[Caroline]

I would like to know what people from different cultures – Americans, Latinos, African Americans, Asians, etc. – think the ideal atmosphere is for a food and beverage outlet or restaurant.

User Detail :  

Name : Caroline, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Australian, Religion : Christian, Age : 18, City : n/a, State : n/, Country : Australia, Occupation : student, Education level : 2 Years of College, Social class : Upper class, 

[Anne23860]

I prefer the atmosphere to have the option of inside or outside dining, cool yet relaxed music that is not too loud so you can hear the conversation, some artwork on the walls, interesting lighting fixtures, funky, stylish furniture and window decor, and decent acoustics so it’s not too loud when crowded. I also appreciate a candle or flower on the table. Decent service, a well-maintained/clean establishment and an interesting menu also helps keep me coming back. Anything the place can do to add its own signature charm also works, including occasional live entertainment/music.

User Detail :  

Name : Anne23860, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Humanist, Age : 36, City : Chicago, State : IL, Country : United States, Occupation : sales consultant, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Upper middle class, 

[Dan31665]

Hmmmm … how about white stuccoed walls with red brick-trimmed arches and various little corridors to cut off the noise factor? Some velvet paintings of the Virgen de Guadalupe, old Mexico town life and Aztec warriors, and some old Mexican movie posters. Ferns and nopalitas (little cacti) in terra cotta planters. Maybe a big fountain out front and a courtyard/garden in the center. And a floating mariachi band that goes from table to table singing the old ballads and a few newer ones (La Bamba, Tequila, Oy Como Va, etc.).

User Detail :  

Name : Dan31665, Gender : M, Race : Hispanic/Latino (may be any race), Religion : Pentecostal Christian, Age : 21, City : Los Angeles area, State : CA, Country : United States, Occupation : Student, Social class : Lower middle class, 

[SR28484]

My favorite restaurant is completely vegetarian and filled with tons of plants. There’s also a little goldfish pond with a fountain. The lighting is dim except for candles on the tables and a man comes at night to play the harp. They also have plenty of beer and wine, and the waiters keep your water glass full and don’t bother you with corny small talk (‘you deserve a dessert tonight!’–I hate that). All the paintings on the walls are originals from local artists and are for sale. (Things I hate in restaurants–fake plants/flowers, paying at a cash register instead of at the table, plastic tablecloths.) I love eating. I take it very seriously.

User Detail :  

Name : SR28484, Gender : F, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Agnostic, Age : 22, City : Austin, State : TX, Country : United States, Occupation : student, Education level : 4 Years of College, 

[Ruthie]

My ideal is where there is a part that has low-volume music where you can eat and converse and relax, with no waitresses/waiters asking ‘Is everything OK?’ and hovering around waiting to get you out of the restaurant. After having the meal, it is nice to sit down and have a drink in perhaps a separate bar/room and relax and let the food settle until you decide where to go next. Perhaps the music would be a little louder and your night out could begin or end.

I like to eat out and do quite frequently, and I like one visit from a wait-person to ask how things are but find it a nuisance when people are hovering, as you feel you are being hurried along for the next people.

User Detail :  

Name : Ruthie, Gender : F, City : Newcastle, State : NA, Country : United Kingdom, 

[PW30330]

There isn’t one answer to that question, it depends on the season, the occasion, the type of food and the company. I would take my parents to a different place than I’d take a date, for example.

User Detail :  

Name : PW30330, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Atheist, Age : 33, City : Sydney, State : NA, Country : Australia, Occupation : I.T., Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Author]

Posts