How do you ask a table in a restaurant to tone it down? OR do you?

Question

I went out to lunch today to a small mediterranean restuarant. There was a family sitting next to us that was so loud I found myself with a throbbing headache. I had to bury my head in my hands just to try to escape this annoying bunch. They were almost done eating, and were on their way out. The mother was cuddling a teenaged girl and at first, I thought it was a young L*****n couple... but the chatter was so so so loud. I was thanking god above when they left.

Answer 1

well you can either ask them politely to please quite it down or (if they look a bit intimidating, like you dont want to mess with them lol) just ask your server to speak to them about it or to move you.

or you can just try to make it as obvious as possible that they are annoying you....look them down while sighing very loudly at the same time, run your fingers through your hair with an annoyed look on your face, "whisper" to your company (loudly so they hear) about how rude and obnouxious they are being.

Answer 2

Ask them politely.  say we are trying to enjoy this meal just like everyone else. and if you dont mind would you please tone it down a bit.  if they dont respond get management.  they will more than likely tell them and if that doesnt work they will be asked to leave.  i have done it befor (Asked people to tone it down, than leave and banned for 90 days) you are a paying respectfull customer and that is more important than a disrespecfull customer.  unless they know the owner or manager. than theres nothing you can do.  This business sucks!  Confront them and save the wait staff that one extra task that gives them gray hair. step up take care of bisnasssss.  if that dont work start throwin bows stick and move stick and move.

Answer 3

I would ask the management to move you to a quieter table. the management most likely would not ask them to 'tone it down' for fear of loosing customers.

We had that experience some time ago when 4 couples were seated and had just ordered. The next table was loud and obnoxious. Management could not move a party of our size and refused to ask the other table to be more courteious so we left.  That most likely cost the restaurant over $300 in lost business from our table. And YES we never went back to that place again.

Answer 4

In that situation I think I would have a talk with my server instead of having a talk with the table. Asking the server to convey your message to the manager on duty is completely acceptable and saves you from having to deal with a potentially uncomfortable confrontation.

Most restaurants want all their customers to have a pleasant dining experience, and if they are unable to move you away from the obnoxious folks, the manager will have a talk with the table and let them know there have been complaints without saying from whom, and that they need to tone it down a little.

Answer 5

It depends, some restaurants are loud!

But ALWAYS ask your server to speak with the offending party or move you.  Simple.

Answer 6

If the server or other staff don't deal with it ask to change tables or leave. Each meal should be a special occasion and you should not let others ruin it.

Answer 7

I would ask to be moved to another table.

Answer 8

I work in a restuarant and know the headaches you can get. Honestly, tell your server. As one,I can go to the manager, who can stop by the table and ask them to tone it down a notch. I had a table that was finally kicked out becuase he was swearing and yelling so loud on his cell phone. Just ask your server next time to have the manager stop by or something. Once he's out there, he'll see why it's bother you. But, make sure you tell your server you want to see the manager for your noisy neighbors, not bad service. We tend to freak out. ;)