ILCNSCA RESTAURANT ACCESSIBILITY SURVEY PROJECT (RASP) RESULTS
This project and this
publication has been subsidized by the North Shore Self Help Group, the
founders and current day supporters, of the Independent Living Center of the
North Shore and Cape Ann, Inc.
Introduction
In July 2001 the ILCNSCA began a new program for volunteers of the Center in line with our desire to increase community accessibility as well as our goal to encourage more folks, especially folks who have disabilities, to gain the skills to become community access monitors. These ILCNSCA goals and ideological as well as financial support from the North Shore Self-Help Group lead to the Restaurant Accessibility Survey Project or RASP.
This is a compilation of all surveys performed from July 2001 through June 2004. There have been a variety of volunteers who have applied to be RASP participants, underwent a CORI, attended training through ILCNSCA coordinated by Shawn McDuff, Director of Access and Advocacy, and selected restaurants to survey. Each restaurant received a letter prior to the visit indicating that a survey would be occurring, introducing the RASP volunteer as the surveyor, and opening up communication with the establishment and ILCNSCA. The volunteer was able to visit the restaurant and have a meal with one guest while doing the survey. Each volunteer wrote up their survey results and sent those to Shawn McDuff for final review. All surveys have been published in our Quarterly newsletter, The Independent Times, and copy of survey sent to each restaurant. Some restaurants have chosen to work with the Center to improve their accessibility based upon the RASP report.
Restaurants were rated on a scale of 6 to 1, with 6 being the highest rating. We have listed the rating and assigned the wheelchair symbol as our visual rating system.
We at ILCNSCA dedicate this booklet to Gil Adrien and Joan Nielsen of the North Shore Self Help Group.
We also thank the following RASP surveyors, all ILCNSCA volunteers, who completed the surveys: Julia Angelopolus; Margo Bane; Paul Campbell; Sally Chisolm; Kathy Forbes; Donna Garber; Marilyn Huggins; Ann Jones; Daniel Maloney; Stephanie Maloney; Sarah MacIsaac; Peter McLaughlin; Tom Muxie; Joseph O’Brien; Charles Reardon; Edward Webb.
The survey results are listed alphabetically by community starting with Beverly restaurants, followed by Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Lynn, Middleton, Peabody, Rockport, Salem, Saugus and Swampsott. We hope it is useful for you when deciding where to dine on the North Shore and Cape Ann. If you would like to become an ILCNSCA volunteer and a RASP surveyor, contact Shawn McDuff at smcduff@ilcnsca.org with an email that has RASP in the subject or call Shawn at 978-741-0077 x.14.
ILCNSCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, familial status, sexual orientation or disability. ILCNSCA is funded through a combination of federal, state, local and private grants as well as membership and private donations.
RESTAURANT REVIEWS
Beverly
Acapulco’s
900 Cummings Ctr.
Beverly, MA
Parking: There was HP parking close to the restaurant but no “van accessible” parking.
Entrance: The door was wide enough for a wheelchair but it was difficult to open and there was a high threshold.
Seating: There were plenty of accessible tables and ample room to travel through restaurant.
Restrooms: Grab bars were installed properly. Soap and paper towel dispensers were fine. There were no obstacles inside the restrooms.
Communication: No Braille, large print or cassette menus were available. There were no ASL interpreters.
Service: Restaurant personnel were polite and meet your disability needs.
Comments: The staff was very friendly but entrees were relatively expensive.
Rating: 4 (rating points were given for parking, seating, restrooms and service)
Date of Survey: Fall 2002
Bertucci's
27 Enon St.
Beverly, MA
Parking: Offered ample accessible parking.
Entrance: Had a ground floor entrance offering easy passage for someone using a wheelchair.
Seating: Even though the majority of tables were fixed, there was enough non-fixed tables with enough knee space for a person using a wheelchair.
Restrooms: The restrooms were accessible.
Communication: Menus were not available in Braille, large print or on cassette. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The restaurant staff was friendly and respectful.
Comments: Overall, the Surveyor would recommend this restaurant.
Rating: 4 (rating points were given for parking, seating, restrooms and service)
Date of Survey: Winter 2002
Danvers
Calitri’s
Route 1 South
Danvers, MA
Parking: There was accessible parking but access aisles were not adequate and there was no van accessible parking space.
Entrance: The entrance was wide enough for a person using a wheelchair and the doors could be opened with minimal effort. There was a wheelchair lift, not a ramp, to access the restaurant.
Seating: The seating was fully accessible for a person using a wheelchair.
Restrooms: The accessible unisex restroom only had one grab bar on the side of the toilet (not behind toilet) and the grab bar was not mounted level. The soap and paper towel dispensers were not within reach for a person using a wheelchair.
Communication: Menus were not available in Braille, large print or on cassette. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The service was good and so was the food.
Rating: 3 (rating points were given for entrances/ramps, seating, and service)
Date of Survey: Fall 2003
Chili’s Bar and Grill
10 Newbury St. – Route 1 North
Danvers, MA
Parking: There was ample accessible parking directly in front of the door including 1 van accessible space. They had access aisles and curb cuts.
Entrance: There were two doors easily opened with a vestibule that provided easy access over a flat threshold.
Seating: The entire restaurant is one level. There was not a majority of non-fixed (table) seating and in the bar there were no tables low enough for a person using a wheelchair.
Restrooms: There were H P stalls in the restrooms, which were spacious. The grab bar on the sidewall of the toilet in the ladies room was non-existent at the time of the survey.
Communication: Large print menus were available but not in Braille or cassette. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The wait staff spoke directly to the Surveyor and provided good service.
Comments: Management was very willing to make improvements where needed and ILCNSCA’s Community Access Advocacy Team (CAAT) will follow up with Chili’s.
Rating: 4 (rating points were given for parking, entrances/ramps, communication and service)
Date of Survey: Spring 2003
Danversport Yacht Club
161 Elliott St.
Danvers, MA
Parking: Accessible parking was very good. It was closest to the entrance, wide enough and had the proper access aisle. There was also a “Van Accessible” marked spot with proper access aisle.
Entrance: The entrance was wide enough but it was a double door. The doors were easy to open, opened to a vestibule that can accommodate a wheelchair user with a threshold of less than ½ inch.
Seating: There was an adequate amount of accessible seating and maneuverability between tables was good. Knee space under the tables would accommodate a wheelchair user.
Restrooms: The bathrooms were accessible and met all requirements. Adequate room and grab bars were provided. Faucets were easily operated with a closed fist and soap and paper towel dispensers were within reach for a wheelchair user.
Communication: Menus were not available in Braille, large print or on cassette. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The staff was respectful, communicated directly with me and met my disability related needs.
Comments: This was a wonderful restaurant. There was plenty of room, excellent service and the food was wonderful. The luncheon was also inexpensive.
Rating: 5 (rating points were given for parking, entrances/ramps, seating, restrooms, and service)
Date of Survey: Spring 2004
Hardcover
15A Newbury St. - Route 1 North
Danvers, MA
Parking: There was accessible parking near the entrance. There was no HP “van accessible” space available.
Entrance: The doorway was wide and easy to open. No ramp was needed.
Seating: A person using a wheelchair would have no problem in this restaurant.
Restrooms: The grab bars were fine but the toilet seats were too low and the soap and paper towels are not within reach.
Communication: The restaurant had no menus with Braille, large print or on cassette. No ASL interpreters were available.
Service: Restaurant personnel were courteous and respectful.
Comments: The restaurant was beautiful with a wonderful salad bar. The portions were big and the menu was varied.
Rating: 4 (rating points were given for parking, entrance/ramps, seating and service.)
Date of Survey: Spring 2004
Kelly’s Roast Beef
165 Endicott St.
Danvers, MA
Parking: The accessible parking was great. The spaces were closest to the entrance and the access aisles would allow van access.
Entrance: The entrance was easy to get through with a wheelchair.
Seating: Travel between tables was possible and there was an adequate amount of accessible seating locations.
Restrooms: The restrooms were fully accessible.
Communication: Menus were available in large print but not in Braille or on cassette. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The service and food was good.
Rating: 6 (rating points were given for parking, entrances/ramps, seating, restrooms, communication and service)
Date of Survey: Summer 2003
Nick & Tony’s Saltwater Café
29 Andover St. – Route 114
Danvers, MA
Parking: Lots of accessible parking available.
Entrance: The entrance door was wide, light and a person using a wheelchair could easily turn in the vestibule. There was no ramp and the entrance threshold was less than 1/2 inch high.
Seating: There was an adequate amount of accessible seating and maneuverability between tables was good. Knee space under the tables would accommodate a wheelchair user.
Restrooms: The restrooms were fully accessible.
Communication: The menus were not in Braille, large print or on cassette. But there were restaurant staff that was ASL certified available.
Service: Personnel treated Surveyor respectfully and met disability related needs.
Rating: 6 (rating points were given for parking, entrance/ramps, seating, restrooms, communication and service)
Date of Survey: Winter 2002
Sylvan Street Grille
12 Sylvan St.
Danvers, MA
Parking: Accessible parking and a van accessible space with proper access aisles were available. The parking was close to the ramp leading to an accessible entrance.
Entrance: The front entrance offered easy passage for someone using a wheelchair.
Seating: Much of the seating was located in an accessible area but wheelchair users cannot access some tables.
Restrooms: The restrooms were fully accessible.
Communication: This restaurant had menus in large print but not in Braille or cassette. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The staff was friendly and the service was good.
Comments: Surveyor considers Sylvan Street Grille a disability friendly restaurant.
Rating: 5 (rating points were given for parking, entrances/ramps, restrooms, communication and service).
Date of Survey: Fall 2002
Tequila’s
80 Newbury St. – Route 1 South
Danvers, MA
Parking: Accessible parking was closest to the accessible entrance that was located on the left hand side of the building. There was no “Van Accessible” marked spot.
Entrance: The door was wide enough but awkward to open for a person using a wheelchair. The ramp had a gradual slope with level landings at the top and bottom. There were top and bottom railings, which were smooth and continuous.
Seating: There was an adequate amount of accessible seating and maneuverability between tables. Knee space under the tables would accommodate a wheelchair user.
Restrooms: The bathrooms were accessible with properly installed grab bars. Faucets were easily operated with a closed fist and soap and paper towel dispensers were within reach for a person using a wheelchair.
Communication: Menus were not available in Braille, large print or on cassette. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The staff was respectful, communicated directly with Surveyor, and met disability related needs.
Rating: 4 (rating points were given for parking, seating, restrooms and service)
Date of Survey: Spring 2004
TGI Friday’s
Route 1 North
Danvers, MA
Parking: Accessible parking was close to the entrance and features a van accessible space.
Entrance: The level front entrance led to a spacious vestibule but the doors would be difficult to open for persons with mobility limitations.
Seating: There was an adequate amount of accessible seating and maneuverability between tables. Knee space under the tables would accommodate a wheelchair user.
Restrooms: There was a fully accessible unisex bathroom.
Communication: Menus were not available in Braille, large print or on cassette.
Service: The service and staff were very good.
Comments: Overall, the Surveyor would recommend this disability friendly restaurant.
Rating: 4 (rating points were given for parking, seating, restrooms, and service)
Date of Survey: Fall 2002
Essex
The
Village Restaurant
Main
St.
Essex,
MA
Parking: There were accessible parking spaces located closest to the door with an access aisle. There was no van accessible space.
Entrance: The restaurant entrance was level. There was plenty of space to get through the easily opened door and the vestibule.
Seating: There was an adequate amount of accessible seating and maneuverability between tables was good. Knee space under the tables would accommodate a wheelchair user.
Restrooms: The unisex accessible restroom had properly mounted grab bars and ample space within. They had soap and towel dispensers that were reachable and faucets that could be used with a closed fist.
Communication: Menus were not available in Braille, large print or on cassette. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The restaurant staff communicated directly with the Surveyor.
Comments: The restaurant was excellent which lead to a great recommendation by the Surveyor.
Rating: 5 (rating points were given for parking, entrances/ramps, seating, restrooms, and service)
Date of Survey: Spring 2003
Gloucester
Gloucester House
7 Seas Wharf
Gloucester, MA
Parking: There was only one accessible parking space and it was not properly marked with a sign and it was not a van accessible parking space.
Entrance: The entrance was wide enough but the door was heavy to open. The ramp was easily accessed but there was only one railing, no bottom railing.
Seating: The seating was fully accessible for a person using a wheelchair.
Restrooms: The restrooms had a small obstacle near the entrance to each restroom but the inside of the restrooms was accessible.
Communication: Menus were not available in Braille, large print or on cassette. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The service was decent and the Staff was nice. The seafood was great.
Rating: 3 (rating points were given for seating, restrooms and service)
Date of Survey: Fall 2003
Lynn
J.T. Shawmut
55 Boston St.
Lynn, MA
Parking: 2 accessible parking spaces were available but only one space had an access aisle. There was no van accessible parking.
Entrance: The entrance had a threshold exceeding one inch and was very difficult for a person using a wheelchair to enter and exit. The outer door was also heavy.
Seating: There was an adequate amount of accessible seating and maneuverability between tables was good. Knee space under the tables would accommodate a wheelchair user.
Restrooms: An unmarked door with inaccessible doorknob led to marginally accessible unisex restroom.
Communication: Menus were not available in Braille, large print or on cassette. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The staff was friendly and the service was good.
Comments: The Surveyor would recommend caution when choosing to visit this restaurant.
Rating: 2 (rating points were given for seating and service)
Date of Survey: Fall 2002
The Porthole Pub
98 Lynnway
Lynn, MA
Parking: There was accessible parking for those spaces closest to the door; however, there were no access aisles or curb cuts and you must travel up a steep driveway to access the ramp. Although there was a ramp, it did not have a gradual slope nor was there a 5’x5’ landing at its top and bottom; it did have smooth and continuous railings. The ramp was not easily accessible because it was on a hill and sloped down before getting to the door.
Entrance: The entrance door was difficult to open. The threshold was easy to get through and there was a vestibule that was big enough for wheelchair entry.
Seating: Even though the majority of tables were non-fixed, the non-smoking section had stairs so a person using a wheelchair could only sit in the smoking section.
Restrooms: The entrance to the bathroom was narrow and hard to get through, and the accessible stall in the restroom only had one grab bar on the sidewall, no grab bar on the back wall. The soap and paper towel dispensers were not reachable for a person using a wheelchair nor could the faucet be used with a closed fist.
Communication: Menus were available in Braille, large print or on cassette. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The Surveyor was communicated with directly and the service was great.
Comments: The food was great, the service was great but accessibility issues may limit visitation by patrons with disabilities.
Rating: 1 (rating point was given for service)
Date of Survey: Spring 2003
Lynnfield
The Kernwood
55 Summer St.
Lynnfield, MA
Parking: Accessible parking was available but no van accessible space.
Entrance: There was no ramp for people using wheelchairs and the threshold/step would be extremely difficult to roll over.
Seating: The majority of the tables were non-fixed with sufficient knee clearance.
Restrooms: Restrooms were not accessible.
Communications: Menus were not available in Braille, large print or on cassette. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: Service was adequate.
Comments: The Surveyor would advise caution in choosing this restaurant for dining.
Rating: 2 (rating points were given for parking and service)
Date of Survey: Spring 2002
The Naked Fish
213 Broadway – Route 1 North
Lynnfield, MA
Parking: Accessible parking was closest to the entrance and there were the appropriate access aisles at the spaces. However there was not a van accessible space.
Entrance: The entrance door was wide enough for a wheelchair and the door was easy to open. There was a ramp but it didn’t have a level landing at the top and bottom of the ramp.
Seating: Maneuvering around the restaurant was easy and there was plenty of non-fixed seating.
Restrooms: The restrooms were fully accessible.
Communication: Menus were not available in Braille, large print or on cassette. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: Service was great and the food was Cuban.
Rating: 4 (rating points were given for parking, seating, restrooms and service)
Date of Survey: Winter 2002
Manchester by the Sea
Circolo’s Italian Restaurant
7 Beach St.
Manchester by the Sea, MA
Parking: There was only on street parking and did not see any accessible parking nearby.
Entrance: The entrance was wide enough with less than a ½” threshold. The door was glass and the staff can see and assist you with the door if needed.
Seating: All seating was accessible and was easily accessed by a wide path of travel. Maneuverability between tables with a wheelchair was also good.
Restrooms: There were accessible bathrooms that met all requirements. Accessibility was very good. There was an area rug that caused a problem when rolling over it.
Communication: Menus were not available in Braille, large print or on cassette. A member of the wait staff did know the alphabet in sign.
Service: The restaurant was tiny, however they were extraordinarily accommodating and made every effort to provide access. The food and ambiance were also wonderful.
Rating: 4 (points given for entrances/ramps, restroom and service). This restaurant was recommended to other persons with disabilities.
Date of Survey: Fall 2003
Middleton
Angelica’s
49 So. Main St.
Middleton, MA
Parking: There was accessible parking and it was closest to the door but the access aisles were not adequate. There was no van accessible parking space.
Entrance: The ramp to the restaurant did not have a gradual slope, which would pose difficulty for a person using a wheelchair. The entrance door was wide enough but the door was too heavy.
Seating: The path of travel between the seats was not conducive to a person using a wheelchair. There was adequate accessible seating dispersed among other patrons.
Restrooms: The unisex accessible restroom was small and not accessible for a person using a wheelchair who would not be able to close the door for privacy. This restroom only had one grab bar on the side of the toilet (not behind toilet). The soap and paper towel dispensers were within reach for a person using a wheelchair, though the faucet could not be accessed with a closed fist.
Communication: There was no menu in Braille, large print or on cassette. This restaurant was not recommended unless the person in a wheelchair goes with someone to help him or her.
Service: The Surveyor found no fault with service.
Rating: 1 (rating point was given for service)
Date of Survey: Fall 2003
Siam Grill
242 South Main St.
Middleton, MA
Parking: This restaurant was located in a strip mall with no accessible spaces near restaurant and no HP “van accessible” spaces.
Entrance: The doorway was wide and easy to open.
Seating: There was an adequate amount of wheelchair accessible seating with easy movement between tables.
Restrooms: There was a fully accessible unisex bathroom.
Communication: The restaurant had no menu in Braille, large print or on cassette and no ASL interpreters were available.
Service: Staff did communicate directly with you and were respectful.
Comments: Service was prompt and friendly. They served large portions of Thai food.
Rating: 4 (rating points were given for entrance, seating, restrooms, and service)
Date of Survey: Spring 2004
Peabody
Bennigan’s
71 Newbury St. – Route 1 North
Peabody, MA
Parking: Accessible parking was very good. There were 3 accessible spots directly in front of the main entrance with proper curb cuts and signage. There was no “Van Accessible” marked spot.
Entrance: The exterior entrance opened directly into the restaurant. The door was wide enough and opened easily allowing good access.
Seating: There was about a 50-50 split between accessible tables and booths. Knee space under the tables would accommodate a wheelchair user. The restaurant was all on one level with no stairs with the exception of 3 steps leading into the bar area. There was however another entrance into the bar that was accessible. Seating in the bar area was comfortable for a wheelchair user.
Restrooms: On route to the restrooms there was a slight ramp/aisle. The accessible stall was very spacious with grabs bars mounted correctly and no obstacles in the path of travel. The faucets were easily pulled on and pushed off with a closed fist. The soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers and trash barrels were mounted on the wall and within easy reach for a wheelchair user.
Communication: Menus were not available in Braille, large print or on cassette but the manager was going to look into it. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The staff was respectful, communicated directly with Surveyor and met my disability related needs.
Comments: The service and food were excellent and Surveyor was very comfortable dining there. The prices were also very reasonable.
Rating: 5 (rating points were given for parking, entrances/ramps, seating, restrooms and service)
Date of Survey: Spring 2004
Bugaboo Creek
210 Andover St. – Route 114
Peabody, MA
Parking: There was accessible parking near the beginning of the long gradually sloped walkway leading to the entrance.
Entrance: There were no railings on the gradually sloped walkway to hold on to and people with mobility issues who cannot walk long distances should be aware of that. The entrance had a doorway that allowed easy passage.
Seating: There was an adequate amount of accessible seating and maneuverability between tables was good. Knee space under the tables would accommodate a wheelchair user.
Restrooms: The restroom was not fully accessible as there were no grab bars and the path of travel within the restroom was not easily maneuverable for a person using a wheelchair.
Communication: They did offer menus in Braille as well as in large print. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The service was good.
Comments: The Surveyor who conducted this restaurant survey thought that the experience was very pleasant and would recommend this restaurant to others.
Rating: 5 (rating points for parking, entrances/ramps, seating, communication and service)
Date of Survey: Spring 2003
Capone’s
147 Summit St.
Peabody, MA
Parking: Offered accessible parking but the spaces were not the closest spaces to the restaurant’s entrance. There was no van accessible parking.
Entrance: The entrance was easy to maneuver through using a wheelchair but the door is heavy.
Seating: The surveyor was seated at an easily accessible table among the other patrons but felt that many other tables were not easily accessible as there was not enough space to pass between other tables with a wheelchair.
Restrooms: There was an accessible unisex bathroom but the path to the bathroom is a difficult one as the bathroom entrance area was used for storage and staff belongings. The soap and paper towels were out of reach.
Communication: The restaurant did have a Braille menu. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The service was good.
Comments: The staff seemed to be disability friendly with great service and delicious food.
Rating: 2 (rating points were given for communication and service)
Date of Survey: Spring 2003
Carabba’s Italian Grille
Newbury St. – Route 1 North
Peabody, MA
Parking: There were plenty of accessible parking spaces but they weren’t the closest to the door. The space seemed to be 8’ wide. There was no van accessible space.
Entrance: The entrance door was wide enough for a wheelchair and easy to open with a flat threshold. There was a vestibule that could be entered by a wheelchair before you get to the next door.
Seating: The majority of tables were non-fixed with easy maneuverability for a wheelchair user. Accessible seating was integrated with the other patrons of the restaurant.
Restrooms: The bathroom was good but the wall soap and paper towels were just placed on the sink.
Communication: Braille menus were available but none in large print or on cassette. There were no ASL interpreters on staff.
Service: The Surveyor was communicated with directly.
Comments: The food was good and the prices reasonable.
Rating: 5 (rating points were given for entrances, seating, restroom, communication and service)
Date of Survey: Spring 2003
Century House
235 Andover St. – Route 114
Peabody, MA
Parking: There was HP parking close to the entrance but no HP “van accessible” parking.
Entrance: The doorway was wide and easy to open. There was a ramp with level landings at the top and bottom but the slope of the ramp was not gradual.
Seating: There was easy access to seating and tables. There was room under the table for knee space for someone using a wheelchair.
Restrooms: The restrooms were located through the bar and the path of travel was not wide. It may be difficult for larger wheelchairs to get to the restrooms. Grab bars were fine. The doors to the stall could be closed for privacy. Soap and paper towels were within reach. Handles on the faucet could be used easily.
Communication: There was no menu in Braille, large print or on cassette. There were no ASL interpreters available.
Service: Restaurant personnel treated Surveyor respectfully.
Comments: Food was very good and the lunch menu prices were reasonable.
Rating: 3 (rating points were given for parking, seating and service)
Date of Survey: Spring 2004
Joes American Bar and Grill
Northshore Mall – Route 114<