A well-known restaurant in Monterey, California, is making headlines again, and not for its famous seafood. Old Fisherman’s Grotto, located right on the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf, has stirred up fresh controversy over a sign posted at its entrance. The message, which has been in place for nearly a decade, makes it very clear that children aren’t exactly welcome. And now, frustrated parents are speaking out.

This isn’t the first time the restaurant has caught flak for its rules. The owner, Chris Shake, first posted the sign back in 2014. But in recent months, new visitors have spotted it, and the backlash has flared up all over again. Shake’s message is bold and to the point: “No high chairs, strollers, or booster seats. Children who cry or make loud noises are not allowed in the dining room as they are a distraction to other diners.”

Parents Are Divided on the Policy

Restaurant rules are pretty common, but many people feel Shake’s policy crosses the line. Some say it excludes families and discriminates against parents with young children. One tourist, Teresa Colombani, shared her disappointment. “This is absurd,” she said. “Kids need to learn how to behave in restaurants. If we don’t bring them out, how will they ever learn? Restaurants should be welcoming to families.”

Another visitor, Kelly Lozano, said the rule would make her think twice about dining there. “I would probably skip it just to avoid that kind of atmosphere,” she said. “This is a family vacation spot. You bring your kids here. So it’s kind of surprising.”

And then there’s the story of a mom who was turned away when she asked for a high chair for her six-month-old. “I was completely shocked,” she said. “Most restaurants offer high chairs and accommodate families. But here, they made it clear kids weren’t welcome. They even told me my child couldn’t make any noise.”

Social Media Has Amplified the Outrage

Angela Espinoza, a Pittsburg mom and member of a Bay Area Facebook group for mothers, added her voice to the conversation. She and her husband had planned a special anniversary dinner at Old Fisherman’s Grotto. But after seeing a photo of the controversial sign on Yelp, she canceled their reservation—despite the fact that they weren’t even bringing their 19-month-old son on the trip.

“I love seafood,” Angela said, “but this policy just turns me off. The sign discriminates against young kids who might need a booster seat.” She added, “If they just said ‘adults only,’ I’d understand, but the language rubs me the wrong way.”

The Owner Isn’t Backing Down

Despite the criticism, Chris Shake isn’t budging on his rules. He says the policy has been carefully worded and reviewed by an attorney to avoid claims of discrimination. Shake argues that if parents don’t like the rules, they are welcome to eat elsewhere. “If a place has rules, you either follow them or find a different spot,” he said bluntly.

Shake points out that Old Fisherman’s Grotto has been in business since 1950. Over the years, it has built a reputation for offering a quiet, calm dining experience. According to Shake, many diners specifically seek out the restaurant because it guarantees a peaceful, kid-free atmosphere. “A lot of families dine here,” he explained, “and they respect the rules because they know they’re in place for a reason.”

Interestingly, Shake believes the policy has actually helped his business grow. He claims that most of the negative reviews come from people who have never even dined at the restaurant. “They see the sign and get offended,” he said.

Some Guests Appreciate the Rules

Not everyone sees the policy as a problem. In fact, some customers praise the restaurant for providing an adults-only vibe. “No high chairs, no booster seats, and no strollers—that’s exactly why I came in,” said Alondra J., a Yelp reviewer from San Francisco. “Sometimes, you just want to eat in peace. It’s not a big deal.” She even pointed out that there were kids inside when she dined there, and they were quiet.

However, not all experiences have been positive. Robin M., a Yelp user from Oakland, recalled a time when a waiter asked her children to quiet down. “I’ve never been told to keep my kids quiet in a restaurant before,” she said. “The server pointed out the sign when I asked about it. They were very serious. The staff was rude and unapologetic.”

Is a Kid-Free Zone Really So Bad?

So, is Old Fisherman’s Grotto just offering a peaceful, adults-only space—or is it being unfair to families? That’s the question sparking debate. Some argue that not every restaurant has to cater to children. In fact, many parents appreciate having places where they can enjoy a quiet meal without worrying about little ones.

At the end of the day, Monterey has plenty of family-friendly dining options. But for those seeking a calm, kid-free experience, Old Fisherman’s Grotto fits the bill. As some customers have pointed out, it’s all about finding the right spot for you. If you’re vacationing with your kids and want a laid-back, family vibe, there are plenty of places nearby. But if peace and quiet are what you’re after, Shake’s restaurant might be just what you need.

Sounds like a simple choice, doesn’t it?