A popular restaurant is feeling the heat after visitors discovered a sign at the entrance. The owner made it clear to parents, leaving many unhappy.
Old Fisherman’s Grotto, nestled in the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf of Monterey, California, is no stranger to national attention and debates. For years, a particular sign has sparked controversy. First noticed in 2014, owner Chris Shake continues to stand by his “anti-children” sign, which has recently stirred up the emotions of a new group of unhappy parents.
While it’s common for restaurants to have rules, Chris Shake’s expectations might seem a bit unusual. “No strollers, no high chairs, no booster chairs. Children crying or making loud noises are a distraction to other diners and are not allowed in the dining room,” reads the bold sign outside Old Fisherman’s Grotto.
“This is ridiculous. Kids need to learn how to behave in restaurants, and if you don’t take them, they will never learn,” tourist Teresa Colombani said, expressing her concern about the sign. “Kids should be allowed in restaurants.”
“I would probably not go there to avoid that sort of atmosphere,” added Kelly Lozano. “It’s surprising because this is a family place – where you go for vacations with your kids.”
One customer mentioned she was turned away when asking for a high-chair for her 6-month-old. “I was in shock because I never experienced that before,” she remarked. “Usually, restaurants cater and have high chairs. But here, they didn’t want any children. They said the child can’t make any noises, so they turned us away.”
Recently, Angela Espinoza from Pittsburg shared her thoughts on the restaurant’s policy in a Facebook group for Bay Area moms. She commented after she and her husband had planned to celebrate their anniversary at Old Fisherman’s Grotto. “Whoa. I’m canceling my reservation after seeing this picture on Yelp – and I won’t even have my toddler with me,” the mother of a 19-month-old boy posted.
The owner of Old Fisherman’s Grotto isn’t backing down.
The couple planned to spend the weekend away from their son, so the issue wasn’t about bringing a child. Despite being a seafood lover, Angela says the restaurant’s attitude towards children now puts her off. “The sign discriminates against any children who need a booster seat or are younger,” she explained. “It’s the wording that bothers me. Maybe ‘adults only’ would be more understandable.”
Angela’s allegations of “discrimination” aren’t quite accurate. The owner ensured the sign’s language was vetted by an attorney to avoid discrimination claims. Chris Shake firmly stated that if parents don’t like it, they can dine elsewhere. “If a place has rules, you abide by them or find another suitable spot,” he said.
According to Shake, the restaurant, which has operated since 1950, is renowned for its serene dining environment. Interestingly, this policy has actually benefited their business growth. “A lot of families dine with us, and they understand our policy and respect other diners,” he explained. “Negative reviews often come from those who haven’t dined here but get offended by the sign and our rules.”
Many patrons agree with Shake, choosing the restaurant for a peaceful, child-free dining experience. “No strollers, no boosters, no highchairs. This is why I went in!” said Yelp user Alondra J. from San Francisco approvingly. “Sometimes, a peaceful meal is needed. People shouldn’t get so upset by this. There were kids inside when we dined.”
Reviews indicate that some dine here with their children, but based on Yelp user Robin M. from Oakland, it might not be pleasant. “A waitress told us people were complaining about our kids’ noise and asked them to be quiet. I’ve never been told to hush my kids before. When I commented, she pointed out the sign with rules for children. They weren’t joking. She was unapologetic and rude,” she wrote.
Is the restaurant not kid-friendly or is it just aimed at offering a quiet, adult-friendly setting? Not every place needs to accommodate kids. As parents, sometimes we seek kid-free outings. Why should a restaurant providing this be offensive? There are many places for dining with kids, but fewer spots ensure a quiet, kid-free environment. If you want peace, visit Old Fisherman’s Grotto. If you prefer a more child-tolerant place, go somewhere else. Seems simple, right?
