Great Seattle Bathrooms

22 (formerly 22 Doors)

2012-01-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

405 15th Ave E
web / Yelp

I'm not sure when the name officially changed from 22 Doors to 22, but I'm having a hard time with it. I'm all for brevity, but "22" is just a little too succinct for my tastes. It's like when Prince changed his name to O(+>; it feels better to say "the artist formerly known as Prince" than it does to say "22". And just as recently as a couple of months ago, one of their chefs said "22 Doors" on Top Chef: Texas.

Which brings me to the food. It's really good! Happy hour is a great time to make a meal out of a few shared appetizers, and 22's got one of the better happy hour menus around. Tip: split the burger with fries with someone because it's big enough that you'll regret getting one of your own, and by splitting it you'll have enough room for some roasted cauliflower or a miniature skillet of hot olives. Or, of course, deviled eggs.

I'd love to know how the bathroom was decorated, because the walls are a huge collection of cool black and white photos. If it's not, say, a wallpaper you can buy, then whoever assembled this collection did an amazing job if it was done specifically for one space. Most of the pictures I took were from the center of the bathroom while I turned, because I hoped to get the whole thing documented so I could look later. Nothing's worse than taking too long in a bathroom and find people waiting when you come out.

There's also chalkboard up above the photos, and those are always fun because they're interactive and people can get a little bit of that "I want to write on the walls" energy out without doing any damage. I like it even though chalk and chalkboards have always grossed me out a bit. I guess I'm ok with it as long as I get to wash my hands immediately after I touch it.

(A couple of years ago, I accidentally used the women's bathroom instead of the men's. It was also very nice and I'll have to send a woman in or just ask if I can go in sometime if I'm there early and nobody's around. If I do, I'll add another post.)

Not that it matters much this time of year, but 22 has a nice patio, which is pretty rare for this neighborhood. Enjoy it if you can manage to get a spot out there. If not, the barstools inside are some of the most comortable in town.

Spring Garden

2011-10-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

1032 S Jackson
Web/Yelp

I worried as I was taking the photos for this post that I was compromising my integrity a bit. But I realized that, as a bathroom blogger, I have no integrity in the first place. So I'll just be honest: the bathroom at Spring Garden needs a little help. But a little help goes a long way when you have an amazing metal urinal with an ashtray you're no longer allowed to use.

And look at this sink.

The sink is actually what brought me here. I used to eat lunch in the ID every day and came here once in a while back when it was Saigon Bistro. Mostly I've always thought of it as a place to come when Tamarind Tree is really busy, but with Spring Garden's interesting menu and the changes they've made inside, I'd happily come here without it being a backup plan.

I also can't think of any other Vietnamese restaurants with big, sweeping views. My photos in the slideshow below don't do the view justice, it's actually quite nice.

I'll make an exception

2011-10-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

First Hill Bar and Grill is one of my favorite weird places. The food is great, the staff is friendly, and the people watching (inside and out) is unbeatable.

The bathroom isn't great by any means. But it has this:

You don't see these very often, so it feels special when you do. Like you're in a 1990 museum exhibit. I haven't tried it, so I'm not sure if it works. I used the Old Spice in the men's room at Newport Bay in Southcenter once, and put on way too much, so I'm afraid of stuff like this. Even though it's awesome.

2011-09-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

If you didn't already know, I hate to be the one to tell you that Chapel closed after the end of the business day on Saturday, September 3rd.

We all mourn in our own ways. My ways:

Go two nights in a row, the second-to-last and last nights
Grab a bunch of matchbooks and a tattered menu
Take one last awkward waving photo in the unisex bathroom:

Pour a bit of your martini out for Chapel tonight.

2011-08-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

Poquitos

1000 E. Pike

Web / Yelp / Twitter

I could tell, even before going, that Poquitos has a very good chance at a long, successful run, mainly because it's got something Capitol Hill really lacks: spacious outdoor seating. Sure, you can find two or three tables outside certain places, but they're usually on the sunny side of the street, and nothing separates you from the passersby other than a chain or the back of your friend's chair. Not very pleasant. But Poquitos built out a huge deck in what used to be just a few parking spaces.

It's covered and enclosed, too. Very nice. I finally had a chance to check it out the other day when Kat from Barbie Dream Hearse suggested meeting up to give me the t-shirt I ordered instead of mailing it. I jumped at the chance to finally have a female operative to send into the bathroom. But first, tacos and cocktails.

The food isn't cheap, but I wouldn't expect it to be. It's a big, gorgeous space in a very expensive neighborhood, so they've got bills to pay. People always say that they don't want to pay $9 for three tacos or $5 for a hot dog at Po Dog, and to them I say, stay home! When you go out to eat or drink, you're not only paying for the food, you're paying the rent, the salaries of the people who work there, and every other cost associated with running a business. If you don't think it's worth it, buy some Rosarita and take it home, and make room for people with social lives.

But I digress.

The men's room at Poquitos is obviously part of the buildout and is in very good shape. It suffers a little bit design-wise from having to mix modern fixtures which they have to have with the classic style that they want, but it looks nice enough in spite of that.

One thing they do have, which I've never seen, is a peephole at the entrance. Cute.

I sent Kat into the women's restroom with my camera. She said it wasn't very different from what I had said about the men's, so she decided to take pictures of herself. I'm curious about the chair. Men don't get a chair.

It looks like Koala Kare got wind of the fact that people were making their products into baby hanging stations and decided to change the logo. Too bad.

Poquitos is beautiful inside and out, and I suggest you hire Barbie Dream Hearse for a night and make it your dinner stop.

2011-07-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

Vito's

927 Ninth Ave
Web / Yelp

One of my biggest regrets is not having spent more time at Vitos when I lived nearby on Boren. It was especially cool back then with its op-art wallpaper and cheesy mirrors. It was also inexpensive, divey, and mysterious. Sitting in one of their booths made you feel like you'd missed something naughty, either by years or hours.

I felt especially guilty when they closed. You know how it is. There's a cool place in the neighborhood, you don't go there as much as you should, you don't take people there, and then it's gone. You may not have been the problem, but you definitely weren't part of the solution. It happens.

Needless to say, I'm glad it's back. The new interior is stunning, too. It's gone from mobster shabby chic to an upscale cocktail lounge with fine dining, which was a smart move. The lounge menu (half price during happy hour!) is really great, too.

I really only have a few things to say about the men's room. It's small, but big enough. The tile is gleaming and perfect. And, they have my favorite kind of urinals.

Seriously, why can't all urinals be like this? I get that they use twice as much material and it's a bigger installation job, but anyone at any height can use them. And have you ever seen the floor below typical urinals in, say, a busy office building? So nasty. So, good for them for having this kind. Classic. Perfect. And there's a nice spot to put your drink.

Also, if you used to go to Vito's, and were wondering if the naked lady is still in there, it is. Can anyone tell me if there's a classy naked tile gentleman in the other bathroom?

2011-07-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

Quinn's

1001 East Pike

Web / Yelp

I was told years ago that I should go to Quinn's, and I wish I'd listened sooner. It's a very lovely space, the food is fantastic, and it's one of those places where all the employees are really nice and seem to be having a great time all night. I admit, I'm unlikely to go anywhere if I have to wait long for a table, so if I'm going to Quinn's, it's early. Usually around 5:15, after a couple of happy hour drinks somewhere nearby.

I didn't take pictures of the bathrooms on my first couple of visits for the same reason I waited at Still Liquor; there's a frosted glass window in the door and I thought it would be weird if camera flashes were seen from outside. Now that it doesn't get dark until after I actually fall asleep, I had my chance last time I went.

It's nice to find a bathroom labeled "WC" once in a while so the blog name makes more sense.

I've always loved tile like this and miss having it in my own bathroom.

Cruelty-free taxidermy.

Back at the table, a nice view of the room's wonderful windows.

Pop in for a drink, for sure, but check their menu before going for dinner. I think the food is amazing, but I know that some people just wouldn't want to try anything on it. For those who do order dinner, start with the frites. I've never had anything quite like them anywhere else.

2011-01-13T08:34:00.000-08:00

Unicorn

1118 E Pike

Web / Yelp / Twitter

I admit it. I'm currently in the grips of a major new obsession. If I'm going to go out, I want it to be for a Pike/Pine burger at Unicorn. It's that good.

But there are tons of other reasons to be there as often as possible. The menu is full of state-fair favorites like elephant ears and fried candy bars, but also includes delicate treats like a beet and apple salad. They even make a new batch of gourmet Jell-o shots every three days. (Follow them on Twitter for up-to-the-minute Jell-o shot info.)

I typically like to go for weekend lunches or happy hours any day. The decor is awesome and I like to be able to see it. Recently, I was the first person there, so I asked if I could take pictures in the women's restroom, which I don't usually get to do.

The blue men's room is a nice companion to the women's restroom, and looks like a fancy, magical version of the ones at their mortal cousin around the corner, Pony.

I don't usually post so many pictures of the rest of the venue, but Unicorn is the kind of place that makes it hard to put the camera away.

They're currently working to renovate the basement space below to add a dance floor. There were so many more dance clubs when I moved here which have since closed. Capitol Hill has a lot more live music now, so I hope they focus more on DJs. I'll be around either way.

2010-12-04T15:29:00.000-08:00

Bathtub Gin & Co.
2205 2nd Ave
(enter on West side)

Yelp / Stranger

The "fake speakeasy" craze in Seattle hasn't stopped yet. I'd never been to any, mostly because they're trendy and I hate crowds. A lot. But a good friend wanted to meet up for her birthday at Bathtub Gin, so I found myself there a couple of Fridays ago.

I definitely recommend checking it out, just not on a Friday or Saturday. We were there ten minutes after it opened that day, and it was already full. It's a cool space, though, with exposed brick walls and a decorative tin ceiling. Three rooms are split between two levels, and the bathroom is tucked away downstairs in a corner. They did an excellent job in there.

I really, really love wallpaper like this.

This is probably just a storage closet, but I like to pretend it leads to a casino or brothel.

I didn't get a picture, but there's a miniature bathtub in the bar, making it the only bar I know of in Seattle that brings the bathroom out of the bathroom.

2010-08-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

Icon Grill
1933 5th Ave

Web / Yelp

One of the first friends I made when I moved to Seattle worked at Icon Grill and gave me a gift certificate so my partner and I could come by and see her during dinner. From just about the moment I walked in, it became my new favorite restaurant in my new hometown. The entire place is like an Easter basket full of eye candy, decorated in a clever mish-mash of glass art, tour posters, and old lamps. There's an Almond Roca wrapper color scheme at work as well, which had to be challenging to pull off.

Over the years, I developed a fierce taste for Vietnamese, so Icon was bumped from my number 1 spot, but has earned its place in my harem and is always a good choice for happy hour. In fact, if you've never been, you should start with happy hour and check out the menu over a couple of drinks.

One could argue that Icon was at the forefront of the "fancy bathroom" movement with their magical, musical men's room. If you're having any trouble getting started, they've provided help in the form of videos of babbling brooks, crashing waves, and other water features, which you can see in the mirrors above the urinals. I hope someone comments telling me the name of the music that plays along with the videos. It's something we've all heard in a hundred commercials but I just don't know what it's called.

I love framed art in bathrooms, especially artifacts like tour posters.

One thing has changed over the years. They used to keep the bathroom stocked with hand towels and have made the switch to paper. I'm sure whoever had to wash them is relieved.

The upstairs area where the bathrooms are located is funny. There's one table, all by itself, a private dining room, and a waiting area with a nice chair. I'm always saying that more bathrooms need these waiting areas, even though they aren't terribly useful if the bathrooms aren't single occupancy.

The waiting area looks like a good place to make a quick phone call, but I forgot to check to see if there's still a "no cell phones" sign in front. All the pictures here were taken with one, so the entire post might be a huge faux pas.

There have been rumors over the years that Icon would be closing, and looking at the rest of the block, one can see that they are running on borrowed time. If the housing market hadn't tanked right when it did, there may already be new condos in its place. I'm not going to worry until I hear something official, and in the meantime I'll enjoy it as part of my vanishing history in Seattle.

2010-06-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

Now you can have bathroom beer.

I wouldn't call the bathroom at the Elysian great or even good, but they're currently serving The Men's Room Original Red, which is quite tasty and is for a good cause.

If you do end up in their men's room, be sure to look in the grout above the urinals for teeny tiny puns. About Grout. Not even kidding.

2010-05-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

I hope this picture of the bathroom at Bus Stop was taken on Halloween.

Big thanks to Cap to the Hill for the link!

2010-05-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

Bathrooms Immortalized

When the 500 block of East Pine was shut down and torn down (only to be replaced with nothing) we lost some very cool bathrooms. Projects like this blog can only do so much to show what infamous bathrooms like the ones at the original Pony or Bus Stop became. I hoped at the time that the walls at Bus Stop would turn up in chunks in a rubble pile we could pick from, but I doubt anyone even thought at the time to snap a comprehensive set of photos.

That's why a project like this recreation of the bathroom at CBGB fascinates me so much. How often do you get a chance to visit an old favorite place that no longer exists? Sure, we can take a tour of Kennedy's Air Force One, but what about the neighborhood dive with the strangely compelling collection of bumperstickers and toys?

For now your best bet is to get pictures while you can.

2010-05-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Hotel Murano

1320 Broadway Plaza (Tacoma)

Web/Yelp

A few months ago, I won a free night at Hotel Murano by answering a pretty difficult trivia question on Twitter. I was thrilled, because I've missed out on so many free hotel nights at Hotel Max that were given to the first person to answer an easy question. Having to actually do some research weeded out the competition and I swooped in for the kill. Winning a free night in Tacoma was great, because I like to go down there once in a while, but coming home on the bus after a few drinks can be difficult to say the least.

I'm not sure how many bathrooms there are onsite, but I saw three and they were similar enough that I only took photos in one. In fact, I can't remember if this is the lower level near the conference rooms, the lobby level near the bar somewhere, or the fourth floor near their fantastic restaurant, Bite.

I've been on the fence about these bowl sinks for several years now, but I just decided that I really like them, mostly because they're practical. You can set things down on the counter and not worry about them falling in the sink.

The bathroom in my room upstairs also had one.

I love the blue glass counter, but feel sorry for the poor maid who has to clean it.

Hotel Murano is a great destination, even if you aren't actually staying there. I had a great time at the lobby bar, starting with a drink as pretty as the bathroom upstairs.

Our first course at dinner was lobster corndogs, which I've wanted to try for months.

Do be sure to at least pop in for breakfast sometime. I had the best eggs benedict of my life there. And just like her sister Hotel Max, Murano is a beautiful place to linger and soak up the decor. I should also add, if you are thinking of taking a little "gaycation" down South, Murano is an easy few blocks from The Mix and Club Silverstone.

2010-03-11T13:40:00.001-08:00

Seattle Magazine's review of The Living Room wraps up the article with a quick blurb about the bathroom. It's good to know that people are interested in these things, but that nobody else wants to be the weirdo with the camera in the loo.

2010-02-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

Still Liquor

1524 Minor

Web / Yelp

Capitol Hill has been cursed in recent years. Developers trying to cash in have kicked everyone out of apartment buildings intending to rebuild or remodel into condos, only to abandon the projects halfway through leaving empty lots or deserted buildings. Those of us who live here are left to wonder what they were even trying to accomplish. Why try to sell a neighborhood if you're closing its signature businesses and bringing in tenants who won't like living there anyway?

The last year or so has brought about a nice change, though. Businesses who were shooed away have found new, better homes. Empty storefronts are becoming cool new businesses.

The biggest cultural shift is the auto business exodus. Capitol Hill was at one time a major car dealer and auto shop destination, but several have left and others are on their way out. These are large spaces and properties which are ideal for dining and nightlife conversions. One such conversion which is coming along nicely is the Melrose Project. Still Liquor is mentioned in the link, but is already open.

I got the feeling last night at Still that it's not quite done yet, but that they were excited to open and to become a part of the neighborhood. The only real decor aside from some of the furniture is a lovely hammered copper bar.

The rest? An open, airy room tucked below sidewalk level with some windows to peer up. A better view than Laverne and Shirley had, but one where you still feel hidden away. As of this posting, the bar's sign has not yet arrived, so visitors really are hidden, if they manage to find the place.

The bathrooms are clean and lovely, but again, I'm not sure if they plan to decorate them more. If they do, and I'm back with my camera, I'll have a small challenge: photograph a bathroom with a glass door while hoping nobody outside sees the flashes. How embarrassing.

2010-01-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

Nicolino

317 NW Gilman (Issaquah)

Web / Yelp

My boss invited several of us for dinner at a favorite spot of hers, Nicolino in Issaquah. Before Friday, I hadn't been out that far East since 2001 or so. It was definitely worth the trip. In fact, it was bittersweet, because it's the kind of restaurant I'd love to visit often, but it's just far enough to make it unlikely to happen.

I shared the sweet pea ravioli from the appetizer specials, and had the calamari all to myself, while sampling bites of a few other plates. It's the kind of place where everybody shares because it's all so unbelievably fabulous and you want to confirm that you're not hallucinating. My calamari was actually a little spicier than I would have ordered, but this wasn't a bad thing. It woke my mouth up and made my wine taste even better.

Once again, I was out of town without my camera, but I managed to get a few snaps with my phone in the men's room.

I've always liked when a bathroom houses a nice collection of art prints and maps. It's an easy way to dress up a room which is often overlooked.

While I was there, I also got to add to my "helpful octopus" collection of photos. I think this one is my best yet.

I regret working on this post because it's just making me want to go back for more sweet pea ravioli. And it was on the specials menu so it will surely be gone by the time I ever make it back there. I guess that's my way of saying you should go, and soon.

2009-12-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

The Living Room

1355 E Olive

Web / Yelp

The concept behind The Living Room is one I really get. A lot of us living on Capitol Hill and downtown have studios and end up going out to area bars with our friends to escape from the tiny rooms where we eat, sleep, and sometimes even work from home. Monika Proffitt understood that we all need a living room, even if it's just so we can get away with leaving our beds unmade.

I was worried as I headed over last night that the bathroom would be a little too Christmassey and that I'd end up with a holiday post instead of one that was representative of how great the bathroom there normally looks. Only a couple of strings of lights were added, along with a couple of tastefully large ornaments. It looks great in there.

You can tell Monika is really enjoying running this business when you meet her. And you will meet her, because she's around quite often and is very friendly. And I must say I was impressed last night when I messaged her via Twitter to make sure the bar would actually be open last night and got an answer right away.

They're closed today for Christmas, but after today you can visit every day from 4pm until closing time, with happy hour every day until 7pm. Last night, I finally got to try one of the new meat and cheese plates, which was so good that I was kind of sad to be sharing it.

I didn't travel for Christmas this year and definitely miss my family. However, my boyfriend, my friends, and the fun we're having around town make me realize that I actually am home for the holidays.

2009-12-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

Cafe Vitta learned via Twitter today that someone is decorating their bathroom.

2009-12-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

The Signature

530 1st Ave North

Web / Yelp

I've always maintained that it would be impossible for me to live on Queen Anne because of the serious lack of Vietnamese food. It's my favorite cuisine. I'm not even sure what my second favorite cuisine is, but it's a distant second. There was a year or so where I ate Vietnamese twice a day on weekdays and at least once on weekends. It's the best. And until The Signature opened, there was only one Vietnamese restaurant anywhere near Queen Anne and Seattle Center.

The Signature is unique for its amazing happy hour. $2 well drinks, cocktail and beer specials, and a great menu with food specials priced from $2 up to $5. It's the only serious Vietnamese food happy hour in town I know of, and it's every day from 3:00-6:00 and 8:00-Midnight.

They've also got some very lovely bathrooms. Two spacious, unisex ones, as a matter of fact.

There's art for sale, and you can lean in for a really close look at it.

If you're a reader, they've got you covered.

I have to know where they got these lightswitch covers so I can get some for my friends as Christmas gifts.

There's also a very lovely seating area just outside the bathrooms. I really wish more places had these.

Go check this place out. They're open until midnight every day except Fridays and Saturdays, when they're open until 3:30am, so you really have no excuse not to go.

2009-11-17T22:02:00.000-08:00

A bathroom is really only as great as the people using it.

At the beginning of dinner tonight at Long Provincial, I was finishing up in the bathroom when someone tried the doorknob and then pounded on the door. Yeah, if the door is locked from the inside, someone's in there. No need for a neon "OCCUPIED" sign or anything. I would understand if I had been lingering (say, in there taking pictures or something) but that wasn't the case at all. Two employees were outside when I opened the door, but they didn't seem to be waiting.

At the end of the meal I went back again to wash up, and as I opened the door I caught the reflection of one of the cooks just as she shoved the door closed, shoving me back in the process. Luckily, there are two bathrooms, so I opened the other one, only to find a guy standing there peeing. Seriously? Two bathrooms, both with people inside who didn't lock the door.

Maybe I should teach classes.

2009-11-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

15th Avenue Coffee and Tea

328 15th Ave E

Web / Yelp

There's not much to say about 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea that hasn't already been gone over so many times before. If you aren't familiar with it, it's a Starbucks-owned coffee shop that isn't Starbucks-branded in the spot where a Starbucks used to be. Confusing, eh? Their web site describes the shop as being "inspired by Starbucks" which really doesn't make sense if you think about it.

I can't say that I have a real problem with it the way so many people did. If a coffee shop chain wants to open a new coffee shop with a different feel than the rest, I say go for it. Just be prepared for all the extra unnecessary work. Will each shop like this have to have its own web site and stationery? What a pain. Or is "Street Level" the actual brand? Beats me.

The one person I think has a valid complaint is Linda Derschang. The shop looks way too much like her restaurant next door. Except not as nice. Take the bathroom, for instance.

To me, it looks just a bit too much like someone had a gift card from Michael's and no money for paint. I really wouldn't have even bothered posting about the bathroom at all, but hey. It was clean, and the shop was spacious and has outdoor seating, which is unique for 15th Avenue.

Now that the media frenzy is over, we're left to wonder what the big deal is, and why they're doing what they're doing. It will be interesting to see if this lasts. Remember Circadia and Cafe Starbucks? Didn't think so.

2009-11-08T07:36:00.000-08:00

I found a cute drawing in one of the bathrooms at Pony last night. I'm glad my phone's camera can get good shots as long as there's enough light.

2009-11-06T08:45:00.000-08:00

Coastal Kitchen

429 15th Ave E

Web / Yelp / Twitter

Coastal Kitchen is a Capitol Hill institution, mainly because of its location. Down on Broadway, there are tons of competing restaurants, but up on 15th, you've only got a few choices if you need some brunch. This is why it wasn't until after about six years of living here that I finally went in; every Sunday morning, there was a huge crowd waiting out front.

I love their bathroom. Orange is my favorite color for bathrooms and they've got a lovely shade of it on the walls.

I also always appreciate when there's a little bit of art to liven the room up.

And these hand dryers are amazing. Have you used one? They blast the water right off. The air isn't warm, so you don't come away with that satisfied feeling you're looking for, but your hands are actually dry enough that you won't wipe them on your pants. Unfortunately, it's placed so close to the sink that there's not enough room for the next guy to wash his hands while you're drying yours.

I think that this bathroom has got to be one of the hardest ones in Seattle to maintain. Not because of any challenging surfaces or plumbing issues, but because they always record a language lesson to play as a companion to their ever-changing country-specific menu. Right now, they're doing Cuba.

This leads me to the main issue with the restaurant. Their menu changes constantly, always focusing on a new cuisine, and I don't think they ever have enough time with any of the menu items to get used to making them well. Which isn't to say that they're bad, they're just not great. I was thankful that I had an early bird special there a couple of days ago, because I felt the prices matched the quality only after the discount.

Do stop in sometime and see for yourself, though. Consider ordering off the regular menu instead of the regional one.

2009-10-06T09:29:00.001-07:00

This is one of the many pee, poo, and fart facts you can learn when you visit the bathroom at the Pacific Science Center. They also have really awesome hand dryers.

2009-10-02T12:16:00.001-07:00

I've always loved this poster because the girl in the bed looks exactly like a girl I used to work with. It's uncanny, really.

2009-10-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

Smith Tower Observation Deck

506 2nd Ave

Web / Yelp

I admit it. I'm weird. I love doing touristy things in my own city. I wish more guests would come to town so I'd have an excuse to do them.

The Smith Tower's observation deck is one of my favorites because it's easy to get to, it's beautiful, and it's flexible. Unlike museums and tours, it can be whizzed through in a few minutes, or you can linger and enjoy the view. If you're there long enough, you'll eventually need to head down to the bathroom.

Head down the stairs, be jealous of the amazing private residence above, wonder what's behind the tiny doors, and check out the crack in the vintage floor tiles.

Here's where I have to admit, my memory of the bathroom was nicer than the bathroom actually is. I'm not saying it's bad or anything, I just remembered vintage fixtures that aren't actually there.

There's also a lovely bench to wait on outside while your friend takes too long, next to a big mirror he or she can admire him- or herself in upon exiting.

I wanted to sneak into the women's restroom for some photos, but figured the last thing our city needs is dudes with cameras scaring German tourists in ladies' loos.

I could easily veer off topic and go on and on about the building's history and possible future, as well as great places to go nearby. Instead, I'll end with a warning. Be sure to call ahead because a sign I saw a block away from the Smith Tower said they'd only be open until 3pm, while their web site said 5pm.

2009-09-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

Chapel

1600 Melrose

CLOSED

In the grand scheme of things as we move forward with urban planning, there are certain types of businesses that no longer make sense in certain neighborhoods. The BMW dealership just moved off Capitol Hill, and I suspect many other luxury car dealers eventually will as well. Capitol Hill has become a residential and nightlife district, so the cost of a large car lot is hardly worth it. A similar out-of-place business is the funeral home, and several years ago, one of the hill's two funeral homes converted into an office building. Its stunning chapel is now a bar. A fabulous bar.

There are three very different bathrooms onsite. One is a unisex bathroom which makes excellent use of the "infinite mirrors" effect, wherein you see copies of your reflection trail off into the beyond. It's always an amusing effect, but it makes it impossible to get a picture without you in it.

I'm serious. I tried.

There are two more bathrooms near the front door. One was once unisex, but is now girls only. Because I'm a dedicated journalist, I went in anyway. It used to be a little nicer, back when it wasn't so brightly lit.

They did make nice use of the mirrors again.

The bathroom next to it has a urinal and a stall, which is why it has always been for men only. Like the one next to it, it was nicer when it was lit a little less. My flash didn't do it any favors, either.

But really, how often do you see cool details like columns in a bathroom? Still great in any light.

Happy hour at Chapel is now daily 5-9 in spite of what their website says, and they also have a great upstairs lounge area and outdoor patio. For you furniture freaks out there, they've got hilariously tall barstools, fabulous white vinyl padded seating along the sides, and a whole bunch of those really famous Vitra Panton chairs. A lot of bars in the neighborhood have come and gone since it arrived, and I'm glad it has become a fixture.

2009-09-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Weekly is jumping on the "great bathrooms" bandwagon with today's photo of the day.

2009-09-10T14:34:00.001-07:00

These scales are outside the bathrooms at Regal Meridian 16 and claim to provide lucky lotto numbers along with your weight. I didn't have a quarter, so I guess today's just not my lucky day.

2009-09-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

Pony

1221 E Madison

Yelp / Stranger Bar Guide

Pony's new location on Madison is now open for business, in a more permanent home that still may end up a temporary one. The lot it sits on has been under review for a possible condo project for ages, but it's unlikely anyone will want to build there now that several other projects in the neighborhood have been sold at auction. It's obvious by looking at their sign that they plan to be around a while this time.

The space is an old flower shop that has been extensively remodeled and features an outdoor deck with walls made of discarded street signs. (If you want to build your own Pony at home, signs are available here.) The bar has a very different feel in its new location. Still naughty, but more established. It's as though the bar has a paid profile on Manhunt instead of its number on the truckstop wall. This all makes sense because they're going to be around for more than six months this time.

There are two bathrooms this time, labeled MEN and BOYS. They're nearly identical with their Stryper-meets-Beetlejuice-in-a-Jane-Fonda-workout-video stripes, but MEN features a black light and a strobe light. The black light isn't strong enough to have much of an effect, but the strobe is a lot of fun.

If it's your first time using a bathroom with a strobelight in it, you might be shocked to learn that urine doesn't leave the body in a steady stream. It actually comes out in small droplets. I made a video of this for you, but you'll have to click over to flickr to watch. Don't say you weren't warned.

If the strobe is too much for you, there's a lightswitch you can turn on for additional light. You can also visit the BOYS room, which I hope ends up with a disco ball in the future.

During our visit, I found an issue of Honcho from 1989 laying around, which reminded me that we always found porn hidden away at the old location. They also produced a PONY zine, which I bought. If they start it up again, I'll happily pick up every issue.

CC Attle's is going to close in a couple of years, and the future of The Cuff has been uncertain for quite some time. The Eagle also tried to expand into the space next to their bar several years ago, but couldn't get approval for their plans. With the sleazy gay bar scene in Seattle petering out, I'm happy to report that Pony has risen again, and has brought their air hockey table along for the ride.

One last thing I'd like to mention about Pony: the music was fantastic. Kudos to whoever mixed it!

2009-09-07T18:49:00.001-07:00

2009-09-07 18.32.27.jpg Originally uploaded by christopher575

It's a shame when a great bathroom artist has a pen or pencil instead of a Sharpie.

2009-09-03T23:47:00.001-07:00

How to use a bathroom Originally uploaded by christopher575

I really do appreciate when a huge store like Fry's in Renton has a bathroom, and I also appreciate that they go to all this trouble to make sure we know how to use it.

2009-09-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

Meze

953 6th St S, Kirkland

Web / Yelp

My man took me all the way to Kirkland because he was dying for a falafel from Meze, which has been his favorite place to get one since 1995. They've been open since 1993, so you can stop in without worrying that they haven't gotten their act together yet.

His falafel was amazing, and I wish I'd gotten one for myself, but I'm glad I tried the open-face chicken pita. It was served in layers, with the pita chopped into small squares underneath. It's a very creative presentation that I plan to copy at home.

Today was just supposed to be a shopping trip, so it didn't even occur to me to bring my camera. I just need to carry it all the time. Meze's bathroom is quite lovely, and my phone didn't deal well with the light. In fact, I was only able to get two pictures and I had to face away from the light to get them.

Kirkland's a ways out so I'm sure it'll be a while before I'm there again. Hopefully one of my eastside friends will stop in and grab some pictures soon.

2009-09-02T13:20:00.001-07:00

A urinal in a stall Originally uploaded by christopher575

If you need this much privacy, you should go to the QFC in Wallingford and use their urinal that has its own stall.

Then you should go to a therapist.

2009-08-27T23:09:00.001-07:00

kegged Originally uploaded by EdgarDiazRocks

It's unlikely that I'll make it to the Diamond Knot Brewery in Mukilteo any time soon, so I'm glad a friend told me about the keg urinal and linked me to six pictures. Thanks, Russell!

2009-08-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hotel Max

620 Stewart St

Web / Twitter / Facebook

I started following @hotel_max on Twitter several months ago because Jen, their Captain of Makin' it Happen, knows how to make the best use of social media. Following her is a good way to find out about fun things to do in Seattle, because she's just as interested in promoting the city and other local businesses as she is in promoting the hotel itself.

I went to the second Hotel Max tweetup on June 15th, which was held in Red Fin's bar. The drinks were strong, the appetizers were tasty, and Jen was a fun hostess. It was also great to get a tour of the hotel, because it's one huge gallery; there are over 350 original works of art, and each room's door is a huge picture. Search "hotel max" on flickr and you'll find thousands of photos, because it's the kind of place where you almost can't get a bad picture. When I started this blog, I knew I'd have to come back for some bathroom photos.

Jen was nice enough to meet me again yesterday and stand guard at the women's bathroom door so I could sneak in and get some shots.

I had a bit of a revelation, though. Women's bathrooms are inherently less interesting than men's because so much is hidden away in stalls. Plus, urinals are just plain interesting, and they don't get any. The men's room has 'em, and is quite posh.

If you're worried about fish breath after sushi in the bar, they have mouthwash.

They have an outlet for your electric razor and flat iron.

It's also the only bathroom I recall seeing which has fixtures that actually protrude from the mirrors.

Hotel Max is an excellent downtown spot for food and drinks, an overnighter, or a home base for out-of-towners. Take advantage of their Twitter rate and see for yourself!

2009-08-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Horrible Bathroom Feng Shui

Please take note, the Starbucks location in this complaint letter is in San Francisco, not Seattle. A design like that would never fly here.

2009-08-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

Running the Gauntlet

The men's room at Neighbours can be a bit awkward when it's crowded.

2009-08-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Pony

(original location)

Pony was another well-known bar from the beloved 500 block of East Pine, but it was different from the others. When the owners of Cha-Cha Lounge and Bimbo's moved to their new location up the hill on Pike, they decided to remodel the space they still had a lease on and create something legendary. If you knew you only had five months to live, wouldn't you try to have as much fun as possible?

There were three unisex bathrooms onsite. The two in the old Cha-Cha side looked much like the rest of that part of the bar, covered in vintage beefcake shots and mail-order ads for sex toys. There was also something you're not likely to see anywhere else ever again.

That's right, a clown mouth glory hole. Don't worry, it was full of splinters and way too long and narrow to be used. Mostly it was fun to send a friend into one bathroom while you went into the other so you could talk to each other like you were kids with some cans on a string.

The third bathroom was a remodeled version of the old Bimbo's bathroom, which was great in its own time. Back in the day, it was painted up in bright colors and lit with black light, which was fun because urine glows under black light. The mirror was less fun because your teeth always looked terrible. The old Bimbo's space became Pony's game room, and I liked to think of it as an arcade midway with the bathroom serving as the big top. The reason? It was decorated with stripes and insane horse heads.

Pony's new location (with a new owner) should be open soon. Hopefully they're working hard to recreate the dirty, fun atmosphere.

Special thanks to my friend Alan who provided all the photos for this entry.

2009-08-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

Two kinds of breath freshener, pain pills, and lip gloss.

Why no condoms?

Men's room at Pacific Place 11, 600 Pine St

2009-08-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

Long Provincial Vietnamese

1901 Second Ave

Sunday through Thursday, 11am-midnight

Friday and Saturday, 11am-2am

Happy Hours: 4-6pm daily

Sunday-Thursday 10pm-midnight

Friday and Saturday 11pm-2am

Website / Yelp

I'll just come out and say it, Long Provincial is my favorite restaurant. When Tamarind Tree announced they were opening a second restaurant downtown, it felt like they were doing it just for me. Tamarind Tree actually has cooler bathrooms, but everything else is either the same or better at Long Provincial.

This photo from one of the (two, unisex) bathrooms really sums it all up. The whole restaurant is elegant, dark, and gorgeous. Even a little mysterious.

The ceramics they use in the restaurant are available for sale; I wish they also sold bathroom fixtures.

The menu is huge enough that anyone will find something they'll like and something they've never heard of. I personally recommend bringing at least one friend so you can have multiple appetizers. The squid satay the Tamarind Tree rolls are my two current favorites.

Also, take a moment to check out the aquarium between the bar and the main room. They have jellyfish!

2009-08-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

What I think whenever I use one of these urinals:

2009-08-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

CHAC Lower Level

(closed)

The lounge downstairs at Capitol Hill Arts Center was a strange, but fun venue. After entering via a ramp, one would pass through a maze of doors past the restrooms, which were practically outside. Looking for the bar, you could end up on the dance floor instead.

Whether the place was packed or dead, it was always fun. I especially liked the bathroom fixtures, which reminded me of overgrown Zax.

I wish I'd had the foresight to take a real camera and grab more pictures. I was only able to find two more on flickr, so I suspect everyone else was like me, too busy having fun to stop and grab a photo.

2009-08-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

Regal Meridian 16

1501 7th Ave

Tickets and Showtimes

The men's room at the Meridian actually isn't particularly great. It's inconveniently located on the mezzanine between the two theater floors and isn't particularly clean at times. And while there are four XLERATOR hand dryers, usually only two work at a time by my estimate. But if you were on a pilgrimage to see the face of Jesus or Michael Jackson in a tortilla or tree trunk, you wouldn't have very high expectations of anything but the miracle itself.

That's why I see fit to include the Meridian men's room here. Ceiling Cat and Jeff Goldblum's fellow watcher, Wall Cat, lives there.

To find him, enter the men's room, turn left, and stop at the first urinal. He'll be on your right-hand side, keeping an eye out for trouble while you pee.

I'd like to thank my friend Marvin for making this post possible. I'd seen Wall Cat before and forgotten him, and one of Marvin's blog posts made me realize I'd seen something very important without even realizing.

2009-08-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

Bus Stop

1522 E. Olive way

Website / Yelp

Originally located on everyone's favorite block, Bus Stop didn't take long to become a neighborhood favorite. The secret to its success was a simple formula: good music, friendly people, strong drinks, Jolly Ranchers, and graffiti. Just over a year after the original location closed, Bus Stop rose again on Olive Way, with better artwork, nicer tables, and a longer bar to pull up to and chat with the bartenders.

You know how you occasionally find a wall where some lucky kids from a nearby school were allowed to paint a big mural? The bathrooms at Bus Stop are the adult version. Bring a Sharpie and wear your drinking shoes, because you'll have a fabulous time trying to think of something funny enough to draw or write on the walls. I didn't notice until taking pictures today that penis drawings are the go-to gimmick when all else fails, so maybe try to think of something else.

Bus Stop has two bathrooms, and they're both unisex. This is ideal for me, because I was able to enter both and photograph them. I think customers are also happier with this arrangement because nobody waits in line for one bathroom because they aren't allowed in the other.

I was there the night my friend Tiffany christened the new location with its first graffiti, and you can find me there often, because Bus Stop is the ideal neighborhood bar.

2009-08-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

What's this all about?

I moved to Seattle in the summer of 1999 and immediately fell in love with a great coffee shop called Coffee Messiah. I was especially taken by its amazing bathroom, and started noticing that a lot of places in Seattle had interesting bathrooms. A lot of business owners here realize that the bathroom is not only an important facility they have to maintain, but it's also another opportunity to decorate and inspire.

And a bad bathroom can easily ruin an otherwise-good impression.

I'm not limiting my reviews to bars and restaurants; any bathroom I can find is fair game. I'll review the business itself as well, because nobody's going to go just to see the bathroom.

Suggestions or questions? Email me.