Dining out Loud

We follow the local dining scene pretty closely since it is so volatile and drives other city policies like permits, parking and traffic.  Dining out last night in San Mateo at 31st Union, we ran into a group of B'gamers who had also ventured into downtown San Mateo.  The food at 31st Union was great and I was pleased to see they had Burlingame Il Piccolo coffee on the menu.  I commented to my dining partner that all was good except the noise level which I found troublesome.

My partner said "You should hear Limon's noise level!".  As we walked out of the restaurant the other B'gamers were leaving too.  Comparing notes, I commented on the noise and one of ladies in the other party said "You should hear the noise at Limon!".  It might be time for both restaurants to add some softening wall covering, perhaps a rug or two on the concrete floors or more acoustic tiles.  I would love to patronize both places regularly--but it might have to be mid-week only.  Limon did a nice job opening up the space where Kabul used to be.  Here is a photo of their soft opening last month.  Check 'em out.

 

Comments

[Jennifer]

Are you sure they weren't talking about Lemonade? I've been to both, and Lemonade gets the noise prize in my mind. Maybe putting back some carpet in the Limon would help, too...

[HMB]

Keeping the place loud ensures the tables turn over more quickly.

[Bruce Dickinson]

Joe I think you need to turn your hearing aid off!!! Seriously, you are getting grumpier than septuagenarian Bruce Dickinson. Noise can be part of a vibe and places like Delfina, Straits, or Blue Line which definitely have a higher volume than average, but they are what they are, bustling places with a high energy level, a common trait of family-style restaurants. I have yet to try Limon and Lemonade (though have tried Limon in SF), as Bruce Dickinson's travel schedule has been busier than usual, but will give you what all you have been waiting for, namely, my opinion!

[Cathy Baylock]

Bruce D, you are on target! Joe's "dining partner" said the same thing last night. If the word "curmudgeon" fits, then wear it with pride, Joe B!

[Joe]

Noise is part of the vibe I love......at the Warfield, the Fillmore, the Masonic, Great American Music Hall, Shoreline, the Foxes, even dinky joints like St. James Gate or the 7 Mile House in SSF. But not when I am eating and talking to a lovely dinner partner. Get some rugs, a curtain or two and open some windows. Bah.

[Andrew]

I had to leave before ordering. I am glad to know to know I am not the only one who thought the noise level was unbearable.

[local motion]

Which one? 31st Union or Limon?