How much does atmosphere affect a meal for you?

[robbie]

I got into a discussion with my wife and some friends. At some point in our meal we realized we'd chosen this restaurant due to previous experience. We knew the atmosphere was right, and somehow the actual food was less important than where we were.

The food was good, of course... but in choosing the place we didn't even think about the food.

So how big of a factor is atmosphere, or the mood of a restaurant to you/your S/O and friends when choosing a place to eat?

 

[ConcernedParent]

Depends on your mood really. The best ethnic food are generally hole in the wall and you do sacrifice a lot of comfort/atmosphere for quality eating. Sometimes you like it, other times you don't.

Counterpoint: One of the reasons why I can tolerate places like wingstop is atmosphere. Going there with a bunch of the guys, order a shitton of wings, throw in some drafts and just hang out. The food might give me a heartburn but it's a good time.

 

[robbie]

Agreed^^^

I've eaten B'Dubs countless times simply because it was tuesday, and thats what you(me and friends/co workers) do if you're a dude and its tuesday. (35 cent wings, dollar tall boys, 2 dollar you call its)

 

[JayJay]

Depends on the type of dining experience I want to have.

 

[SField]

Pretty much the only reason I've eaten in the signature lounge in the Hancock building on the 95th floor or whatever like 4 times.

 

[imschatz]

Atmosphere is huge for me. Most food tastes the same to me, so I go to have fun.

I went to a "nicer", "trendier" restaraunt the other day. Cost was about $20/plate, and had a decent wine menu. But they had paper napkins, and I couldn't stop thinking I was in McDonalds.

 

[impolyt_one]

Originally Posted by SField

Pretty much the only reason I've eaten in the signature lounge in the Hancock building on the 95th floor or whatever like 4 times.

Found this place to have the highest concentration of d-bags on planet earth. Being surrounded by d-bags and d-bagettes (neo french?) is certainly minus points on the 'atmosphere' ranking.

 

[kwilkinson]

Originally Posted by imschatz

Atmosphere is huge for me. Most food tastes the same to me, so I go to have fun.

 

[cchen]

I typically don't care too much about atmosphere, but when it detracts, it really makes the meal bad. One example of this is Degustation in the east village. The food is very good, but the atmosphere sucks. I would never go back

 

[globetrotter]

9 out of 10 times, it is 100% food. I have eaten in some places that really weren't very nice. then, every now and again I'll eat someplace where the food isn't that great, but the atmosphere is fantastic. I very seldom eat someplace where the food is horrible (I have drinks at the handcock, never eaten their).

 

[imschatz]

Originally Posted by kwilkinson

I have really weak taste buds, and no palet for well prepared food. I really don't enjoy food, but the process of eating is enjoyable. I think I'm getting better, as I've finally started cooking for myself. Previously .. the food I cooked for myself, was cheeseburgers, Kraft Dinner, and the like. I'm now starting to actually go grocery shopping, and preparing food myself, which has started giving me a greater appreciation for food.

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by robbie

The food was good, of course... but in choosing the place we didn't even think about the food.

So how big of a factor is atmosphere, or the mood of a restaurant to you/your S/O and friends when choosing a place to eat?

interesting.

my first thought goes to the food. certainly i try to combine the factors, but i give the food a shot first.

 

[countdemoney]

Very few places have great atmosphere, IMO. I'd much rather have the hole in the wall that's honest and has great food than I would the trendy place with designer fittings and average food.

That said, the top end that gets both right can be really special.

I'll give you two examples from restaurants in the 2nd tier in Chicago:

Blackbird: I'll never eat at Blackbird again. **** food, **** atmosphere, **** wine pairings, **** service. A colossal and pretentious joke. And our mood was great going in.

North Pond: Fantastic location and atmosphere. Great knowledgeable service and very good food. Our mood was average going in. Would go anytime and would get the quail everytime.

 

[Piobaire]

IMO, it can make or break a place for me. I mean, if the food is of equal quality, are you going to a place where people you tend to dislike will be vs. a place where the owner treats you like a long lost brother and the rest of the clientele are people you find non-annoying?

 

[SField]

Originally Posted by impolyt_one

Found this place to have the highest concentration of d-bags on planet earth. Being surrounded by d-bags and d-bagettes (neo french?) is certainly minus points on the 'atmosphere' ranking.

It's a tourist trap. But the view is fantastic.