tends towards an older crowd. The Formal nights in the main seated dining were an eye-opener for what people tried to wear. Saw a number get turned away. There are standards for regular nights in the main dining room ( not buffet), too, and people pushed for them. Now I don't thing you need a tus and formal dress for formal night but you should not even think once that sandles, shorts and a tee shirt work

I think a little differently. I go on vacation so I don't need to dress up. I would have never guessed that I needed formal clothing on a cruise. That said, I have never been on a cruise and have no plans of ever going on a cruise. A good vacation for me is jeans and a hoodie in the mountains.

Before the first Cruise it was someting I thought I would never do. Wife was about the same. Had no desire to get on a floating petrie dish. We ended up going on one with some others from her family. We both flipped on this 180 deg and have done a second, and will do more at some point. We are not on the "party ships or lines that is for sure.

A year ago, right no,w we were about 2/3 of the way through a 15-day cruise that left San Diego and ended in Ft Lauderdale, going through the Panama Canal. That day, passing through the canal was a bucket list activity even if I didn't know it before passing through the original locks.

[ricko]

There used to be a time where people dressed up for “special” or important things. Now, not so much.

Much of it has to do with geography and local customs. I attended a wedding last year in Virginia (Fairfax) of around 200 people. These were mostly middle class and working class people, and every single male wore a suit/tie. The same pretty much goes for funerals. Those events are probably the only times (maybe except for job interviews) that everyone dresses up. Same for a NYC wedding I attended a few years ago. I know the Midwest is much more informal, but I don’t know what certain guys were thinking when I saw jeans and T-shirts at an Omaha funeral. At lest wear a collared shirt with a pair of khakis. Jeez.

[ChadJK]

Are things too casual these days? I don't know. There was a time when it seemed like all men wore was collared shirts with neckties. Even mechanics would have a collared shirt and necktie on under their coveralls. That's just silly. I always joke that in the 1950s a guy would have a collared shirt and slacks on to mow the yard. Do we really want to go back to that? And for what? So we can all be a lot less comfortable in our clothing to impress other people who are also uncomfortable in their clothing? Because we've established some unnecessary norm that without a collar and a piece of cloth tied around your neck that you're somehow disrespecting other people? Honestly, the longer you dwell on it the sillier it sounds.

[Greg S]

Great topic.

I agree, 100%.

I think several factors contribute to it, but mainly restaurant design. And, as said before, like the Drover/Brother Sebs, it's laid out to be more intimate.

Santoro's, New Charlestons, Mohogany, Pacific Eating House, 30Hop, etc are just waaaaay too loud to enjoy the evening. Let alone, kids can't handle the noise levels. heck. Tanners on a game night is quieter.

The "cheap" and crappy modern brutalist architectural design phase that Omaha can't quit right now is leading to more and more of these structures with little thought into actual practical aesthetics.

I expect noise at a sports bar, bar, sporting venue, but not having to raise my voice to communicate across the table at a nicer place.

Wanna know what else takes away from the dining experience? Poorly clothed guests. It's a PROBLEM in this town. Pivot Prime is one of the few places that is forward in acknowledging that dress is a major part of the dining experience. And, I think it lends itself to the noise issue.

If you are going to a place at or above Bonefish-Charlestons level, the expectation is to wear a jacket, dress, shoes, slacks. No polos, no sandals, tees, shorts, etc. Having a drink with my haberdasher last month, flipping through Flusser, it's terrible how poorly Omaha dresses compared to even 15 years ago at nice restaurants.

Funny you mention Mahogany. I was very disappointed they uprooted from a dedicated building to move into a strip mall... people can argue otherwise, but that's basically what it is. It's just a new one. For the cost to dine here, I don't want to go back.

I guess since it's out west, I don't really care if it's stand alone or in a strip mall. I probably pay closer attention if it was downtown or in more of a historical area like Benson or Dundee. I don't really remember their previous building being a big draw based on it's exterior. I had one of my best ever meals in Omaha at the new location. Inside was fine (nothing spectacular) but the food and service were exceptional (and not loud even though the place was packed).

[nativeomahan]

Also didn't know other men were so against flip flops. That's probably going to be me in the summer, but they're not just the flimsy Old Navy flops, but leather and cloth and if I hurt myself for wearing them, I'm an adult and take responsibility for that.

After I retired and gave up the suits and neckties I basically converted to shorts and flip flops if the weather was warm and jeans and tennis or other casual shoes otherwise. Living most of the winter in
the tropics I wear “nice” (not beach type) flip flops almost everywhere except to the beach or our swimming pool. Regular shoes and long pants are reserved for white table cloth type restaurants (of which there are dozens in Puerto Vallarta). I typically do wear more expensive type sandals when going to dinner somewhere indoors. I seldom focus on other customer’s feet so it isn’t much of an issue to me. Sweatpants and tank tops…that’s another issue entirely. I don’t find those to be appropriate to wear in public unless you are refueling your car or going through a drive thru. Obviously I’m In the minority here in Omaha on that point.

As for loud restaurants, we don’t eat in any such places more than once. I don’t care how good the food is.

[Busguy2010]

Also didn't know other men were so against flip flops. That's probably going to be me in the summer, but they're not just the flimsy Old Navy flops, but leather and cloth and if I hurt myself for wearing them, I'm an adult and take responsibility for that.

After I retired and gave up the suits and neckties I basically converted to shorts and flip flops if the weather was warm and jeans and tennis or other casual shoes otherwise.

I seldom focus on other customer’s feet so it isn’t much of an issue to me. Sweatpants and tank tops…that’s another issue entirely. I don’t find those to be appropriate to wear in public unless you are refueling your car or going through a drive thru. Obviously I’m In the minority here in Omaha on that point.

It's one thing to be comfortable in one's skin, it's another to just be lazy (not saying thats yall). N O B O D Y wants to see a man's feet, anywhere. Heck, nobody wants to see the majority of women's feet. I mean, sure if they have a pristine foot beauty and hygiene regimen, by all means. But that's like, what, 2% of people?

It's just etiquette in public in general. Just about everybody shops at Walmart, right? Prime example, last summer on the hottest day of the year, there was a guy that didn't care to put on anything but a wife beater (erm, A-shirt) and some very thin sport shorts and flip flops. I'm absolutely sure he was comfortable. But like, hey dogg, uhh, nobody wants to see your, um, "business". And by that I mean feet, pit hair, upper thighs, and private part impressions. He was in pretty good shape and looked clean, but like, nah, man. No. That gross. There's children here. Keep that in the locker room, man lol. Do that all ya want at the gym, the pool, beach, your own property, etc. I don't care who you are or how good you think you look, put on some real clothes. Fur real.

I think they call it standards. Or, they used to. The jury's out.

[nativeomahan]

Walmart is its own “special” etiquette free zone.