Kapnos - U Street

Friday, 7/26/13, 6:30 pm 

Having been to some of Mike Isabella's other restaurants, I knew there would be no skimping on the details in these restrooms. And I wasn't wrong. A "Gals" sign greets you on the way in. The stalls inside are a dark wood, highlighted by exposed bricks walls and a floor laid out with tiny titles. The sink area used some industrial elements with ornate mirrors and farmhouse faucets. Pretty nice job over all.

Here's more on Kapnos.

Policy - Washington, DC

Friday, 11/6/09, 10 pm - U St.

There were two single sex stalls at the back of the restaurant, fitting in with the trendy vibe.















Both doors are literally punctuated with an exclamation point - frosted, but I still didn't understand it. From the outside (the picture is taken from the inside) they glow red and blue, but I don't think that means anything. Back inside, the black, red and metal decor is sharp and works well together. As you can see, it also had the ever popular square sink and black toilet.

Here's more about Policy.

Marvin - Washington, D.C.

Saturday, 12/20/08, 9 pm - U Street

This was the first time I had eaten at Marvin. I've been a few times for drinks, but I guess I never used the bathroom. It was the second restaurant that I'd been to that day which only had one women's stall for the whole restaurant (I don't have any pictures from Matchbox, so I'll try to get back there at another time). I don't really understand why you'd do that, but maybe they have another one upstairs.

The single stall wasn't particularly interesting except for the mirror above the sink, which, to call it a mirror, might be generous. I don't know if it's a Belgian decor thing or they just don't want you to see anything.


A lot of thought was put into the restaurant, and while the bathroom had the necessary wood paneling, I just wish there was more to the bathroom (and more of them). But here's more on Marvin.

Vinoteca - Washington, DC

Friday, 10/24/08, 7 pm - U Street

I just went to this wine bar a few weeks ago and sat upstairs in their lounge for the first time. I haven't used the restrooms downstairs, but the ones upstairs definitely reminded me of ones in people's homes. Which might make sense - the downstairs of the bar looks like a store front, but the upper level is more like a townhouse.

There are two single unisex stalls up there. The one I used was unremarkable. The requisite white title and burgundy painted half walls. There was also a storage closet right next to the toilet which wasn't well disguised. The pedestal sink was appropriate but nothing special. All in all it did the trick but did not do the place justice.