After hearing neighbors' concerns, Menlo Park council strikes compromise over...

The Menlo Park City Council on May 23 unanimously approved a compromise letting a new downtown restaurant at 961 El Camino Real offer live music, alcohol and outdoor seating despite neighbors' noise and parking concerns. Under the compromise, the restaurant can stay open until 2 a.m. and serve alcohol, but outdoor seating ends at 10 p.m., weekday live music must end by 11:30 p.m., indoor music must be acoustic and unamplified, and outdoor seating is limited to 32 tables. Council Member Betsy Nash reached the compromise with business owner Jamie D'Alessandro after calling the Planning Commission's April 10 approval up for review over late-night impacts on residential neighborhoods.