TO PONDER…
We assembled a few very real scenarios that address the consequences of physical limitations in restaurant and dining out culture.
SCENE 1:
It’s your soon-to-be sister in law’s bachelorette party and everyone is finishing the fun-filled evening on the rooftop bar with the best view of the city.
THE REAL STORY:
It has been an awesome evening. You entered it only knowing one or two people in the group, but now you’re the life of the party and enjoying the company and time out of the house, post-pandemic. Someone suggests finishing the evening at the well-known rooftop bar downtown, and everyone agrees enthusiastically. You know that there is no elevator at the spot and the stairs to the roof are long, winding and narrow in order to fit the establishment’s loft-style aesthetic. Even if someone insisted on carrying you, it just isn’t safe. You don’t speak up for fear of shutting down the idea or ruining the mood, so you just decide to call it a night,
SCENE 2:
You are meeting your girlfriend’s parents for the first time and they picked the restaurant. Her parents assured everyone that they’ve called ahead and the host confirmed it was wheelchair accessible.
THE REAL STORY:
You take the train to your girlfriend’s hometown for dinner and a meet-and-greet. You’re obviously a little nervous from the jump. On the way to the restaurant, they share how excited they are to finally get a reservation here. Upon arrival, it becomes clear that the bar portion of the restaurant is accessible but the dining area is not. All of the bar seating is elevated and not conducive for a level, respectful conversation. You all leave and pick a new restaurant on the strip.
SCENE 3:
You are joining your date for a romantic dinner in the new one-room bar/restaurant down the street that everyone in the neighborhood is raving about.
THE REAL STORY:
You arrive for your 8pm reservation. Your date is already inside and you make your way to the front door but it’s deceivingly narrow. Your date approaches to assist from the front and the host, only ‘trying to help,’ is behind you trying to push you and your wheelchair forward. You almost take a spill head-first, but you finally make It in! Three diners have to squeeze in as tight as possible—just for a moment—for you to get to your table, but alas you’ve made it.
SCENE 4:
There’s an accessible entrance out back.
THE REAL STORY:
Enter through the dumpsters; biodiesel; compost; and kitchen smoking section. You’ll see a door. Just open it and tell the staff you need to come through the kitchen with a wheelchair. You literally enter the restaurant through the kitchen door.
