It's no secret that accessibility is an important issue for me. As a wheelchair user, I base a lot of my reviews on accessibility issues and I've had more than a few messages from Yelpers who appreciate my perspective on such matters.
This can be a challenging thing to approach since I also tend to have an affection for historic buildings - notoriously inaccessible.
While I have a bit of a reputation for docking a business a star for lack of accessibility, there are occasional exceptions when a business wows me enough that I still fork over that fifth star.
Case in point is today's visit to the Holy Cross neighborhood's new kid on the block, Three Dolls Cafe & Cakery.
Located within the complex that used to house Angie's List, Three Dolls is located in an East Washington Street facing building almost directly across from Futuro. There's fairly decent parking here, though it's also fair to say businesses around here are seriously territorial about their parking. So, you do want to stay within the Three Dolls parking area.
I will admit that I almost backed out of Three Dolls. I knew there was a bit of a significant lip at the front entrance, and I was concerned I wouldn't be able to make it in a wheelchair. Truthfully, that concern was warranted. It's not quite a step - but, it's more than a lip. It's more like a half-step. As I get older, jumping curbs and steps gets a bit harder and I found myself nervous about trying this in the particular chair I was using today.
This is where the magic of "Three Dolls" began.
A customer at the counter (which is only a few feet from the entrance) could tell I was struggling a bit. She opened the door for me, then she further aided me up that step. I got inside. To be honest, I was confused if we went to that front counter or went to the side (you go to the front). I waited. I checked out the menu - a combination of breakfast/brunch fare along with a variety of baked goods and cakes.
I initially ordered an item that had just been sold (Darn. It looked amazing.). This storefront is narrow - don't expect rows and rows of baked goods. This is more what I'd call a boutique cakery.
The woman at the counter was super friendly. I ended up ordering a chicken biscuit and an iced coffee. This is a small storefront as one other reviewer noted - no more than a half-dozen tables with all but one having only two chairs. That said, it is amazingly comfortable.
I had the most delightful conversation with this team about access. There was such sincerity in their words and their actions - they even talked about how one back entrance curb got messed up. We came up with a plan to allow me to exit in a safer way. I sat inside and had my chicken biscuit (with this delightfully spicy honey. Oh my.). It was a stunner.
I sat at a two-top. Customers were friendly, employees were friendly, environment was warm and inviting. Yes, access is an issue. I doubt a power chair could do it, however, my manual was able to make it happen with a bit of an assist and tremendously welcoming employees.
Access issues happen. It's how they get dealt with that makes or breaks a business. Three Dolls was warm, welcoming, honest, and helpful.
As a fun fact, apparently the current owners' great grandparents owned a confectionary in Elevator Hill 100 years ago in this some area. That's awesome.
East Washington Street construction is still going, though it has lightened up a bit (it helped that I was visiting on a weekend). However, even with a little difficulty this is a delightful little place that deserves some Yelp love.
Sometimes, a business can make someone with a disability feel like a burden. That didn't happen here. Bravo, Three Dolls. I'll be back. read more