Manhattan dinner for 2, trendy but not loud?

[Drina]

We are flexible on location and price, but would prefer someplace below 14th street where the entrees are $35 or less. We loved the food and the vibe at Beauty and Essex and Schiller's Liquor Bar, but the noise level was deafening. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[kathryn]

Try Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya (the patio or booths, not the main room), Public, L'Artusi. These aren't the trendiest of places but might work in terms of noise level.

[Drina]

Thanks, everyone. I guess I shouldn't have said trendy since it's causing confusion. We're looking for a more laidback version of Stanton Social or Beauty and Essex where we can actually hear each other. We love Plaza Food Hall but would prefer a more fun neighborhood. We also love Caselulla, but it's always ridiculously crowded. We also like the vibe in Buddakan, but we don't particularly like the food. I'll ask my friend if she's up for L'Artusi.

[Pan]

Is it possible for any trendy place not to be loud? I don't understand how that could be the case. Please explain further what you're looking for.

[EBT]

Pan, I was thinking the same thing. Trendy means people go there.....so it's loud.

A few random options off the top of my head: Aldea, Balaboosta, The Beagle (has it reopened?). The Dutch if you reserve a booth - I don't think it's so loud back there. The Smile is fairly loud but by no means deafening. Same for The Redhead. I also liked Sorella but haven't been in a few years so have no idea how it is (or if it qualifies as trendy).

[kathryn]

Yes, the Beagle has reopened.
http://ny.eater.com/archives/2012/08/...