The Barbary Fig

The Barbary Fig

St. Paul, MN

Reviewed June 25th, 2004

This North African restaurant on the east end of St. Paul's fabled Grand Avenue is actually a converted 2-story house - most likely from the 20's or 30's. It is understandable though unfortunate, therefore, that patrons will need to scale a lengthy staircase and fit through a rather narrow doorway in order to use these facilities.

When the harissa hit's ya, head on up to the one of the two clearly labeled narrow black doors just to the right of the upstairs bar. Inside, the restrooms possess a sort of musty wood smell, not like that of old rotting wood, but rather a warmer, friendly and clean smell. Tacky patterned linoleum - the kind that would not look out of place in a 1970's kitchen - covers the floor. While dimly lit, a single south-facing piano window brings in a suitable amount of natural light during the day. The toilet and sink seemed quite reliable. The same way today's auto mechanics relish the mechanical simplicity and elegance of 1950's Chevys or the bulbous lines of a 40's Cadillac, I can imagine a plumber revelling at the large solidly formed porcelain sink. The pink handsoap and SoftPull paper towels were sufficiently stocked . The women's restroom had a mural painted on the wall.

RESTROOM RATING: 7
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