Support Humane Establishments that Let You Use the Bathroom!

[212]

I have an idea that may serve as an additional reason to recognize and thank businesses that are humane enough to allow people to come in and use their bathrooms, without making them buy anything. This would help promote and reward pedestrian friendly establishments.

Now, I don't want to appear void of the plight of the average entrepreneur who has to pay water bills every time the toilet flushes, or, who may occasionally have to host a temporary nuisance who takes, literally, 25 minutes in their bathroom, so, in some cases, I can understand their reluctance. Allowing people to just simply use the bathroom is good for the economy because who feels like spending money and leisurely shopping when you have to, um............go.

So, in good faith I'd like to ask that people post only places that accommodate you unconditionally, and don't mention the one's that don't. After all, it's their right to refuse you, and I wouldn't want to see a business unnecessary targeted as unfriendly. But, only Jonathan, the site administrator, can make rules on here, I'm just making a suggestion so the thread stays positive.

To start us off, I'll nominate Bed Bath and Beyond (6th ave) and Home Depot (23rd St) for the "GO" awards. Never had a problem using their facilities. Additionally, The Energy Kitchen, on 17th street between 8th and 9th avenue has always been accommodating. Chelsea Market allows you to use their facilities, and so has the Maritime Hotel Bar on 17th street and 9th avenue. Then there is of course most of the Starbucks and Barnes and Noble chains and the Cosi restaurant on 6th avenue between 22nd and 23rd street.

I fully appreciate these businesses for their humane policies, which tell me something about their sense of social responsibility.

Anyone else with a "GO" shout-out?

[momjo]

Gee you hit on a lot of my favorite places- Bed Bath and Beyond. barnes and Nobles- now closed) but you can use their other stores like I know union Square is good, Borders on East Side Gramercy and Next to Penn Station, The container store, Old Navy, Filenes Basement- in mens Dept., Loehmanns - in mens Dept. downstairs, Macys is always good but aboid the tourists, There are 2 ladies rooms in the cellar but most people only know of one-- the one near vision express is less crowded, Manhattan mall is good but they are going through renovations but if you are desperate the dental office on the old food court level has a bathroom, (but thats my dentist so thats ok--- I'll try to remember more later-- I used to do flyer work so finding a bathroom is always necessary LOL

[momjo]

other places== Tj Maxx- all the way in the back of the store near linens etc. Think it was meant for employees but anyone can use it and in fact we did use it tonight. The container store has a nice rest room also but it also is toward the back. McDonalds on 26th St. lets anyone use it. Bryant park has a good public one. Ifyou are in times square there is a visitors bureau and they have decent ones there also as I used it once while doing some flyer work for broadway on broadway. Penn Station and the Port Authority are always good if you need to go. I always find hair salons let me in also.

[212]

Way to go Momjo!

Thanks for the shout-outs!

One question:

You mentioned some places that have bathrooms in the men's department, but are their ladies rooms as well, or are they unisex bathrooms?

[momjo]

seperate bathrooms

[retiringuy]

Circuit City on Union Square (by the big screen TV's) and Whole Foods on Union Square (up stairs or elevator.)

[AEG]

Any time I have tried to used a hotel, I have never been denied. I just walk in, look for the restrooms in the lobby, and go. Have never been stopped or queried.

[momjo]

hotels can be tricky as sometimes you need a keycard to enter the restroom and so if you are not a guest you can not get into the restroom. I know if you go to whole body which is next to whole foods on 7th Avenue you can use the restroom there. It's realy for employees but anyonecan use it as I have a few times.