Name: Outback Steakhouse
Website: http://www.outback.com/
Type: Restaurant
Location: Springfield, PA
Occupancy: Multiple
Porcelain: Two toilets, two urinals
Everybody knows Outback Steakhouse. But what you may NOT know is that they have insanely good burgers. In fact, I have never had a steak at Outback, because of how delicious their burgers are. My dad always talks about how great the soap is in the bathrooms, so I decided to give the place the Commode Node treatment.
Cleanliness
Great start here! The floors were clean, as were the toilet seats. They also employ the "giant trash crash under a hole in the sink" technique, which is quite nice.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Privacy
Wow, I have never seen a bathroom like this. After walking to the far corner of the restaurant (plus), I opened the door and COULD NOT SEE ANY TOILETS! The walls were designed so that everyone is in their own little area. Also, they break up the organization into urinal/stall/urinal/stall, instead of the normal groupings. I used the farthest stall and could be neither seen nor heard. YES!
Result: PASS (1 point)
Flushing
The toilets used the rare "push button" flusher. It was a little odd, but it worked fine and there was no unexpected behavior.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Dryers
Paper towels with a "wave your hand" dispenser, good by me. As mentioned earlier, the trash can was large, discreet, and NOT overflowing.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Mirrors
Not the full-length that I seek, but the over-sink mirror WAS very large and useful.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Music
There was overhead music here, and louder than on the dining floor! It's always nice to have this, especially in a bathroom where you don't have the "cover" of air dryer noise.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Reviewer Tilt
The organization of the stalls really amazed me. I have never seen a bathroom that separated each stall and urinal into their own small corner. Also, my dad was right ... the soap is GREAT! For the first time in Commode Node history, I am giving full tilt!
Result: 1 point
Score: 6.5 out of 7 (92.9%)
What This Means For You: The numbers don't lie: this is the best bathroom I have reviewed thus far. The ONLY gripe I had was the lack of a full-length tilted mirror. Other than that, stellar marks for cleanliness, privacy, and comfort. Truly a wonderful experience!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Joe's Pizza: Broomall, PA
Name: Joe's Pizza
Website: (none)
Type: Restaurant
Location: Broomall, PA
Occupancy: Multiple
Porcelain: Two toilets, two urinals
Joe's is one of the few hidden gems in Broomall. It's "diner style" in the sense that you can get just about anything there, and most of it is pretty good (although, the wings use this really creepy sauce, don't get them). They make a surprisingly good grilled cheese, and their hoagies are one of the only places that stay away from "really tough roll syndrome". Alright then, what about the "head"?
Cleanliness
This bathroom was plain old NOT clean. I had to use the second stall, as the first one was ... clogged. Puddles galore on the ground, too. Yuck.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Privacy
It's a mixed bag looking for privacy here. On one hand, Joe's uses the rare "double door" method, which is an amazing way to really stay separate from where people are eating. On the other hand, the urinals have absolutely NO protection around them, are right next to the sink (we're talking inches), and are visible immediately when you open the second door. Gonna have to go middle-of-the-road.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Flushing
The flushing worked, which is a good thing. The clogged stall appeared to have a paper towel in the toilet, so I can't really fault the owners for the issue.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Dryers
People have to learn that paper towels are not enough. This place uses a really strange "crank" dispenser, which I find frustrating and gross. It's bad enough using a lever dispenser that everyone has touched, but at least you can work that with your elbow or something. They also have a perpetually empty "pull down from this tiny hole" dispenser in the wall.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Mirrors
One lame, tiny mirror that shows everyone who comes in everything else in the bathroom. Completely stupid.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Music
I think music is asking too much out of such a humble place, but unfortunately that still means zip/zero/zilch.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Reviewer Tilt
And now, for the most fun I have ever had giving Tilt points. The soap dispenser in here was ... wait for it ... an AUNT JEMIMA BOTTLE! WHAT?! This really isn't a good thing persay, but I laughed so hard that I had to mention it and have a little mercy.
Result: 0.5 points
Score: 2.0 out of 7 (28.6%)
What This Means For You: Sorry Joe's, but I just can't recommend your bathroom to people. Everyone should know, though, that this rest room used to be substantially MORE gross. Too bad they haven't made the right kinds of improvements. The food is still great, and the restaurant itself is clean and pleasant, but definitely hold it until you get home.
Website: (none)
Type: Restaurant
Location: Broomall, PA
Occupancy: Multiple
Porcelain: Two toilets, two urinals
Joe's is one of the few hidden gems in Broomall. It's "diner style" in the sense that you can get just about anything there, and most of it is pretty good (although, the wings use this really creepy sauce, don't get them). They make a surprisingly good grilled cheese, and their hoagies are one of the only places that stay away from "really tough roll syndrome". Alright then, what about the "head"?
Cleanliness
This bathroom was plain old NOT clean. I had to use the second stall, as the first one was ... clogged. Puddles galore on the ground, too. Yuck.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Privacy
It's a mixed bag looking for privacy here. On one hand, Joe's uses the rare "double door" method, which is an amazing way to really stay separate from where people are eating. On the other hand, the urinals have absolutely NO protection around them, are right next to the sink (we're talking inches), and are visible immediately when you open the second door. Gonna have to go middle-of-the-road.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Flushing
The flushing worked, which is a good thing. The clogged stall appeared to have a paper towel in the toilet, so I can't really fault the owners for the issue.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Dryers
People have to learn that paper towels are not enough. This place uses a really strange "crank" dispenser, which I find frustrating and gross. It's bad enough using a lever dispenser that everyone has touched, but at least you can work that with your elbow or something. They also have a perpetually empty "pull down from this tiny hole" dispenser in the wall.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Mirrors
One lame, tiny mirror that shows everyone who comes in everything else in the bathroom. Completely stupid.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Music
I think music is asking too much out of such a humble place, but unfortunately that still means zip/zero/zilch.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Reviewer Tilt
And now, for the most fun I have ever had giving Tilt points. The soap dispenser in here was ... wait for it ... an AUNT JEMIMA BOTTLE! WHAT?! This really isn't a good thing persay, but I laughed so hard that I had to mention it and have a little mercy.
Result: 0.5 points
Score: 2.0 out of 7 (28.6%)
What This Means For You: Sorry Joe's, but I just can't recommend your bathroom to people. Everyone should know, though, that this rest room used to be substantially MORE gross. Too bad they haven't made the right kinds of improvements. The food is still great, and the restaurant itself is clean and pleasant, but definitely hold it until you get home.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Olive Garden: Springfield, PA
Name: Olive Garden
Website: http://www.olivegarden.com/default_f.asp
Type: Restaurant
Location: Springfield, PA
Occupancy: Multiple
Porcelain: Two toilets, one urinal
Ah yes, Olive Garden. Everyone knows and loves their bread sticks, and they have a ton of annoying commercials on TV. I personally go for the Capellini Pomodoro with a bowl of Minestrone. This Springfield location opened up about a year ago, if memory serves me correctly. Was that enough time to establish a good bathroom?
Cleanliness
The bathroom seemed clean until I stood up from the toilet. My feet were SLIPPING on the floor, because of the horrible amounts of sticky and gross on the floor. I don't know how this happened, but we're talking hours of negligence here, not just any old incidental puddle. Bad start!
Result: FAIL (no points)
Privacy
The privacy factor was satisfied here. The bathrooms themselves are tucked away in the back corner of the dining floor, and the urinal has little walls on either side. The doorway does not open into your sink space either.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Flushing
I get into the stall, and see the automatic flush censor on the wall. Okay, I think, that's not too bad, and at least there is a manual button in case the censor is broken. However, the censor tripped THREE TIMES while I was simply shifting my weight or reaching for toilet paper. THREE TIMES! Do you have any clue how annoying that is? "No points" worth, that's how annoying.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Dryers
The sinks have a little box with neat stacks of paper towels in them. I'd imagine this gets unorganized really quickly, but it looked great when I was there. The "giant trash can hidden under the sink" method was used, which I really like.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Mirrors
As always, I cannot give full points to any bathroom without a full tilted mirror. On the other hand, there are two nice mirrors that give an above-average scope of view over the sinks. Half-credit.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Music
Overhead music! Also, it is sufficiently loud, and every song was by Frank Sinatra on this occasion. Hooray!
Result: PASS (1 point)
Reviewer Tilt
I have to give half a point here, because the stalls each had little shelves with an unprecedented FOUR rolls of toilet paper on them. FOUR ROLLS! And no awful "feed" dispensers that never work right! Normally, this would pretty much be worth a full tilt point, but the auto-flushing fiasco really ticked me off.
Result: 0.5 points
Score: 4.0 out of 7 (57.1%)
What This Means For You: This bathroom comes recommended, despite some curious flaws. The decor and set-up are wonderful, and if they can clean it up and fix that stupid auto-flusher, then this could be a truly wonderful rest room. As it stands, it is still above average, and makes for a pleasant time while "indisposed".
Website: http://www.olivegarden.com/default_f.asp
Type: Restaurant
Location: Springfield, PA
Occupancy: Multiple
Porcelain: Two toilets, one urinal
Ah yes, Olive Garden. Everyone knows and loves their bread sticks, and they have a ton of annoying commercials on TV. I personally go for the Capellini Pomodoro with a bowl of Minestrone. This Springfield location opened up about a year ago, if memory serves me correctly. Was that enough time to establish a good bathroom?
Cleanliness
The bathroom seemed clean until I stood up from the toilet. My feet were SLIPPING on the floor, because of the horrible amounts of sticky and gross on the floor. I don't know how this happened, but we're talking hours of negligence here, not just any old incidental puddle. Bad start!
Result: FAIL (no points)
Privacy
The privacy factor was satisfied here. The bathrooms themselves are tucked away in the back corner of the dining floor, and the urinal has little walls on either side. The doorway does not open into your sink space either.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Flushing
I get into the stall, and see the automatic flush censor on the wall. Okay, I think, that's not too bad, and at least there is a manual button in case the censor is broken. However, the censor tripped THREE TIMES while I was simply shifting my weight or reaching for toilet paper. THREE TIMES! Do you have any clue how annoying that is? "No points" worth, that's how annoying.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Dryers
The sinks have a little box with neat stacks of paper towels in them. I'd imagine this gets unorganized really quickly, but it looked great when I was there. The "giant trash can hidden under the sink" method was used, which I really like.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Mirrors
As always, I cannot give full points to any bathroom without a full tilted mirror. On the other hand, there are two nice mirrors that give an above-average scope of view over the sinks. Half-credit.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Music
Overhead music! Also, it is sufficiently loud, and every song was by Frank Sinatra on this occasion. Hooray!
Result: PASS (1 point)
Reviewer Tilt
I have to give half a point here, because the stalls each had little shelves with an unprecedented FOUR rolls of toilet paper on them. FOUR ROLLS! And no awful "feed" dispensers that never work right! Normally, this would pretty much be worth a full tilt point, but the auto-flushing fiasco really ticked me off.
Result: 0.5 points
Score: 4.0 out of 7 (57.1%)
What This Means For You: This bathroom comes recommended, despite some curious flaws. The decor and set-up are wonderful, and if they can clean it up and fix that stupid auto-flusher, then this could be a truly wonderful rest room. As it stands, it is still above average, and makes for a pleasant time while "indisposed".
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
J.D. McGillicuddy's: Ardmore, PA
Name: J.D. McGillicuddy's
Website: http://www.jdmcgillicuddys.com/locations/ardmore.php
Type: Bar
Location: Ardmore, PA
Occupancy: Multiple
Porcelain: One toilet, one "urinal"
"Cuddy's" is a favorite bar for me and my friends. We have taken over many a Tuesday night with our horrible karaoke abilities. It's a really chill place, and one of the few places I know that actually springs for TRUE HD CABLE on EACH of their HDTVs. So, what's the story with the bathroom? Spoiler alert: it is terrible.
Cleanliness
Really? You can't even keep it clean? This bathroom is messy, gross, and smells like piss. Not looking good so far.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Privacy
This is where I really get peeved. You walk into the closet-sized bathroom, and there is a toilet to your right, and a TROUGH to your left. Not only do you have no privacy for when you really have to go, but the "urinal" is basically a bunch of guys pissing into the same hole. Add on to that the fact that the window is wide open to the adjacent building and that the door DOES NOT HAVE A LOCK ON IT, and you're looking at the worst-case scenario for a bathroom. SHAME ON YOU.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Flushing
The toilet flushes fine, but the flush on the trough is basically running a light stream of water over a giant gross bowl. No decision.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Dryers
By some mercy of the lord above, Cuddy's at LEAST decided to use paper towels. They are pretty convenient and there is a not-awful trash can.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Mirrors
Really tiny mugshot mirror over the sink, and if you look in it, you are standing pretty much ON the door. You can't even see if you spilled mustard on your shirt.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Music
The only time you're getting "overhead music" is when the karaoke or DJ are so loud that you can't hear anyone anyway. Nothing extra in the bathrooms, so nothing extra in the point column either.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Reviewer Tilt
Not only is there no extraneous upside to this bathroom ... oh no, that's not enough. I am considering this category "Privacy Pt. II" for Cuddy's, and penalizing an entire extra point for the stupid nonsense they have going on.
Result: no points
Score: 1.5 out of 7 (21.4%)
What This Means For You: This is the worst bathroom that I have reviewed for Commode Node thus far. The epic combination of NEGATIVE privacy and the smell of a barn make this a truly revolting experience. Here's a true story for you: I once got bartender permission to use the GIRLS bathroom so I could avoid the disaster zone they're trying to pass for a mens room here. NOT. RECOMMENDED.
Website: http://www.jdmcgillicuddys.com/locations/ardmore.php
Type: Bar
Location: Ardmore, PA
Occupancy: Multiple
Porcelain: One toilet, one "urinal"
"Cuddy's" is a favorite bar for me and my friends. We have taken over many a Tuesday night with our horrible karaoke abilities. It's a really chill place, and one of the few places I know that actually springs for TRUE HD CABLE on EACH of their HDTVs. So, what's the story with the bathroom? Spoiler alert: it is terrible.
Cleanliness
Really? You can't even keep it clean? This bathroom is messy, gross, and smells like piss. Not looking good so far.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Privacy
This is where I really get peeved. You walk into the closet-sized bathroom, and there is a toilet to your right, and a TROUGH to your left. Not only do you have no privacy for when you really have to go, but the "urinal" is basically a bunch of guys pissing into the same hole. Add on to that the fact that the window is wide open to the adjacent building and that the door DOES NOT HAVE A LOCK ON IT, and you're looking at the worst-case scenario for a bathroom. SHAME ON YOU.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Flushing
The toilet flushes fine, but the flush on the trough is basically running a light stream of water over a giant gross bowl. No decision.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Dryers
By some mercy of the lord above, Cuddy's at LEAST decided to use paper towels. They are pretty convenient and there is a not-awful trash can.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Mirrors
Really tiny mugshot mirror over the sink, and if you look in it, you are standing pretty much ON the door. You can't even see if you spilled mustard on your shirt.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Music
The only time you're getting "overhead music" is when the karaoke or DJ are so loud that you can't hear anyone anyway. Nothing extra in the bathrooms, so nothing extra in the point column either.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Reviewer Tilt
Not only is there no extraneous upside to this bathroom ... oh no, that's not enough. I am considering this category "Privacy Pt. II" for Cuddy's, and penalizing an entire extra point for the stupid nonsense they have going on.
Result: no points
Score: 1.5 out of 7 (21.4%)
What This Means For You: This is the worst bathroom that I have reviewed for Commode Node thus far. The epic combination of NEGATIVE privacy and the smell of a barn make this a truly revolting experience. Here's a true story for you: I once got bartender permission to use the GIRLS bathroom so I could avoid the disaster zone they're trying to pass for a mens room here. NOT. RECOMMENDED.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Fox & Hound: King of Prussia, PA
Name: Fox & Hound
Website: http://www.tentcorp.com/index.php
Type: Restaurant
Location: King of Prussia, PA
Occupancy: Multiple
Porcelain: Two toilets, one urinal
Fox & Hound has a special place in my heart as the location where I watched Bud Selig delay Game 5 of the World Series 3 innings too late. I came home and went on a classic meltdown/tirade, and thus will always associate the Phillies with this bar. However, none of this is a bad thing. F&H has two million TVs, and even showed the Flyers in (real) HD during the playoffs! So, how does their King of Prussia location stack up to my (mostly decent) memories of Center City?
Cleanliness
Off to a good start. No puddles or trash (or other unspeakable horrors) that I could see.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Privacy
So, the bathrooms are in the far corner of the seating area. This is a decent decision. Also, the urinal is not the usual "hey everybody look" blowing-in-the-breeze exposed nonsense. However, the bathroom is really cramped, and chances are you are going to bump into someone on even a moderately busy time. Half points.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Flushing
Everything worked fine for me!
Result: PASS (1 point)
Dryers
Paper towels are a plus, and they have gone with the "wave your hand like a moron" dispenser. This is good for not having to touch anything gross, but what do you do if there's a jam? I saw no alternative for this situation.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Mirrors
Slightly tilted large mirror over the sink. Not enough angle for my liking, and you have to stand in the doorway to get a good look at yourself. This isn't a vanity thing, I just want to make sure I'm not about to walk past a hundred people with my underwear showing. I won't go goose-egg since they DID have a decent mirror, but you need a better effort to fully pass this part of the test.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Music
Okay, this is a really complicated judgement call. Good thing: they have overhead music! Bad thing: why not make it the audio to the sports game that everyone at the tables can hear? Good thing: a TV hanging near the ceiling! Bad thing: why is it not showing the Flyers or Phillies when they're on 20 other TVs around the place? I have to go No Decision again, because a simple syncing from bar area to bathroom would let you stay in on the action.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Reviewer Tilt
If this Tilt section were about how awesome the bar or food or service was, I'd be giving a full point. As far as the bathroom goes, though, nothing really stood out. I won't penalize, but I won't reward. Yet another middle-of-the-ground call.
Result: .5 points
Score: 4.5 out of 7 (64.3%)
What This Means For You: The bathrooms at Fox & Hound are certainly serviceable, and they're definitely TRYING to make it great by including a TV and music. However, someone needs to get the memo about showing the most important game on the bathroom feed. I saw them changing a channel several times, and about 20 TVs are all in perfect sync with each other ... why not make it 21? Other than that qualm, it was clean and convenient, so WELL DONE!
Website: http://www.tentcorp.com/index.php
Type: Restaurant
Location: King of Prussia, PA
Occupancy: Multiple
Porcelain: Two toilets, one urinal
Fox & Hound has a special place in my heart as the location where I watched Bud Selig delay Game 5 of the World Series 3 innings too late. I came home and went on a classic meltdown/tirade, and thus will always associate the Phillies with this bar. However, none of this is a bad thing. F&H has two million TVs, and even showed the Flyers in (real) HD during the playoffs! So, how does their King of Prussia location stack up to my (mostly decent) memories of Center City?
Cleanliness
Off to a good start. No puddles or trash (or other unspeakable horrors) that I could see.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Privacy
So, the bathrooms are in the far corner of the seating area. This is a decent decision. Also, the urinal is not the usual "hey everybody look" blowing-in-the-breeze exposed nonsense. However, the bathroom is really cramped, and chances are you are going to bump into someone on even a moderately busy time. Half points.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Flushing
Everything worked fine for me!
Result: PASS (1 point)
Dryers
Paper towels are a plus, and they have gone with the "wave your hand like a moron" dispenser. This is good for not having to touch anything gross, but what do you do if there's a jam? I saw no alternative for this situation.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Mirrors
Slightly tilted large mirror over the sink. Not enough angle for my liking, and you have to stand in the doorway to get a good look at yourself. This isn't a vanity thing, I just want to make sure I'm not about to walk past a hundred people with my underwear showing. I won't go goose-egg since they DID have a decent mirror, but you need a better effort to fully pass this part of the test.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Music
Okay, this is a really complicated judgement call. Good thing: they have overhead music! Bad thing: why not make it the audio to the sports game that everyone at the tables can hear? Good thing: a TV hanging near the ceiling! Bad thing: why is it not showing the Flyers or Phillies when they're on 20 other TVs around the place? I have to go No Decision again, because a simple syncing from bar area to bathroom would let you stay in on the action.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Reviewer Tilt
If this Tilt section were about how awesome the bar or food or service was, I'd be giving a full point. As far as the bathroom goes, though, nothing really stood out. I won't penalize, but I won't reward. Yet another middle-of-the-ground call.
Result: .5 points
Score: 4.5 out of 7 (64.3%)
What This Means For You: The bathrooms at Fox & Hound are certainly serviceable, and they're definitely TRYING to make it great by including a TV and music. However, someone needs to get the memo about showing the most important game on the bathroom feed. I saw them changing a channel several times, and about 20 TVs are all in perfect sync with each other ... why not make it 21? Other than that qualm, it was clean and convenient, so WELL DONE!
Famous Dave's: Springfield, PA
Name: Famous Dave's
Website: http://www.famousdaves.com/
Type: Restaurant
Location: Springfield, PA
Occupancy: Multiple
Porcelain: Two toilets, one urinal
Famous Dave's is a wonderful BBQ joint that opened up a franchise in Springfield a few years ago. They make a great Cajun Chicken Sandwich, but my personal favorite is their "Devil's Spit" hot sauce. I wish I could buy that sauce and cook with it every night. So, you can spice your food, but can you give an enjoyable bathroom experience as well? Let's find out.
Cleanliness
Being as unbiased as possible, this place was only half clean. It certainly looks presentable, but the floor was a little creepy and the sink trash can was too full for my tastes. I will go halfsies here because it was neither immaculate nor disgusting.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Privacy
The "hidden" factor here is wonderful. There are two stalls (one handicapped), and you are actually protected by the side walls! Also, between the adjacent urinal and the sink, there is a really great wall extension that lets you feel private. Add in that the bathrooms are tucked away in the back room and you have a great example of this category.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Flushing
Nothing out of the ordinary, although I only used the urinal and not the stall this time. Still, this wasn't a place that messed this part up (thankfully).
Result: PASS (1 point)
Dryers
Thank goodness, paper towels. Famous Dave's uses one of my preferred towel dispensers: one where a small shred hangs out and you pull down a pre-cut slice. Also, there is a side knob for manual feed if it gets all jammed (which it didn't in my case). Trash can in the sink is always weird to me, but at least it was close to the door.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Mirrors
There is one giant mirror over the two sinks, which is pretty typical for a restaurant. However, it was also tilted, which made me quite happy. You don't get full points if you can see your shoes, but 1/2 ain't too bad.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Music
Overhead music! I throw a little party for myself every time I walk into a bathroom and hear music. Also, taking a page from the Tristan Ideal Bathroom Handbook, the music is also LOUDER than it is on the floor. GOOD JOB!
Result: PASS (1 point)
Reviewer Tilt
I can't bring myself to give full tilt points to anything less than a perfect (or mindblowingly original) bathroom, but they definitely earned a half. Also, the indicators for which bathroom to use read "Pointers" and "Setters", which is one of the more creative choices I have seen.
Result: .5 points
Score: 5.5 out of 7 (78.6%)
What This Means For You: Famous Dave's storms up to second place (thus far) on my favorite/recommended bathrooms list. In addition to having a huge, delicious menu, they have made using the toilet a clean and pleasant experience. This can't be said in a not-gross way, but at a BBQ and ribs place, you NEED to be thinking about customers using the bathroom, so it's good to know they had attention to detail. A full tilted mirror and a little more cleanup would push this commode into the upper echelon, but for now it's still really great.
Website: http://www.famousdaves.com/
Type: Restaurant
Location: Springfield, PA
Occupancy: Multiple
Porcelain: Two toilets, one urinal
Famous Dave's is a wonderful BBQ joint that opened up a franchise in Springfield a few years ago. They make a great Cajun Chicken Sandwich, but my personal favorite is their "Devil's Spit" hot sauce. I wish I could buy that sauce and cook with it every night. So, you can spice your food, but can you give an enjoyable bathroom experience as well? Let's find out.
Cleanliness
Being as unbiased as possible, this place was only half clean. It certainly looks presentable, but the floor was a little creepy and the sink trash can was too full for my tastes. I will go halfsies here because it was neither immaculate nor disgusting.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Privacy
The "hidden" factor here is wonderful. There are two stalls (one handicapped), and you are actually protected by the side walls! Also, between the adjacent urinal and the sink, there is a really great wall extension that lets you feel private. Add in that the bathrooms are tucked away in the back room and you have a great example of this category.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Flushing
Nothing out of the ordinary, although I only used the urinal and not the stall this time. Still, this wasn't a place that messed this part up (thankfully).
Result: PASS (1 point)
Dryers
Thank goodness, paper towels. Famous Dave's uses one of my preferred towel dispensers: one where a small shred hangs out and you pull down a pre-cut slice. Also, there is a side knob for manual feed if it gets all jammed (which it didn't in my case). Trash can in the sink is always weird to me, but at least it was close to the door.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Mirrors
There is one giant mirror over the two sinks, which is pretty typical for a restaurant. However, it was also tilted, which made me quite happy. You don't get full points if you can see your shoes, but 1/2 ain't too bad.
Result: NO DECISION (0.5 points)
Music
Overhead music! I throw a little party for myself every time I walk into a bathroom and hear music. Also, taking a page from the Tristan Ideal Bathroom Handbook, the music is also LOUDER than it is on the floor. GOOD JOB!
Result: PASS (1 point)
Reviewer Tilt
I can't bring myself to give full tilt points to anything less than a perfect (or mindblowingly original) bathroom, but they definitely earned a half. Also, the indicators for which bathroom to use read "Pointers" and "Setters", which is one of the more creative choices I have seen.
Result: .5 points
Score: 5.5 out of 7 (78.6%)
What This Means For You: Famous Dave's storms up to second place (thus far) on my favorite/recommended bathrooms list. In addition to having a huge, delicious menu, they have made using the toilet a clean and pleasant experience. This can't be said in a not-gross way, but at a BBQ and ribs place, you NEED to be thinking about customers using the bathroom, so it's good to know they had attention to detail. A full tilted mirror and a little more cleanup would push this commode into the upper echelon, but for now it's still really great.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn: Ronks, PA
Name: Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn
Website: http://www.hersheyfarm.com/
Type: Restaurant
Location: Ronks, PA
Occupancy: Multiple
Porcelain: Two toilets, two urinals
Hershey Farm is located in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, out in the middle on Lancaster. The restaurant's appeal is their acclaimed buffet-style dining hall. The fried chicken in particular is quite good, and the overall price is definitely reasonable. So, the Amish can do food ... can they do bathrooms?
Cleanliness
Talk about getting off to a bad start ... this bathroom was MESSY. Trash cans were overflowing, seats were not clean, the floor was stained and gross ... really not the kind of atmosphere you like to be in for even a minute.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Privacy
I used this bathroom twice, and both times I felt decently "hidden". The bathrooms are located in their own little corner of the establishment. The door makes a weird knocking sound when it shuts, making you thinking there's someone coming in when there actually isn't, but it wasn't overly distracting.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Flushing
The normal flushing mechanisms are present here. This was far from my biggest concern in this place, as you will see.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Dryers
Okay, so they use paper towels. Hooray! But wait ... there are TWO dispensers, and the one next to the sink is EMPTY. I spent so long looking at the dispenser for a manual release that I didn't even seen the far away (and completely inferior) second one. Also, the trash cans were awful, with unspeakable horrors contained within. Empty towels are one thing, but deliberately confusing your customers? Grounds for dismissal.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Mirrors
Really tiny mirror by the sink? Check. Tons of wasted wall space that could be used for a tilted mirror? Check. Pissed off at this? Check.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Music
The only sounds in this joint were the weird door knocking and the occasional ... weirdness ... from the stall next to me.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Reviewer Tilt
I was so put off by the double paper towel debacle, in addition to the terrible condition this bathroom was in the second time (only 30 minutes later), that I am using my tilt section to punish them with another goose egg. Thanks for nothing.
Result: no points
Score: 2.0 out of 7 (28.6%)
What This Means For You: It's a shame that such a great dining experience is tainted by a horrible bathroom. Even just an "hourly checklist" posted would be comforting, regardless of how recently it was filled out. However, with little cardboard signs pointed you towards the bathroom from any given room, it feels like an afterthought. Any place that has two different Rubik's Cube towel dispensers (in addition to not keeping them stocked) will be put on the black list for me. Step up your game, Hershey.
Website: http://www.hersheyfarm.com/
Type: Restaurant
Location: Ronks, PA
Occupancy: Multiple
Porcelain: Two toilets, two urinals
Hershey Farm is located in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, out in the middle on Lancaster. The restaurant's appeal is their acclaimed buffet-style dining hall. The fried chicken in particular is quite good, and the overall price is definitely reasonable. So, the Amish can do food ... can they do bathrooms?
Cleanliness
Talk about getting off to a bad start ... this bathroom was MESSY. Trash cans were overflowing, seats were not clean, the floor was stained and gross ... really not the kind of atmosphere you like to be in for even a minute.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Privacy
I used this bathroom twice, and both times I felt decently "hidden". The bathrooms are located in their own little corner of the establishment. The door makes a weird knocking sound when it shuts, making you thinking there's someone coming in when there actually isn't, but it wasn't overly distracting.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Flushing
The normal flushing mechanisms are present here. This was far from my biggest concern in this place, as you will see.
Result: PASS (1 point)
Dryers
Okay, so they use paper towels. Hooray! But wait ... there are TWO dispensers, and the one next to the sink is EMPTY. I spent so long looking at the dispenser for a manual release that I didn't even seen the far away (and completely inferior) second one. Also, the trash cans were awful, with unspeakable horrors contained within. Empty towels are one thing, but deliberately confusing your customers? Grounds for dismissal.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Mirrors
Really tiny mirror by the sink? Check. Tons of wasted wall space that could be used for a tilted mirror? Check. Pissed off at this? Check.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Music
The only sounds in this joint were the weird door knocking and the occasional ... weirdness ... from the stall next to me.
Result: FAIL (no points)
Reviewer Tilt
I was so put off by the double paper towel debacle, in addition to the terrible condition this bathroom was in the second time (only 30 minutes later), that I am using my tilt section to punish them with another goose egg. Thanks for nothing.
Result: no points
Score: 2.0 out of 7 (28.6%)
What This Means For You: It's a shame that such a great dining experience is tainted by a horrible bathroom. Even just an "hourly checklist" posted would be comforting, regardless of how recently it was filled out. However, with little cardboard signs pointed you towards the bathroom from any given room, it feels like an afterthought. Any place that has two different Rubik's Cube towel dispensers (in addition to not keeping them stocked) will be put on the black list for me. Step up your game, Hershey.
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