Shoppers Food Warehouse, Duke Street, Alexandria

The saga of the dirty grocery store bathroom continues with my brief review of the Shoppers on Duke Street. I VERY rarely go into this store because I can't stand this shopping center. The parking lot is a haven for people who either can't drive, don't know how to cross the street or both. The only reason I come in is for the Jamaican Beef patties that Mr. Lavatory Man likes so much. If anyone knows where I can buy Cocoa bread please let me know.

Anyway, back to the nasty little bathroom. There were two stalls and each had pieces of the lock missing so people can see right into the stall. NICE! There was the standard yucky soap and both soap dispensers were broken. The water only had one knob and it never got warm. I guess since it's a discount place hot water is too expensive. There was paper on the floor, the mirror was dirty as was the trashcan. There was also a changing table, but I wouldn't have used it even if it meant having a funky minivan for a couple of days (yes, I drive a minivan, SHUT UP!) The most interesting thing was the paper stuffed into the wall behind one of the toilets. It appears to be a peep hole leading to the men's room. I was not about to remove the paper and have God knows what flying out of the hole. Bad, very bad. Yet another reason for me to avoid this shopping center.

OK wait, they do have a Total Wine there and they are the only ones who carry my Lillet. So I'll go for that, but NO FOOD!!

Safeway, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC

The picture says enough, really it does. Grocery store bathrooms continue to amaze and disappoint me. This little "locker area" was inside the ladies room in the back of a Safeway down on the waterfront. I was required to walk through some doors and go way back into a storage area and past a very dirty breakroom to get to the ladies room. Ack! As you can imagine, the toilet, floors, sinks and mirrors all needed cleaning. There was a fully stocked paper towel dispenser and an open trashcan that needed emptying. Inside the stall, was a plunger out in the open, which leads me to believe the toilet clogs often (shocker). I'm trying to think of something to say that's positive, but it's not working. OH WAIT, I KNOW! I don't wear false eyelashes, but if I did, there was a nice set waiting for me on the sink. They looked pretty stiff, maybe they use them to tendorize the meat. I guess I'll never know because you can bet your last penny I will not shop here and it's a shame there are other people who have no choice. Clean up your act Safeway!

Giant, Backlick Road, Annandale, VA

I always rave about the Harris Teeter in my neighborhood, but there are times when I must venture to other stores. The Giant near my sons' school is one I frequent often and until yesterday, I have amazingly never entered the restroom. Well, I did and I was sorry. There was paper all over the floor, hair on the sink and toilet seats. The toilets needed cleaning, but were not the worst I've seen. Unfortunately, I didn't have a pen and paper with me so I could take notes, but let's just say I would try to hold it before I used their bathroom and any other food I get from there will have to be pre-packaged. This store needs to do better.