So many of my favorite places around town seem to celebrate the concept of "make a joyful noise," and that's okay. I can get into the spirit of things at 732 Social, Harvest, Cafe Lou Lou, Mozz, Sapporo and lots more of the local spots where the scene and the noise are part of the overall feel of the place.
But sometimes you want to go out with your sweetie or good friends and spend the evening in conversation, dining in an environment that doesn't have to be stuffy and that certainly can include background music and the low hum of voices but that doesn't require you to lean close to your partner and yell in her ear.
I'm thinking 610 Magnolia usually meets this test (although our last experience there was flawed by an obnoxiously noisy large birthday group), and I'm recalling Corbett's as decent in this regard. Beyond that, though, my memory starts to get a little fuzzy.
So, fill me in: Tell us your favorite happy places for a quiet but not staid dinner where you can enjoy conversation without having to strain. If we get enough responses, I'll make a list.