Kenda W.
Google
Living in upper New Jersey, it was quite the commitment - an hour and a half train journey - but I was excited for a change of scenery and what promised to be a lovely coffee experience.
I arrived with everything I needed for a perfect afternoon: my current read, my journal, and an appetite for both coffee and one of their sandwiches that had caught my eye online. However, my excitement quickly turned to anxiety as I stood in line behind a gentleman who was asking about restroom access.
"No public restroom," was the response from the barista. My heart sank. Due to my medical condition, bathroom access isn't just a convenience- it's a necessity. The long journey had taken its toll, and I desperately needed facilities. I watched as the man ahead of me was directed to another coffee shop nearby to use their restroom.
In that moment, my carefully planned day crumbled. I couldn't believe that an establishment that invites customers to sit in and enjoy their food and drinks wouldn't provide such a basic necessity. I was devastated and honestly felt a bit humiliated having to leave so abruptly without even getting to experience what I had traveled so far for.
Had it not been for this critical issue, I imagine I would have had a wonderful experience at Daytime. The menu looked enticing, the atmosphere was just as charming as the photos suggested, and the staff seemed friendly enough. But none of that matters when basic needs can't be met.
There must be regulations regarding restroom access in places where customers are encouraged to dine in. This experience has made me much more cautious about planning trips to new cafés, especially ones requiring significant travel. For those with medical conditions like mine, this isn't just an inconvenience—it's exclusionary.
If Daytime wants to truly welcome all customers, they need to address this significant oversight. Until then, despite its aesthetic appeal, I unfortunately cannot recommend it to anyone, especially those with similar health concerns.