Boy, this is a tough one. Some restaurants are just more family-friendly than others. My mom used to always have me pick out a book or a quiet toy for a diversion if she knew we were going to a place where waiting would be involved.

But adults ... I've sat next to a group of adults making loud conversation, or someone talking nonstop on a cell phone. So maybe the restaurant should consider restricting noisy adults as well as screaming children.