448281 Sat Oct 06 08:39:15 -0700 2007 14 8 Midwest 0 3010274 Looking for some casual or maybe a little nicer dining locations in the Twin Cities area that would be considered reliably *quiet*. (A family member just recently experienced sudden hearing loss and is having a tough time managing even moderately noisy environments) Your suggestions are greatly appreciated! -g Sat Oct 06 08:39:15 -0700 2007 12179 gromit 1 3010705 We have the same issue when my dad comes to visit. And, besides, the rest of us really appreciate a quiet place - I hate being bombarded with noise when I eat. (And I sure wish more restauranteurs felt the way I do!) Quiet places I like: - Saigon (not completely hushed, but the accoustics are OK) - Tanpopo (usually pretty quiet, even when full) - Puerta Azul (unless there's a large, loud group of diners, which is very rare) - Khyber Pass (if it's not busy) - Mairin's Table (call to check which nights they have live music) - Istanbul Bistro (has been very quiet the two times I've been there) - (for a splurge) Restaurant Alma, Jax, or Vincent (the restaurant area, not the bar) Best wishes to your family member! Sat Oct 06 11:51:24 -0700 2007 3010274 12541 AnneInMpls 1 3011233 My husband & I are usually the only ones in Blue Nile when we go. The food is not 'normal' per se, but quite tasty. Call 'em to ensure there's no live music before you go, though. I also remember Cafe Brenda being quiet... but I can't imagine why since it's a pretty open environment. Guess the guests are usually not rowdy :) .. Sat Oct 06 17:34:40 -0700 2007 3010274 120962 reannd 1 3011279 i totally agree with tanpopo: it is always tranquil even though full. plus: so delicious and clean. love it. also: the heartland wine bar. the wine bar is really lovely, and less expensive than heartland itself. i have had GREAT service and excellent food there. Sat Oct 06 17:59:27 -0700 2007 3010274 130995 liquor cupcakes 1 3011355 Corner Table at Nicollet & 43rd is pretty small and quiet. Sat Oct 06 19:14:04 -0700 2007 3010274 132759 acetyleneman 2 3013432 Unfortunately, that is not always true. We were at dinner at Corner Table a few weekends ago and it got progressively louder as the night went on. It was not uncomfortable by any means, but it was definitely noticeable. I only mention it in order to avoid a disappointment for the OP's family member. Sun Oct 07 21:03:28 -0700 2007 3011355 12826 bob s 2 3597697 With Corner Tables it totally depends on the night. Weekends are likely to be loud. Thursdays not as much especially if you eat later. Earlier in the week can be even quieter. We were there a couple of Thursday's ago with my parents. He's practically deaf in one ear between age and and his military service. It was hard between 7 and 8 but for the rest of the time we were there (we were doing a tasting menu with them) it wasn't that bad as it looked like they got one full turn that evening. Tue Apr 15 15:51:07 -0700 2008 3011355 140539 frittering_away 1 3011387 Giorgio's on Hennepin - it's has always been a favorite - quiet, decent food, good wine. Let us know where you end up going! Sat Oct 06 19:33:02 -0700 2007 3010274 65558 Abacus 1 3013719 Highland Cafe and Bakery is usually quiet. Not the most elegant surroundings, but solid eggs and bacon kinds of breakfasts and fantastic momos! (Do not confuse this with Highland Grill, which is quite loud.) http://www.chowhound.com/topics/417443 Also, Ristorante Luci (not Ancora--and I'm not saying that Ancora is loud, necessarily, just that I don't know). http://www.ristoranteluci.com/rishome.htm I remember thinking Ngon Bistro was reasonably quiet. http://ngonbistro.com/ ~TDQ Mon Oct 08 05:11:02 -0700 2007 3010274 12005 The Dairy Queen 1 3014781 Fugaise, Namaste. Jax. Duplex (usually). Emily's Deli. Mairin's Table. I know there are tons more, but I seem to always recall the places that are obnoxiously loud. Mon Oct 08 11:03:33 -0700 2007 3010274 59069 Foureyes137 2 3594707 Mairin's table is very quiet-both times I've been there we have started out as the only customers, to be joined by a few regulars Mon Apr 14 20:28:08 -0700 2008 3014781 171426 jenniegirl 1 3595289 Sapor Cafe in Minneapolis has always been quiet when I've been there. Also, going early will usually get you in and out b4 the larger crowds start showing up. Tue Apr 15 06:06:40 -0700 2008 3010274 166519 67.p.car 1 3614193 I asked this same question a few months ago when my mom came to visit and we were told to try Cafe Ngon in St. Paul. Amazing food, quiet little bistro, great night. Mon Apr 21 06:54:19 -0700 2008 3010274 138167 debbie421 1 3614600 I would reccommend Lucia's, Cafe Alma, or Duplex. I don't believe Lucia's plays any background music, and people tend to have quieter table disussions there than most places in my experience. Mon Apr 21 08:52:19 -0700 2008 3010274 127067 andre5 1 3615259 Here are a few restaurants that I've found to have an easier atmosphere. -First Course at 58th and Chicago -Heartland Wine Bar near Highland Park -Confluence in Prescott -The Modern Cafe can be quiet if you go later in the evening or earlier before dinner. rush. -Ngon on University in St. Paul. Manny's Tortas is usually quiet around 8pm and later. Best sandwiches in town and they have beer too. Best of luck in your search. Mon Apr 21 11:24:37 -0700 2008 3010274 185526 Db Cooper