The level of noise is deafening, and loud enough to ruin any attempts at conversation. There's nowhere in the place to get away from it, as management insists on blaring (BLARING) the sound system, which causes the conversations at every table to rise to the level of SHOUTING to be heard.
Part of the problem is that Sapporo is as much a bar/pickup scene as a restaurant.
A real shame, because the food and service are very good. But don't go with more than one person and expect to be able to have a conversation.