Boise's Best Bathrooms
Where to be in the City of Trees when nature calls
by Deanna Darr
It's a place we all have to go, eventually. But it's also a place many of us dread. Even the phrase "public restroom" conjures
involuntary images of decrepit gas station facilities with grime-streaked walls, blackened sinks and questionable substances
accumulating in the corners that make a pit toilet look positively sanitary.
But it doesn't have to be that way. We asked Boise Weekly readers for a list of their favorite local bathrooms, and what we
found were a few, brave potty pioneers boasting water closets without urinal pucks or air fresheners, places where luxurious
lavatories come with artwork, plush lounges and fully stocked bars.
Armed with our list of reader favorites from culled responses on Facebook and Twitter, we checked out some of Boise's most
creative cans, which are listed by no other rating than the alphabet. After several days of running around checking out posh
private privies, we were pretty impressed: These are places where we might actually want to hang out, not just do our business
and leave.
But beyond just the flashy and fancy cans, we also decided to highlight a few of what we're calling landmark loos, places with
some historic or social significance like the governor's new private commode in the remodeled State Capitol, because, let's face
it, everybody's going to see a bathroom at some point in the day, even the governor.
Modern Hotel and Bar
Stalls: One toilet in each
Gnomes: Two
Record Players: Two
At this hip urban space, those who need a bathroom break share their space with a gnome. While some may be creeped out at the thought
of doing their business in the company of a leering lawn gnome, these little gnomes each support a small record player, letting restroom
visitors provide their own soundtracks, whether it's some old-school Michael Jackson or classic Elvis. Forget running water: A shelf full
of 45s collected from garage sales across the city let those with full bladders pick a tune. Hotel staff say some even invite friends in to
party. Unfortunately, thieves recently struck the men's room, taking the record player. The lonely little gnome now only holds a sign,
pleading for its return. So, if you, or someone you know, has the missing record player, please bring it back. The gnome is sad.