An app that crowdsources measurements of restaurant noise levels is the latest addition to Baltimore’s restaurant scene.
SoundPrint, which was created in New York, is looking to provide a listing of the quietest and loudest places to eat in Baltimore. The app’s creators partnered with the Baltimore-based Hearing and Speech Agency on the local rollout.
After downloading the app to a mobile device, customers can take a 15-second reading of the decibel level at an establishment. Readings then go to a sound profile for the restaurant, and users can filter based on how quiet or loud it is.
Founder Greg Scott, who has hearing loss, created the app after struggling to find quiet places to have a conversation on a date in Manhattan. It’s since taken readings in more than 3,000 restaurants.
HASA, which advocates and provides services for the deaf and hard of hearing community, had an existing program which offers trainings to staff that help make restaurants more inclusive for guests who are hard of hearing. HASA Director of Development and Communications Tammy Black said the recommendations often help restaurants perform better customer service, and the organization hopes Soundprint also helps to inform a better environment.
Black said HASA saw the app as a “great fit to go along with our hearing hospitality program and a way for consumers to participate in making restaurants more inclusive and conversation friendly.” Black said spreading knowledge about the noise levels will also benefit everyone who wants to have a conversation. Plus, loud noises can be a public health risk for everyone.

We've teamed up with @HASA_USA to help Baltimoreans find their quiet places. Take a look at the list of top quiet spots in Charm City. Happy Better Hearing & Speech Month https://t.co/tBEwscWxqU #findyourquietplace #noisepollution #hearingloss #betterhearingspeechmonth pic.twitter.com/4R85a8a4Bk

— SoundPrint (@SoundPrintapp) May 4, 2018

To take initial readings, HASA tasked a team of about 30 volunteers with getting out to local eateries and taking the initial readings for each restaurant. Now it’s the community’s turn to take the readings. Black said data that is used is taken from 6-9 p.m., Wed.-Sun.
Initial data indicates Baltimore restaurants are pretty quiet until 8 p.m. The early readings also indicate it’s one of the most noise-friendly cities, but more data is needed to prove that out.
“If you’re out and about, download the app and take a sound measurements because it’ll help us gather more data,” she said.
Now here’s what you’ve been waiting for, Soundprint’s top 10 quietest and loudest restaurants in Baltimore, based on the initial data taken in April during peak hours:

Quietest:

1. Ban Thai Restaurant (N. Charles/Mt. Vernon)
2. Dalesio’s (Little Italy)
3. Himalayan Bistro (South Baltimore)
4. Kiku Sushi (South Baltimore)
5. Da Mimmo (Little Italy)
6. Lumbini Restaurant (N. Charles/Mt. Vernon)
7. La Tavola (N. Charles/Mt. Vernon)
8. Ikaros (Greektown)
9. Charleston (Fells Point)
10. Dooby’s (N. Charles/Mt. Vernon)

Loudest:

1. R. House (Hampden)
2. Holy Frijoles (Hampden)
3. Homeslyce (N. Charles/Mt. Vernon)
4. Rye Street Tavern (South Baltimore)
5. Mick O’Shea’s (N. Charles/Mt. Vernon)
6. Alexander’s Tavern (Fells Point)
7. Papi’s Tacos (Fells Point)
8. Clavel (Hampden)
9. The Brewer’s Art (N. Charles/Mt Vernon)
10. The Boathouse Canton Waterfront Grill (Canton)