The original Mari Luna in Pikesville is impossible to hold a conversation in during the dinner hour and I am hoping that the new one to open soon will have some accoustical tiling.

Venturing out to the suburbs I think Eggspectations in Columbia merits a mention.

My vote for amazingly loud goes to Dizzy Issie's (aka 'The Dizz'). Music, TVs whooping from the bar, and more tables than floor space. Plus, this is a chance to say that they reopened last week and all's right with the world.

Good list EL. It's becoming more and more difficult to find a restaurant where two people can have a normal conversation, especially in the newer, upscale restaurants. I've actually walked out of restaurants that I thought were too loud. Maybe it's the hard surfaces, like ceramic tile, brick, glass and steel, etc., the exposed kitchens (who needs to see the kitchen anyway?) or too many people packed tightly. The large cavernous spaces, like Pazo, are the worst. I would add James Joyce to your list.

It's more of a bar thing, but Brewer's Art is really loud, especially on a Friday night. They have one of the best looking dining rooms in the city, but the spillover noise from the bar can be overwhelming. I've spent a lot of hours shouting at people at the front bar at Brewer's.

Tapas Teatro in the winter - when the outdoor tables aren't out and the windows are closed - can get quite loud. Same is true with b in Bolton Hill.

Well mates, it looks like Cindy Wolf gets the Grand Prize for noisy here. I count three.

Another thing that noisy restaurants have going for them is the ability to bring a child with you and not get the looks you might get at a quiet one when they let out a few screams here and there.

Helmand's noise level is compounded by the fact that the tables are verrrry long across, so you really have to holler to make your point. (Not always a bad thing.)

I thought the Red Star picture was Woodberry Kitchen at first, but now it makes sense. I once sat just by those stairs, and a gaggle of gals at the top of the stairs seemed to be yelling directly into my ear.

The James Joyce in Harbor East is very noisy in the evening. A lot of that is due to the bands they have play there. Though, The James Joyce does have a nice atmosphere and terrific food.

Is Chuck E. Cheese too obvious to be mentioned? Did I mention the cochlear implants I needed after eating there once with a group of pre-pubescent wailing little banshees??? If noise is your thing, get on down to Chuck's.

Paul, I second Eggspectations. Ate ther once one Sunday evening with a group. Food wasn't too bad (I didn't expect what they called a "taco") but the overall noise level was astounding. My DW wonders why we haven't been back.

Kiss Cafe in Canton...even when it's empty, you can't hear other people at your table.

I volunteer Hamilton Tavern. By 5 on Sunday with mostly filled space it was VERY loud. Blame it on the tin roof and rather confined space. Food/drink (Brewer's Art) and service were very good though.

retired in Elkridge: what's a DW? I've learned what a DH id: Dear Heart-- gag, gag, and even know that kids are referred to as DC; but DW? It can't be Dear Widow. Dear Witch is unlikely; I give up.

For what you pay in those overpriced hoity toity yuppie cages like pazo's or lemongrass, you should be able to hear the person across from you at your table. I put myself through Towson University waiting tables over screaming brats and noise machines at the rainforest cafe'. Hands down THE loudest restaurant of all time.

Crowsonguy -- "DW" is the Dear Wife of RiE.

Crowsonguy, I always thought DH was Dear Husband, and DW Dear Wife. As a feminist I suppose I shouldn't admit to laughing over your Dear Witch theory. Funny!

I hate when people add a restaurant after the list is published, but think it is worth a mention that Saute is noisy. I went there Saturday night. There were four of us in the party and we were having some difficulty conversing due to the noise although we had an enjoyable experience food and service-wise.

Lots of people only get to the blog through the Top 10 promotion on the Tuesday Sun home page (my hits always double). That's why I continue it, although I think regulars are ready to move on -- to bring in new blood. So add all the restaurants you want (even though you are a regular). EL

Dear Witch is unlikely

Not unlikely in my house...

Late reply to Crowsonguy: DW refers to my Darling Wife, she of infinite forbearance, who has put up with me for, lo, these 38 years. Besides, I can usually type DW without hitting the wrong key; Darling Wife is stretching it.

I always thought the Owl Bar was very loud when crowded and the bar is three deep.