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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Big thanks to Cap to the Hill for the link!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.