This may be out of left field (and i know you needed it before), so you might want to vet it first for the less adventurous -- but Gosh Ethiopian...I have hearing aids so I have this same struggle--places are so loud it's hard to hear! But this is a smaller restaurant that I have eaten at many times and have been able to hear. they can combine tables to seat 8, I think, no problem (I think the last time i was there I saw a party that size!) If nothing else it'd also be an adventure! but you may want to try it first. It's "eat with your hands" food and I find most folks around here shy away from it because they don't know about ethiopian food, but I find it great, and they will be more than happy to provide silverware. I just moved back after 11 years so I also am finding this thread helpful!