Grub Street

The Tasting Room may have moved to bigger digs, but its venerable espresso machine remains at its old location, which was rechristened the Tasting Room Wine Bar & Café in February. It’s unlikely that the best espresso in the city will do Starbucks-style damage, but just in case, we sussed out the restrooms.

Concept: As if someone crammed a stainless-steel sink, a toilet, and an illustration depicting the Greenmarket inside a brick chimney.

Privacy: To open the restroom door, you have to step behind the tiny bar, begging the barista’s pardon. Once inside, you can hear her every shuffle, never mind when she gives the espresso machine abusive whacks.

Amenities:A toilet that flushes with the force of a Greyhound commode; a magnifying vanity mirror set inside the regular mirror; fresh-cut flowers emiting a lovely aroma; and what Sam Mason would call seductive lighting.

Drawbacks: Cracks in the door mean sound escapes.

Strategy: Gents, when NPR is the only thing quietly playing on the speakers, you may want to sit rather than stand if you don’t want everyone hearing your business.

Rating: