I can see having a bit of background music, to cover the kitchen clatter and keep patrons from thinking everyone else is listening in on their conversations. However, if you have to yell at the person next to you, something’s really wrong.
I would have insisted we go somewhere else Friday night, but one of the other restaurants in the same area had a live band, and the other was Thai, which we didn’t feel like at the time. The food in the place was okay, but I’m never going back.
I am in complete agreement!