Bang Cafe is located at 11 Merrion Row, just a short distance from Stephen's Green in the centre of Dublin. it is sleek, modern and fashionable and almost totally inaccessible to wheelchair users.
Access from the street is level, but the eating areas are either down a flight of stairs to basement level, or up about seven shallow, curving steps to the "street" level. Once in this area, space is very tight to manouvre a wheelchair. The toilets are up stairs and not accessible.
Showing posts with label Restaurant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Restaurant. Show all posts
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Dublin, Ireland - Pub (Legends at the Arlington Hotel, Temple Bar)
The Arlington Hotel Temple bar is located a few minutes walk from Trinity College down Dame street. Legends is the bar attached to the hotel, and it hosts a "traditional Irish night" of song and dance most every night of the week. This is one of a half dozen or so such shows that have popped up since Riverdance made Irish dancing cool (and sexy) again. The better ones are out of town (for example, Johnnie Foxes) but the Arlington Temple Bar (and it's sister hotel, the Arlington on Bachelor's walk) offer an opportunity to catch some vaguely traditional stuff at the very convenient location of centre city and just a few steps from the tourist hotbed of Temple Bar (see The Temple Bar Pub access here).
Legends offers a dinner and dance deal. The night I was there the band were good, very professional and the dancers talented although the dance show was very short and the choreography un-inspired. Or maybe I've seen too many of these shows. In any case, this entry is supposed to be about the wheelchair access, not the show so...
The bar has several levels. To get to the level where the dinner is served you need to enter via the middle door off Dame St. This door is normally closed, so you may need to go through the Legends main door and notify a member of staff.
The tables normally used for dinner are tall and too high to eat without a difficult transfer from the chair to a high stool. If you inform the management when making your reservation, they will provide a regular height table for you to eat at.
The handicapped toilet is downstairs and accessed by a lift (elevator). The night I was there the lift was bust, so the manager and a staff member carried me down the flight of stairs in my chair. The toilet (once I got there) was fine - a large, unisex, accessible toilet.
(As an aside, I can assure you that the toilet in the suite is not accessible as this was an option we tried due to the broken lift. The hotel has at least one accessible bedroom, but it was occupied so I did not get to see it!)
The staff went out of their way to meet my requirements so for that reason I give it a thumbs up despite the "difficult" nature of the access. It's not the best "Oirish" show out there, but in terms of convenience it is one of the handiest.
Legends offers a dinner and dance deal. The night I was there the band were good, very professional and the dancers talented although the dance show was very short and the choreography un-inspired. Or maybe I've seen too many of these shows. In any case, this entry is supposed to be about the wheelchair access, not the show so...
The bar has several levels. To get to the level where the dinner is served you need to enter via the middle door off Dame St. This door is normally closed, so you may need to go through the Legends main door and notify a member of staff.
The tables normally used for dinner are tall and too high to eat without a difficult transfer from the chair to a high stool. If you inform the management when making your reservation, they will provide a regular height table for you to eat at.
The handicapped toilet is downstairs and accessed by a lift (elevator). The night I was there the lift was bust, so the manager and a staff member carried me down the flight of stairs in my chair. The toilet (once I got there) was fine - a large, unisex, accessible toilet.
(As an aside, I can assure you that the toilet in the suite is not accessible as this was an option we tried due to the broken lift. The hotel has at least one accessible bedroom, but it was occupied so I did not get to see it!)
The staff went out of their way to meet my requirements so for that reason I give it a thumbs up despite the "difficult" nature of the access. It's not the best "Oirish" show out there, but in terms of convenience it is one of the handiest.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Sao Jose dos Campos, SP, Brazil - Restaurant (Mad Jack Steakhouse)
Mad Jack (Avenida Eduardo Cury, 100 – Colinas – São José dos Campos (SP)) is a large pub and restaurant on a sort of American theme - pizzas, steaks, burgers etc. It is within rolling distance of the IBIS Colinas and just across the road from Colinas shopping center.
Access from the car park is via a gentle ramp. There are several levels inside, but the door level has plenty of space and quite a few tables so there should be no problem. Toilets are accessible.
Access from the car park is via a gentle ramp. There are several levels inside, but the door level has plenty of space and quite a few tables so there should be no problem. Toilets are accessible.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Montreal, Quebec - Restaurant (Bistro L'Aromate)
These notes refer to the wheelchair access for the restaurant Bistro L'Aromate, 1410 Rue Peel, Montreal. If you want a food review there are plenty of websites where you can find them.
Access from the street is level. The restaurant has small, intimate tables on many levels. Only about 4-5 two seaters and maybe 1 four seater are on street level. It might be advisable to call ahead to explain you need one of these if you are a wheelie.
Space in the restaurant is a little tight, but okay. There is a large restroom on the ground floor. There are no grab bars, but the toilet is easy to manage and the hand-basin is at a good height. Should be no problem for most wheelies.
The food was truly excellent (ok - that's not a review, just an observation). Strongly recommended.
Access from the street is level. The restaurant has small, intimate tables on many levels. Only about 4-5 two seaters and maybe 1 four seater are on street level. It might be advisable to call ahead to explain you need one of these if you are a wheelie.
Space in the restaurant is a little tight, but okay. There is a large restroom on the ground floor. There are no grab bars, but the toilet is easy to manage and the hand-basin is at a good height. Should be no problem for most wheelies.
The food was truly excellent (ok - that's not a review, just an observation). Strongly recommended.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Toulouse, France - Restaurant (Michel Sarran)
Restaurant Michel Sarran (21, Bd Armand Duportal - 31000 Toulouse)
This is currently considered one of the best restaurants in Toulouse. These notes are intended as a guide to a wheelchair user or disabled person who plans to visit (and I recommend you do!).
The restaurant is situated about halfway along Blvd Armand Duportal. Be careful wheeling along this route. Like most streets in Toulouse, it lulls you into a false sense of security as you wheel along well maintained and smooth path only to be ambushed by a trench bug across the way just big enough to trap the front casters, or a pothole, or a stretch of unfinished paving. Just keep one eye fixed on the road and you'll be fine!
Access to the restaurant from the street is completely level. The restaurant itself is spacious enough to move comfortably between tables. There is a courtyard at the back that is down four steps. Staff will carry you down if need be, but you can just as easily eat at street level.
There is no accessible toilet. However, the toilets are on the same level as the dining room and have sliding (pocket) doors which open to about 28" (70cm) or a little more. Although maneuvering was tight I was able to get my chair into the toilet enough to have access to the toilet and the sink which was sufficient for my needs. A power chair, or a wide or long manual, would have more difficulty.
The food was outstanding - an epic meal so I recommend you give it a try if you are in the area.
This is currently considered one of the best restaurants in Toulouse. These notes are intended as a guide to a wheelchair user or disabled person who plans to visit (and I recommend you do!).
The restaurant is situated about halfway along Blvd Armand Duportal. Be careful wheeling along this route. Like most streets in Toulouse, it lulls you into a false sense of security as you wheel along well maintained and smooth path only to be ambushed by a trench bug across the way just big enough to trap the front casters, or a pothole, or a stretch of unfinished paving. Just keep one eye fixed on the road and you'll be fine!
Access to the restaurant from the street is completely level. The restaurant itself is spacious enough to move comfortably between tables. There is a courtyard at the back that is down four steps. Staff will carry you down if need be, but you can just as easily eat at street level.
There is no accessible toilet. However, the toilets are on the same level as the dining room and have sliding (pocket) doors which open to about 28" (70cm) or a little more. Although maneuvering was tight I was able to get my chair into the toilet enough to have access to the toilet and the sink which was sufficient for my needs. A power chair, or a wide or long manual, would have more difficulty.
The food was outstanding - an epic meal so I recommend you give it a try if you are in the area.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Fire)
Fire restaurant is located by the historic mansion house on Dawson Street, Dublin 2 - just off Stephen's Green. Access from the street is level, through some gates (use the pavement on the left hand side facing the building to avoid the cobblestones). There is a long but fairly gentle ramp to the entrance itself. One of the two doors is ramped. Inside, the restaurant is spacious and easy to get around. The toilets have a fully accessible cubicle.
This restaurant is very comfortable for wheelchair users. The service is excellent and the food is good. Recommended.
This restaurant is very comfortable for wheelchair users. The service is excellent and the food is good. Recommended.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Lancaster, CA - Restaurant (Fresco II)
Fresco II is a Greek/Italian restaurant in the Palmdale/Lancaster conurbation in California. These notes address the wheelchair access to the restaurant.
Level access from the street. Table furniture is quite close so navigating around the dining room is a little difficult. Large accessible toilet down a corridor, but the corridor is used for storage of chairs and so on so access is a little tight. Staff will move items if necessary.
Recommended.
Level access from the street. Table furniture is quite close so navigating around the dining room is a little difficult. Large accessible toilet down a corridor, but the corridor is used for storage of chairs and so on so access is a little tight. Staff will move items if necessary.
Recommended.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Solomons, Maryland - Restaurant (CD cafe)
CD cafe is one of the better restaurants on Solomons Island, that small village in Southern Maryland - about an hour and a half from Washington D.C. It's easy to miss, situated in a non-descript building called Avonmore, on the left hand side as you approach the town.
Wheelchair access is from the rear of the building (there is a parking lot with two handicapped spots at the rear also) since the front has a fairly large step. The rear is ramped. There is level access into the restaurant proper. The room is small, and it is difficult to navigate around between tables, so a table near the door is best. It is not possible to make a reservation - they operate on a first come first served basis. At peak times the wait can be an hour or more since the restaurant is small (I would guess about 30 places). If a walkie goes in to put your name down for a table, be sure to mention the wheelchair. It's a big help for the staff when deciding where to locate you. The food is good - the specials are usually very good - with interesting appeteizers and desserts.
There is a bar next door (appropriately enough called the Next Door Lounge) where you can have an appetizer or a drink while you wait. They also serve light food. Access to the bar is completely level although space is again tight.
Both restaurant and bar have a large accessible toilet.
Recommended
Wheelchair access is from the rear of the building (there is a parking lot with two handicapped spots at the rear also) since the front has a fairly large step. The rear is ramped. There is level access into the restaurant proper. The room is small, and it is difficult to navigate around between tables, so a table near the door is best. It is not possible to make a reservation - they operate on a first come first served basis. At peak times the wait can be an hour or more since the restaurant is small (I would guess about 30 places). If a walkie goes in to put your name down for a table, be sure to mention the wheelchair. It's a big help for the staff when deciding where to locate you. The food is good - the specials are usually very good - with interesting appeteizers and desserts.
There is a bar next door (appropriately enough called the Next Door Lounge) where you can have an appetizer or a drink while you wait. They also serve light food. Access to the bar is completely level although space is again tight.
Both restaurant and bar have a large accessible toilet.
Recommended
Monday, April 13, 2009
Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Mangetu)
Mangetu (Unit 1 Victoria House, Haddington Road, Dublin 4, Ireland) is a modern looking, asian fusion restaurant seating about 90 people. There is level access from the street. The interior is modern and minimalist.There is plenty of space between the tables so it is very comfortable to manuvre around in a wheelchair. Tables are comfortable height, and easy to pull in to. There is a large unisex handicapped toilet, seperate from the ladies and gents restrooms. Food is very good. Apparently the restaurant name is pronounced - man-get-tu.
Recommended.
Recommended.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Cornucopia)
Cornucopia on 19 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 is a small popular vegetarian restaurant/cafe. It is located to the main shopping area of Grafton Street, and not far from popular Temple bar area for nightlife.
This is a small place - 48 seats or so, and the tables are tightly packed. Access from the street is over a small, slightly ramped step. There is another step into the cafe area, again this has a small ramp. Neither should be a problem for wheelchairs.
Moving around inside the cafe is nearly impossible in a wheelchair. The staff are friendly and helpful but it's better if you have a walkie friend who can go to the self-serve counter for you.
At the time of writing there is a plan to expand into the adjoining building which might add some space.
There are no accessible toilets.
This is a small place - 48 seats or so, and the tables are tightly packed. Access from the street is over a small, slightly ramped step. There is another step into the cafe area, again this has a small ramp. Neither should be a problem for wheelchairs.
Moving around inside the cafe is nearly impossible in a wheelchair. The staff are friendly and helpful but it's better if you have a walkie friend who can go to the self-serve counter for you.
At the time of writing there is a plan to expand into the adjoining building which might add some space.
There are no accessible toilets.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil - Restaurant (Villa d'Aldeia)
The Villa d'Aldeia is an upmarket churrascaria by Colinas shopping centre in Sao Jose dos Campos, about 90km North East of Sao Paulo. It is a food lovers paradise, and offers rodizio service complete with a little dial on the table with a green side and a red side.
There is valet parking. A ramp leads from street level to the doors. Access from there is completely level. There are accessible toilets. The restaruant is large with plenty of space to move between the tables. The salad is a buffet. The staff will help you get your salad plate if required. My only advice is to avoid filling up on salad (hard to do as the selections and quiality is superb) to save room for the vast selection of meats that will be offered to you during the meal.
Strongly recommended.
There is valet parking. A ramp leads from street level to the doors. Access from there is completely level. There are accessible toilets. The restaruant is large with plenty of space to move between the tables. The salad is a buffet. The staff will help you get your salad plate if required. My only advice is to avoid filling up on salad (hard to do as the selections and quiality is superb) to save room for the vast selection of meats that will be offered to you during the meal.
Strongly recommended.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Dublin, Ireland - restaurant (L'Ecrivain)
L'Ecrivain is one of the top Dublin restaurants. Unfortunately, if you are in a wheelchair you will not get to enjoy it. Although the front entrance is ramped, the main dining room is up a flight of stairs. The staff have offered to carry me up but this is the 21st century and I'm really kind of past that level of risk and embarrassment. with so many other dining options available.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Mint)
Update (June 3 2009):
This restaurant is now gone out of business. Not surprising given it's high costs and the economic downturn. A pity though!
Mint is widely recognized as one of the finest restaurants in Dublin in 2008 and earned a Michelin star in that year.
It is located in Ranelagh, Dublin, in a simple small room. Access from the street is level, with a gentle internal ramp to the dining room. The small dining room has tables closely positioned with a wide walk way in the middle so negotiating to your table is not difficult. There is a fully accessible, large unisex toilet. However, getting to the toilet may involve negotiating an obstacle course of chairs and miscellaneous item of furniture placed in the corridor. The helpful staff will move anything that needs moving however.
Normally I confine my notes to the wheelchair accessibility of a restaurant - I am not a food critic after all. However, I feel compelled to add that the meal we had there was exceptional. An epic culinary masterpiece that I can still taste. The prices are astronomical (but you can visit their website and view the menu so you don't get too much of a shock) but this is theater, art and first class food all in one. We had the tasting menu with wine and were blown away by each course. Prior to this the best meal I had ever eaten was in Petrus in Hong Kong in 2001 (see here for my access notes from that trip) but Mint has surpassed it.
Accessible and fabulous - highly recommended.
This restaurant is now gone out of business. Not surprising given it's high costs and the economic downturn. A pity though!
Mint is widely recognized as one of the finest restaurants in Dublin in 2008 and earned a Michelin star in that year.
It is located in Ranelagh, Dublin, in a simple small room. Access from the street is level, with a gentle internal ramp to the dining room. The small dining room has tables closely positioned with a wide walk way in the middle so negotiating to your table is not difficult. There is a fully accessible, large unisex toilet. However, getting to the toilet may involve negotiating an obstacle course of chairs and miscellaneous item of furniture placed in the corridor. The helpful staff will move anything that needs moving however.
Normally I confine my notes to the wheelchair accessibility of a restaurant - I am not a food critic after all. However, I feel compelled to add that the meal we had there was exceptional. An epic culinary masterpiece that I can still taste. The prices are astronomical (but you can visit their website and view the menu so you don't get too much of a shock) but this is theater, art and first class food all in one. We had the tasting menu with wine and were blown away by each course. Prior to this the best meal I had ever eaten was in Petrus in Hong Kong in 2001 (see here for my access notes from that trip) but Mint has surpassed it.
Accessible and fabulous - highly recommended.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Skyview)
Skyview Restaurant, Weston Aerodrome, Celbridge, Co. Kildare , Ireland
This surprising restaurant is situated up one level in Weston aerodrome. There is a single step at the front door. A wooden temporary ramp is available to get up this if required. Lift (elevator) in lobby on left. Level access from lift to restaurant which has a fine view of the airfield and the
Accessible toilet on ground floor near entrance.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Canalettos) and Pub (Smyths)
Canalettos, 71 Mespil Road Dublin 4, Ireland
Mid-price Italian restaurant. Level access from street. Toilets are up stairs, no accessible toilet.
Smyths,
A genuine old pub that hasn’t changed too much in at least 30 years. As such it retains the grimy charm of the old school Irish pub. Popular with young and old, it has a great mix of people. No food here other than crisps and peanuts!
There are no concessions for wheelchair access. There is “accidental” access. Level access to both bar and lounge from street. Toilets on ground level. Door about 700mm/28”. No accessible cubicle but enough space to get around. Cubicle doors are about 680mm/27.2”.
Worth a visit for the ‘old time” atmosphere. Check out if the toilets work for you before you have too many pints!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Langkawi) and Pub (Searsons)
Langkawi, 46 Upper Baggot St. , Dublin Ireland
Mid-to-upper price Malaysian restaurant. Great food. Level access from street. A tight turn into the dining room would be difficult for some wheelchairs. Several tables in the front section of the restaurant are up one step. Tables in the back section are on one level.
Toilets are downstairs and are not accessible.
Searsons,
Large bar serving lunch and dinner food. Popular bar. Level access from street. Accessible unisex toilet located in middle section. You may need to ask a staff member for keys.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Dublin, Ireland - Pubs (Johnnie Fox's)
Johnnie Fox’s, Glencullen, Co. Dublin, Ireland
This is a popular tourist destination and claims to be the highest pub in
The pub is an old traditional building so access is not easy. However, all doors have level access. Inside there are several rooms and moving between them is not easy due to the amount of furniture (and people). The Hooley room is not accessible from the inside (corridors are too narrow) but there is access from the outside. You will need to ask a member of staff to open the door.
There are no accessible toilets. The normal toilets may be usable for some. Level access through a door (about 725mm/29”) leads to a tight corner. Access to the cubicle is through a narrow walk way (about 700mm/28”). The cubicle is not accessible although the door is wide enough to let a chair in. Urinals and sinks can be reached from a chair.
This location is really not very accommodating, but if you can handle some obstacles is worth a visit if you are short of time in
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Dublin, Ireland - Restaurant (Siam Thai)
Siam Thai Restaurant, Dundrum shopping centre, Dundrum, Dublin 14, Ireland
It’s not obvious how to get to this first floor restaurant but there is a lift (elevator) accessible from the “town square” open area. Level access throughout.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Dublin, Ireland - The Waterloo
The Waterloo , 36 Upper Baggot St. , Dublin Ireland
Formerly a wonderful old style
If you go, check out the wonderful ceiling just inside the front door. It’s all that’s left of the original pub!
Recommended.
Dublin, Ireland - Milano
Milano, Baggot Street Bridge , Baggot Street , Dublin Ireland
10th June 2008
Mid-priced pizza/pasta place. Milano’s is actually a chain with several branches city wide. The
Recommended.
Update: 23 December 2008
It is probably worth adding that this is a very child-friendly restaurant. Dublin restaurants as a rule are not very child friendly, certainly when compared to US restaurants. However Milano's is very welcoming with a great kids menu, coloring pencils, warm staff and so on.
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