StoneForge Tavern
After leaving Taunton City Hall, my mom treated Kellie, Kevin and me to lunch. We chose to go to StoneForge and see how wheelchair accessible it is.
Two restaurants, StoneForge Tavern and StoneForge Publick House are both located in the StoneForge building. Since both restaurants share the same parking, lobby and restroom we are including the wheelchair accessibility of the two restaurants in this one review. You can also access both restaurants from the lobby of the StoneForge building.
There are six of handicap parking spaces; two in front and two on each side of StoneForge with easy access to the sidewalk.
During the summer months, located in front of the building, there is an outdoor bar and dining area where you can enjoy having a drink or meal in front of a large outdoor fireplace with seasonal live bands for a great summer casual experience. This outdoor area is spacious and fully wheelchair accessible; all the tables are of a perfect height for my wheelchair.
The two door entry to get into the StoneForge Tavern is awkward and tight. The first door leads you into a narrow foyer and then you need to take a tight sharp left turn to enter the second door. Neither door is automatic. We could not get in due to what appeared to be a lifted threshold in need of repair.
We decided to enter through the StoneForge Publick House entry. This entry is a two door entry; it has direct access; the first door leads you into a very small foyer; the second door leads you into the lobby that separates the two restaurants. Entry is very difficult in a wheelchair; neither door is automatic; once you enter the small foyer, the second door opens inward and towards you so you need to back up in order to make room for the door to open. Kellie and Kevin had to hold each door open at the same time for me to be able to enter. It is difficult to explain so we placed this picture here to show you. Exiting is easier because both doors open the same way.
Once inside, we found the lobby and sitting area that separates the two restaurants is spacious and beautiful with a huge stone fireplace and tall ceiling. There is a large staircase and an elevator that takes you to a banquet room located on the second level. We were told that the banquet room is used for weddings, parties, business functions etc.
We then entered the StoneForge Tavern’s rear entry which is to the right of the lobby; this entry is open and has direct access into the Tavern. StoneForge Tavern is the more casual restaurant and bar. It is open Monday thru Saturday from 11:30 am to 1:00 am and Sunday from 12:00pm to 1:00 am.
The bar is not wheelchair accessible for it is too high; the tables across from the bar are not accessible for they are even higher than the bar itself; the booths are not accessible for there is a metal bar laying on the floor that prevents wheelchair access. There are four large flat screen televisions hung on the walls that are easy for all to see. The lighting is good for visually impaired.
The dining room has plenty of tables in the middle of the room. There is a bench seat surrounding the side and rear wall with tables in front that are wheelchair accessible; one side of the tables have chairs that are removable to fit a wheelchair. These tables are of a perfect height for my larger sized wheelchair and a little higher than the tables in the middle of the restaurant, but all tables are accessible.
Our waitress was very kind, respectful and courteous and the food and service was fantastic:>)
The men’s restroom is partially wheelchair accessible; there is a large handicap stall with the ADA required safety bars at a perfect height. The accessible sink’s height is good but the soap dispenser and knobs to turn on the water are out of my reach for they are set too far back; the pipes under the accessible sink do have the ADA required protective covers. The ladies restroom pipes under the sink do not have the ADA required protective covers. (Kellie and mom checked on the accessibility of the ladies room).
I give StoneForge Tavern TWO STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the other Three Stars; they would need to install automatic entry doors; repair the threshold at the Tavern entry door; widen the foyer between the entry doors; place an accessible wheelchair section at the bar; place some wheelchair accessible tables in the bar room; move the restroom water faucet knobs and soap dispenser closer to the front of the accessible countertop and place protective covers around the pipes underneath the accessible sink in the ladies room.
StoneForge Publick House
After leaving Stoneforge Tavern we decided to check out the StoneForge Publick House to see how wheelchair accessible it is.
StoneForge Publick House offers more formal dining at more expensive prices. It offers signature steaks and quality seafood. It is open Sunday thru Thursday from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
The Stoneforge Publick House and Tavern share the same lobby and restroom.
The dining room in StoneForge Publick House is more wheelchair accessible than Stoneforge Tavern. It is more spacious and all the tables and booths are wheelchair accessible. The small bar is not wheelchair accessible. The bar offers an extensive list of liquors.
I give StoneForge Publick House THREE STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the other Two Stars, they would need to install automatic entry doors; widen the foyer between the entry doors; place an wheelchair accessible section at the bar; move the restroom water faucet knobs and soap dispenser closer to the front of the accessible countertop and place protective covers around the pipes underneath the accessible sink in the ladies room.