K. M.
Yelp
We ate here during the last dinner service of January's restaurant week. The food was good, but when we arrived, I had asked for a quiet table. That request wasn't acknowledged, as the person I spoke with turned and gave instructions regarding what server was due next for a table, and we were seated right next to a table of 4 (despite almost the entire restaurant being empty at that time). We decided not to object, as it was only one table. But then a large / loud party of about 12 people were seated right above us on the upper level, another table was seated near us, and then the table right behind us. It was confusing that the other 'half' of the seating area remained entirely empty except for one couple sitting in a far corner. (The dining area is split into halves by turning right or left upon entering the room)
I wish that restaurants were more accommodating for people who request quieter tables - whether someone is hard of hearing, has an auditory processing issue, autism, etc. I understand typically tables are rotated among servers, so everyone gets an equal number of tables. But when one half of a restaurant has only one table with two people, and the other half has 5 tables sitting right on top of each other including a large party and multiple tables of 4, it seemed an odd way to seat patrons regardless of our request.
It was frustrating to not be able to have a conversation during most of our meal, while staring at a nice quiet space on the other side that we had hoped to / requested to dine in.
I would think this is a common need? I have several people in my life with hearing loss and similar challenges. I know the request can't always be completely guaranteed....that a busy restaurant wouldn't be expected to turn diners away. But when a restaurant is less than half full, or when dinner service is just starting, that a buffer of at least one table on each side could be left until the restaurant gets more crowded? I'm writing this review with the hope that this input could be at least considered and maybe worked out in a way that is fair to the servers in terms of equal tables being allocated. Thanks.