#Asked

Something many of us don’t often think about is how accessible restaurants are for people with disabilities – i.e. those who aren’t able to walk upstairs to a restaurant door or who can’t see a menu.

The Americans With Disabilities Act, adopted by the federal government in 1992 and updated in 2010, prohibits discrimination of disabled people in everyday situations – such as going out to eat. It provides standards to follow for renovations, design + other issues where accessibility could be challenging. (DYK if an individual goes to a business right now that does not provide them access, they may file a federal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice who will enforce the standards.)

Who has wheelchair ramps? Accessible parking? Menus is braille? Who is training their staff on how to work with people with disabilities? And who hires staff with disabilities?

Let us know

Let us know on our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter posts – or in the form below.

#Answered

We understand that what is ‘accessible’ can vary from person to person, but hope this list can help make it easier for some to enjoy the city’s best food and drinks around town.

Elevators, ramps and parking

“@hendrixcola has an elevator to access not only the dining room, but the rooftop, too!” – @meganchristmas
“Curiosity Coffee Bar is accessible (With parking and bathrooms too).” – Sandra M.
“Black Rooster they also have an elevator for the roof top!” – Vanessa B.
“smallSUGAR has a ramp! 😉
“Silver Spoon Bake Shop has handicap parking close to the entrance and has a ramp.” – The Supine Studio
“Hometeam BBQ”
“Pasta Fresca -- has leveled parking, leveled entrance, options of fixed and non fixed seating, accessible restrooms”
I use a wheelchair and have found Urban Cookhouse on Devine Street to be the most accessible. Miyo's on Forest is also easily accessible.
Gervais & Vine has ramps and accessible parking. Thanks!
“Bone-In BBQ”
“Second wave coffee and books in Lexington!!!” – Ellen S.
“Blue flour on main enter thru bank gate or in the back off Gervais parking lot” – Nancy M.
“Monthly community outreach to support everyone, JoJo's Jazz Jam, held at Columbia's Main Street Methodist Church has parking, ramp, entrance, free live music in a casual, laidback listening room atmosphere. You can get dinner and jazz, but, no purchase necessary. Most importantly, there are repeat attendees in wheelchairs or with walkers, and, Moms with strollers. Everybody welcome!” – Jeanna A.
“Old mill brew pub. Lexington”

Aphasia-Friendly

“1801 Grille, Grecian Gardens (West Columbia), Mellow Mushroom, Mediterranean Tea Room, Za’s Pizza, Villa Tronco, Old Chicago Pizza, Lizards Thicket, Publick House on Devine” – Lynsey K.

Braille Menus

“I'm blind. I love that most restaurants post their menus online for everyone now. This is how I typically access menus. Yay universal design! What is good for everyone is often helpful for people with disabilities. Cracker Barrel and Most big franchises have menus in braille.”