Sam's for Play Cafe & Catering — Restaurant in Santa Rosa

I might have 'waitress bladder', but that can lead to UTI sooner or later...so being in between orders and hoping to get one for Sam's For Play and Catering, where I'd picked up multiple orders prior, I stopped by, presenting myself in fairly formal, almost costume attire – wearing 🐈‍⬛ cat ears today & thigh high boots w/matching black dress & jewelry (my usual calibre of outfit for working) – I let them know I was in between orders and asked to use the restroom.

The hostess/waitress checked w/her boss, who declined to allow it; she apologized & cited numerous problems they'd had w/people using the restroom...I asked, Just using it...and leaving it clean? She said No, leaving a big mess; she said she knew I wouldn't, but had to follow boss's orders.

I understand having such a policy for general public in that case; however, being able to show PROOF I'm a delivery driver who's been actively working this morning already, should entitle me to the same use as a customer (as it would be irresponsible to do so during an active order if it can be avoided, of course).

This policy needs adjusting. Deal w/people using discretion AND humanity; I might have chosen to be a customer, too. I will not be turning in my résumé here now (which I'd also been about to do, as delivery driving is slower in summer), nor ever choosing to be a patron, despite my affinity for the decor and food options.

If I truly had an irresistible craving, I'd go out of my way to visit the other Sam's instead, who have been 💯% hospitable about restroom use several times before, despite being located in a much 'seedier' part of town...

I must thank my childhood stubbornness for my 'waitress bladder', though! Got my first UTI at 4 years old, the first of many while growing up; but as an adult in the Bay Area, it has sadly served me quite well, though it's certainly a real shame it's been needed.

Restaurants, develop better policies about bathroom usage for delivery drivers. We serve YOU, the PLATFORM, YOUR CUSTOMERS, and the COMMUNITY as a whole, as 'essential workers', helping to drive the economy along with the orders — & many of us do so while also having to pay for our own health care...

We don't need added health problems, please and thank you!

LOL 😸 — and before I could even submit this review, though I had just finished, the aforementioned 'boss' came out to hassle me regarding my parking in a handicapped ♿ space, because he couldn't see my placard, carefully positioned to be visible 24-7 through my windshield. 🙄

So, Thank You for harassing me this morning, in addition to the increasing pressure in my bladder! 🙃👍

(YES, I've multiple handicaps considered permanent by SSA, despite my determination to heal myself if I can — yet, I Still Work Anyway As Much As Possible — because who can afford NOT to, in this economy?)

PS — I had initially rated it two stars overall, with three for atmosphere (a significant lowering of my initial 5-star rating from my last visit); however, that last encounter/harassing behavior (he literally threatened a tow truck, LOL 🤦‍♀️) dropped my overall rating to one star, as well as the atmosphere rating to two stars...as a direct result of his attitude and actions.

Do Better!

UPDATE: I'd already posted this & finally LEAVING, had already put vehicle in Reverse, but he was there again, on the phone, reporting my license plate to someone. I told him once again to look at my placard, & that I was actually Leaving, but he said No, no, I just want to verify you do have one, so I said Please, take a look, again pointing at my windshield, but he ignored me & refused to LOOK 👀 through the windshield & finished his reporting. So I put it back in Park, turned it off, and resigned myself & my bladder to wait for law enforcement or tow truck... Law enforcement showed up (multiple vehicles I might add, LOL; talk about overkill for a well-dressed, little ol' handicapped lady! 😹🤣), had a word & saw placard, & were good w/my...

I would give Sam's for play for the food and over all 5. there was 4 of the wait staff behind the counter - Not really busy at all, just needed a cup of coffee to go. I was waiting there 5 minutes no acknowledgement whatsoever. NOT GOOD. I've been in this business for 32 years (hospitality business that is) and I did work here one time when it used to be Essa's Restaurant ( Back in the nineties. When Cal in Kim Managed the restaurant.) I guess I was somewhat ticked off, because I know that isn't protocol when a customer walks in and all of the wait staff just looks at you and doesn't say one word not 1 word. PS, the Asian gentleman working there this morning was very rude to me. I had to go up to the counter from the cash register and 3 times I said loud enough for everyone to hear can someone help me please I just would like to cup of coffee thank you. Maybe the wait staff needs to be retrained in the fundamentals of their work. Just to maybe smile a little bit or say good morning or say hello at the very least. Sorry, I think you just...

This place has a great team! Walked in solo and asked to be put at the bar. Guy didn't even heistate when I asked for special accommodations. As soon as I sat down a gentleman immediately handed me silverware and hooked me up with a cup of coffee and water. Just as soon as my coffee came back (less than 30 seconds) my waitress, Claire, was ready to take my order, she was super patient with me as I am have bit of a social anxiety. I asked for something that they didn't serve on the weekends and instead of giving me a inpatient look and the ole eyeroll I get other places she pointed out a similar item to what I was looking for. Thank you for providing excellent service and being patient with me! I loved the breakfast as well! Big portions and a tasty classic diner breakfast! Coffee is on point to, doesn't taste like it has been sitting there a minute. With all the foot traffic and how busy they are this place, I can see why people love...