Shockingly, this contest has been happening since 2002. But not so shockingly, the Buc-ee's in New Braunfels, Texas, came in first place in 2012. We've been saying this for as long.
Any restroom that is open to the public in the U.S. is eligible to win, and right now, there is an eclectic mix of nine finalists:
- Bear Head Lake State Park in Ely, Minnesota
- City of Fruita in Fruita, Colorado
- Footprints in Lawrence, Kansas
- Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah
- Moderne Bar in Orlando, Florida
- The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City
- Rosebrook Lodge in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
- Tatsu in Dallas, Texas
- Tecolote Shoes in San Diego, California
Nominations were open from Wednesday, April 23, through Friday, June 13. The only catch is that the restroom owner must approve the nomination to have an official entry.
Once the nomination window closes, a committee of judges evaluates the qualifying entries based on cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality and unique design elements.
They chose the finalists (listed above) on Monday, June 16, and the public can vote for the winner until 11 a.m. on Friday, August 15. The winner will be crowned this fall and will win a $2,500 facility service credit and cleaning service from Cintas, plus bragging rights, of course.
The only thing we want to know is who had a sponsored night at Tatsu just to see what the bathroom looked like. This is what the mystery visitor had to say about Tatsu, as read on its voting page:
"Every detail matters at Tatsu, including the restroom. From the crystal-clear mirrors to the polished fixtures, the spotless and elegant space echoes the meticulous care shown throughout the meal. A fresh, clean scent creates an inviting and comforting atmosphere for guests. The restroom features a sophisticated Toto toilet and walls adorned with vivid Koi fish, adding a whimsical yet calming touch. The thoughtfully designed restroom reflects Tatsu’s broader commitment to hygiene, especially in the kitchen, where culinary creativity comes to life."
Forget the in-house tea sommelier, immaculate attention to detail and special water for the rice: have you seen the koi fish mural inside the bathroom?
We want to throw a few other restrooms' toilet seats in the ring here. First of all, the bathroom at Town Hearth has a Buggati in it; it's as outlandish as the entire restaurant. The bathroom near Fearings at the Ritz-Carlton has a serpent theme that weaves through the hallway and stalls, and the doors are slightly transparent. Note the wall sconces. And have you really even gone to the bathroom if you haven't hit the last stall at Kessaku, 40-plus floors up at the Thompson? It's a seat with a view.
