# Restaurants on The No Agenda Show

Restaurants comes up in 99 chapters across 86 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from December 2007 to August 2026.

- **Chapters:** 99
- **Episodes:** 86
- **Discussed:** December 2007 – August 2026
- **Related topics:** [San Francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [Austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [Gordon Ramsay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-ramsay.md), [California](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [Gavin Newsom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gavin-newsom.md), [Michelin Star](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelin-star.md), [Silicon Valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [Unionization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unionization.md), [Unions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unions.md), [Yelp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yelp.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 99

### Frank Sinatra Uber Driver, Aaron Neville Playlist

- **Episode:** [1893: En Banc](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1893-en-banc.md)
- **Published:** 2026-08-09
- **Time:** 36:10–37:45
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1893-en-banc/chapter/frank-sinatra-uber-driver-aaron-neville-playlist.md

Adam recounts a recent Uber ride in Oakland where the driver shared photos of himself having drinks with Frank Sinatra at the Stars restaurant. The driver's playlist, featuring George Michael and Aaron Neville, sparked a conversation about the "good old days" of celebrity culture. Larry jokes about this being his own eventual retirement path.

Keywords: [frank sinatra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/frank-sinatra.md), aaron neville, [george michael](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-michael.md), [uber](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/uber.md), stars restaurant

### Great Gray Owl and Sparks Restaurant Memories

- **Episode:** [1889: Producer's Tribute to JCD](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1889-producer-s-tribute-to-jcd.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-27
- **Time:** 5:17:26–5:20:30
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1889-producer-s-tribute-to-jcd/chapter/great-gray-owl-and-sparks-restaurant-memories.md

Sir By His Grace David Wicker presents a "Great Gray Owl" donation. Dagger Love Three recalls meeting Dvorak at Sparks Restaurant, the site where mobster Paul Castellano was killed. Brandon M. of Alberta, Canada, cites "Dvorak's First Law" as a lasting influence on his thinking.

Keywords: gray owl, sparks restaurant, dvorak's first law, [switzerland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/switzerland.md), [canada](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/canada.md)

### Monica and Jerry Figierski, 2016 Sparks Restaurant Meetup

- **Episode:** [1888: In The Mourning](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-24
- **Time:** 3:17:07–3:19:05
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning/chapter/monica-and-jerry-figierski-2016-sparks-restaurant-meetup.md

Monica and Jerry Figierski of Rego Park, Queens, shared a photo from a 2016 meetup at Sparks Restaurant in New York City. They recalled John C. Dvorak's delighted reaction when they told him they did not have Facebook accounts, noting he immediately put his arm around them in congratulations. The donors followed Dvorak from his days on TWiT and DH Unplugged.

Keywords: monica and jerry figierski, rego park, sparks restaurant, [nyc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nyc.md), [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md)

### Restaurant Investment Failures, 9/11 Economic Impact

- **Episode:** [1841: Scott Adams Redux](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1841-scott-adams-redux.md)
- **Published:** 2026-02-08
- **Time:** 53:45–55:32
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1841-scott-adams-redux/chapter/restaurant-investment-failures-9-11-economic-impact.md

Scott Adams discusses the financial failure of his restaurant ventures, citing unscrupulous legal challenges and poor timing. He notes that he signed a major lease on September 11, 2001, just as the economy collapsed following the terrorist attacks and the dot-com crash.

Keywords: restaurant business, [legal settlements](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/legal-settlements.md), [9/11](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/9-11.md), [dot-com crash](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dot-com-crash.md), leases

### Scott Adams Tribute and Dilbert Creator Career History

- **Episode:** [1834: Swarm Forge](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1834-swarm-forge.md)
- **Published:** 2026-01-15
- **Time:** 4:15–14:34
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1834-swarm-forge/chapter/scott-adams-tribute-and-dilbert-creator-career-history.md

A lengthy tribute is paid to the late Scott Adams, creator of the Dilbert comic strip, following his recent passing. Details of his early career are shared, including his time at Crocker Bank and Pacific Bell, where he was eventually fired by an efficiency expert who became a character in his cartoons. His work ethic, physical health struggles with his drawing hand, and his unique philosophy on human suggestibility and "thinking past the sale" are explored.

Keywords: [scott adams](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scott-adams.md), [dilbert](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dilbert.md), [pacific bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pacific-bell.md), crocker bank, stacy's restaurants, efficiency experts

### The Tech Grouch and Fredericksburg Chinese Food

- **Episode:** [1754: Yippy](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1754-yippy.md)
- **Published:** 2025-04-10
- **Time:** 2:29:30–2:32:00
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1754-yippy/chapter/the-tech-grouch-and-fredericksburg-chinese-food.md

A host shares an anecdote about dining alone at a local Chinese restaurant in Fredericksburg, Texas, which he initially mistook for a Panda Express. The story serves as a humorous look at the "sad sack" life of a podcaster and the high-end dining habits of the "Tech Grouch" persona.

Keywords: [tech grouch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-grouch.md), [fredericksburg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fredericksburg.md), panda express, chinese restaurant, sapporo

### ER Doctor Saves Choking Child at Dinner

- **Episode:** [1618: Fat Leonard](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1618-fat-leonard.md)
- **Published:** 2023-12-21
- **Time:** 2:00:35–2:01:53
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1618-fat-leonard/chapter/er-doctor-saves-choking-child-at-dinner.md

An anecdote describes an ER doctor who, while dining at a restaurant without his phone, immediately recognized the sound of a seven-year-old girl choking. The doctor sprang into action, performing a life-saving maneuver to clear the child's airway, demonstrating the value of situational awareness over digital distraction.

Keywords: er doctor, choking, heimlich maneuver, [medical training](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/medical-training.md), [restaurant](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurant.md)

### TikTok Misgendering Stunt and Free Food Gimmicks

- **Episode:** [1604: Janky](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1604-janky.md)
- **Published:** 2023-11-02
- **Time:** 2:10:35–2:15:03
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1604-janky/chapter/tiktok-misgendering-stunt-and-free-food-gimmicks.md

A viral TikTok video featuring a person complaining about being called "sir" in high-end restaurants is analyzed as a potential staged stunt. The individual in the video repeatedly calls for managers after being "misgendered," leading to speculation that the goal is to receive free meals. The segment highlights how restaurants are often afraid of going viral for the wrong reasons on social media.

Keywords: [tiktok](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tiktok.md), [misgendering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/misgendering.md), [pronouns](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pronouns.md), [viral video](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/viral-video.md), restaurant fraud, [social media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-media.md)

### European Cost of Living, US Dollar Debasement

- **Episode:** [1583: Ninny](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1583-ninny.md)
- **Published:** 2023-08-20
- **Time:** 12:46–15:52
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1583-ninny/chapter/european-cost-of-living-us-dollar-debasement.md

Dining and grocery costs in Spain and Italy remain remarkably lower than in American cities like Austin or New York, despite lower hourly wages for service workers. While a high-end meal in Europe costs approximately 70 euros, similar service in the US is significantly more expensive due to what is perceived as a debased US dollar. The disparity suggests the American economic system has become unbalanced compared to European markets.

Keywords: [cost of living](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cost-of-living.md), [inflation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/inflation.md), [us dollar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/us-dollar.md), restaurant wages, [spain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spain.md)

### San Antonio Retail, Labor Shortage and Service Delays

- **Episode:** [1412: Oil Ball Panic](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1412-oil-ball-panic.md)
- **Published:** 2021-12-30
- **Time:** 46:30–48:25
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1412-oil-ball-panic/chapter/san-antonio-retail-labor-shortage-and-service-delays.md

Retail centers in San Antonio, such as La Cantera, are experiencing significant service delays and unbussed tables despite being only half full. Restaurant staff cite a lack of workers, leading to 45-minute wait times and a general slowdown in the local service economy.

Keywords: [san antonio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-antonio.md), [labor shortage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/labor-shortage.md), [retail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/retail.md), [restaurants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurants.md), [service industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/service-industry.md)

### Washington DC, Vaccine Mandates and Exemptions

- **Episode:** [1410: Spock Tiled](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1410-spock-tiled.md)
- **Published:** 2021-12-24
- **Time:** 31:52–34:10
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1410-spock-tiled/chapter/washington-dc-vaccine-mandates-and-exemptions.md

Washington D.C. will require proof of vaccination for indoor venues including restaurants, gyms, and movie theaters starting January 15, 2022. Notably, houses of worship, grocery stores, and museums are exempt from the new requirements.

Keywords: [washington dc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-dc.md), vaccine proof, [restaurants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurants.md), houses of worship, [muriel bowser](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/muriel-bowser.md)

### Custom Rifles and Restaurant Exit Strategy

- **Episode:** [1341: Bunny Hugging](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1341-bunny-hugging.md)
- **Published:** 2021-04-25
- **Time:** 2:38:46–2:42:22
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1341-bunny-hugging/chapter/custom-rifles-and-restaurant-exit-strategy.md

A correction is made regarding the price of custom rifles from Benfield Precision, clarifying they start at $1,500 rather than $15,000. A "Rogan transplant" from Montana requests karma for his son and discusses the difficulty of selling a small restaurant during the pandemic due to bank lending freezes.

Keywords: [custom rifles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/custom-rifles.md), [idaho](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/idaho.md), [montana](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/montana.md), [joe rogan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-rogan.md), [restaurant](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurant.md), lending

### Austin Business Reactions, Mask Mandate Rescission

- **Episode:** [1326: Freedom Bracelet](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1326-freedom-bracelet.md)
- **Published:** 2021-03-04
- **Time:** 24:04–27:06
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1326-freedom-bracelet/chapter/austin-business-reactions-mask-mandate-rescission.md

Business owners and service workers in Austin, Texas, expressed anxiety over the removal of state-mandated COVID-19 restrictions. Reports from KUT highlighted concerns from boutique owners and restaurant staff who feel vulnerable without state-enforced mask policies. Some hospitality workers argued that lifting restrictions without prioritizing employee vaccinations puts them at unnecessary risk.

Keywords: [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), kut, feathers boutique, [restaurant industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurant-industry.md), [vaccinations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccinations.md), [frontline workers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/frontline-workers.md)

### California and New York Restaurant Reopening Announcements

- **Episode:** [1317: Mutants](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1317-mutants.md)
- **Published:** 2021-02-01
- **Time:** 2:17
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1317-mutants/chapter/california-and-new-york-restaurant-reopening-announcements.md

California Governor Gavin Newsom and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the easing of restaurant restrictions. California is moving toward allowing outdoor dining again, while New York City plans to reopen indoor dining at 25% capacity on Valentine's Day. Speculation suggests these decisions are influenced by recall efforts against Newsom and potential lawsuits from insurance companies against state governments.

Keywords: [gavin newsom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gavin-newsom.md), [andrew cuomo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/andrew-cuomo.md), [outdoor dining](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/outdoor-dining.md), [indoor dining](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/indoor-dining.md), [valentine's day](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/valentine-s-day.md), [restaurant industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurant-industry.md), [lawsuits](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lawsuits.md)

### Show Art, Stripper Pole Strategy, Cringey Images

- **Episode:** [1305: Palin Pardon](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1305-palin-pardon.md)
- **Published:** 2020-12-20
- **Time:** 1:42:55–1:48:19
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1305-palin-pardon/chapter/show-art-stripper-pole-strategy-cringey-images.md

The selection of show art for episode 1304 features a "stripper on a sandwich," referencing a legal strategy where California restaurants stayed open by rebranding as strip clubs. The hosts discuss their criteria for art, explicitly vetoing "cringey" or gruesome images like hypodermic needles or political figures depicted as demonic entities. They credit artist Tante Neal for the winning submission.

Keywords: [show art](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/show-art.md), [tante neal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tante-neal.md), [gavin newsom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gavin-newsom.md), [san diego](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-diego.md), restaurant protests

### California Stay-at-Home Orders, Restaurant Closures, and Hot Mic Gaffes

- **Episode:** [1304: Ten Days of Darkness](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1304-ten-days-of-darkness.md)
- **Published:** 2020-12-19
- **Time:** 9:43–13:37
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1304-ten-days-of-darkness/chapter/california-stay-at-home-orders-restaurant-closures-and-hot-mic-gaffes.md

California health officials admit that closing outdoor dining is a strategy to keep people at home rather than a reflection of the safety of the activity itself. A hot mic recording from Ontario, Canada, captures health officials admitting they simply read whatever numbers are written for them.

Keywords: [gavin newsom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gavin-newsom.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [ontario](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ontario.md), [restaurants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurants.md), [covid-19](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/covid-19.md), mark ghali

### San Diego Strip Club Ruling, Restaurant Loophole, and Legal Challenges

- **Episode:** [1304: Ten Days of Darkness](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1304-ten-days-of-darkness.md)
- **Published:** 2020-12-19
- **Time:** 30:05–31:53
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1304-ten-days-of-darkness/chapter/san-diego-strip-club-ruling-restaurant-loophole-and-legal-challenges.md

A judge in San Diego ruled that adult entertainment venues could remain open, leading to a legal argument that restaurants should also be allowed to operate under the same logic. The discussion explores the irony of strip clubs receiving more favorable legal treatment than dining establishments.

Keywords: [san diego](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-diego.md), [strip clubs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/strip-clubs.md), [restaurants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurants.md), legal ruling, [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md)

### Zurich Restaurant Scene, Avant-Garde Foam

- **Episode:** [1299: King Mitch](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1299-king-mitch.md)
- **Published:** 2020-12-01
- **Time:** 2:09:58–2:13:17
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1299-king-mitch/chapter/zurich-restaurant-scene-avant-garde-foam.md

A restaurant owner in Zurich, Switzerland, provided an update on the local COVID-19 situation, noting that hospitals are postponing surgeries. This leads to a tangent about "avant-garde" cuisine, specifically the use of culinary foam popularized by the restaurant El Bulli in Spain.

Keywords: [zurich](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zurich.md), [switzerland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/switzerland.md), [restaurants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurants.md), foam, el bulli

### Austin and San Francisco Business Reopenings

- **Episode:** [1285: Davos Douche](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1285-davos-douche.md)
- **Published:** 2020-10-15
- **Time:** 2:28
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1285-davos-douche/chapter/austin-and-san-francisco-business-reopenings.md

Austin, Texas has fully reopened its bars and restaurants, including local landmarks like Dirty Bill's. In San Francisco, the Mission District and Valencia Street are reportedly crowded with people dancing in the streets despite the city having been the first to implement lockdowns. Observations of these cities indicate a return to high activity levels compared to the dreary atmosphere of initial 50% capacity restrictions.

Keywords: [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), dirty bill's, [mission district](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mission-district.md), restaurant restrictions, [reopening](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reopening.md)

### Public Defiance of COVID-19 Restrictions in California

- **Episode:** [1257: Doggy DNA](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1257-doggy-dna.md)
- **Published:** 2020-07-05
- **Time:** 36:07–38:21
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1257-doggy-dna/chapter/public-defiance-of-covid-19-restrictions-in-california.md

Residents in California, particularly in San Jose, are increasingly ignoring COVID-19 social distancing mandates and restaurant restrictions. Reports indicate that while some business owners scramble to comply when cameras are present, many return to normal operations immediately after. This trend is compared to the resilience of Londoners during the Blitz, who returned to normal life despite ongoing threats.

Keywords: [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [san jose](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-jose.md), [covid-19](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/covid-19.md), [lockdowns](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lockdowns.md), scofflaw, [restaurants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurants.md)

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