Steve's ALS Restaurant Review #13


The last time I wrote, I complained of how difficult it was.  I wanted to say nice things, but the truth was I simply could not recommend Tea’s Me for us.  My how things have changed.
On Saturday, following watching the grandchildren play soccer and baseball, we stopped at Next Door for a late lunch.
I am smitten.
NEXT DOOR
For as long as I can remember, the southeast corner of 46TH and College housed the 7-11 grocery (which later was renamed Double 8).  The old building has been rehabbed and remodeled into Next Door.
When we arrived, we found ample handicap parking in the large parking lot adjoining the building.  There is in large area of outside seating that looked pleasant and was crowded on this sunny Saturday afternoon.  So, we approached the entrance to the restaurant and found AUTOMATIC OPENERS  on the front doors.  Can you even begin to imagine my joy?
Now, you might well imagine that this review will stop right now, since I have whined about openers for months.  But there is so much more that made me smile.
Getting to our table was simple.  The aisles are wide and the tables spaced far enough apart that maneuvering my scooter was easy.  I decided to stay seated in the scooter rather than try to make a transfer, and the staff was very helpful in rearranging chairs and assisting in adjusting the table.
The menu is wide ranging, filled with items that looked familiar and tempting.  My wife ordered a salad and enjoyed.  I had a cheeseburger, and not just any cheeseburger.  Hands down, this is the best cheeseburger that I can remember tasting.  It came with a side of potato chips which were made in the restaurant.  Normally, I don’t care for those kind of chips but these were terrific.
The service was prompt, efficient, and friendly.  While not cheap, the prices were not out of line.
Getting from my table to the bathroom was no chore.  The restaurant has two bathrooms, each sporting “Men/Women/Handicapped” labels.  The doors open outwards, but are very light.  I was able to swing open the door with my left hand and keep it open using my scooter.  The restroom itself is large and easy to maneuver.  There is an abundance of well placed grab bars.  Getting out of the room was a snap.  I just used my scooter to open the door.
CONCLUSION:  I will return to Next Door again and again.  The door openers are a signal.  Next Door’s designer wanted to make certain that you and I feel as welcome as everyone else.
That designer succeeded!!
4 scooters
DISCLAIMER:  Each of us is at a different place on our ALS “journey”.  I no longer walk and am using a voice recognition program to write this review.  I hope you find them entertaining and helpful—especially helpful.

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