Doing Your Private Business in a Public Restroom
Living in New York City is AMAZING. There are so many great parts about it. But, while traveling through Brooklyn or any of the other boroughs, one thing you need to watch out for is when you need to use the bathroom.
It’s something that not a lot of people think about, but it is kind of important…everyone poops, and when you need to go, you need to know where you need to go.
Finding a bathroom in New York can be tricky. Because of homeless people spending too much time in them, vandalism, and other factors, many places don’t have public restrooms. It can be hard to find a bathroom, and when you do, you usually have to buy something at the place to use their bathroom. We obviously don’t know everything about Brooklyn, but there are some quality places you can always count on finding a bathroom.
Popular tourist spots: This is the most obvious and therefore the most used bathroom resource. If you are going somewhere popular, like the Barclays Center, or a shopping center, there will always be bathrooms available to the public.
Starbucks and Chipotle: Starbucks and Chipotle always have at least one bathroom available for customers to use! If you’re in a rush and don’t want to buy something, find someone with a receipt who has paid there; the code to unlock the bathroom is usually on the bottom of receipts.
Churches: These are very underestimated. Being a Mormon, you might be used to the church being primarily only open on Sundays. But many churches are open multpiple days a wek for evening services and community activities. Feel free to dip in and talk about God after you do your thing.
Pharmacy/Drug Stores: These are kind of hit and miss. It depends on the pharmacy you go to. Your best shot to have someone let you use the bathroom is a Rite Aid, which are one of the most popular pharmacies in NYC.
Hospitals: Hospitals are kind of a last resort, but many times I’ve found myself running into a hospital entrance to use the bathroom. If you need it, it’s there.
Restaurants: Most restaurants won’t just let you walk in and use their bathroom. Look for the hole-in-the-wall places, places that don’t mind some extra people coming in. That’s probably your best bet.
Barber Shops: This is probably the most unexpected one! Almost every single barber shop has a bathroom inside. I don’t recommend going to a barber shop if you can help it, but if you are in the need, hit them up!
Obviously none of us want to use weird bathrooms away from home. But if the need arises, know the way to navigate this borough and this city in comfort. Good luck!
Here are some of the favorite bathrooms I've visited in my trip:
