alt Hacker NewsLately I've found that cafes (and also some very popular restaurants) blast music at rock concert levels of volume. That seems to be a requirement to compete, for some reason. I waited at a cafe last year while my partner was at a meeting, and when I left (after about 90 minutes) my ears were ringing very loudly and that continued overnight. Not really a place for meditative thinking. The next time I had to go there, I brought noise cancelling headphones. I wonder what this does to the baristas who are there for many hours.
That's why it was so nice when I recently found a nice little mom-and-pop cafe that was quiet. I can't remember if there was music, but if there was, it was very quiet. Again, my partner was at a meeting, but this time I just sat and enjoyed my latte with no damage to my ears. I probably did look at my phone a few times. :)
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They do it do encourage turnover. Also: uncomfortable seats
That's sad to hear. Unless the place is explicitly brining in live music, I consider cafes to be relatively quiet in general. Almost as a way to explicitly avoid that "bar culture" where i can barely hear my own thoughts.
And most thankfully are in my area (just don't go to the one near schools on weekdays). Really hope it stays that way.