IHOP -- Manahawkin, NJ

A stop we usually make on our way out to Long Beach Island in New Jersey, I got the chance to go just recently.  The area where this IHOP is is a stretch of mall-land with impossible ins and outs of roads and entrances.  Navigation is difficult.  The IHOP, however, had become a beacon to us.  Breakfast served fast, hot, tasty, and with a pot of coffee on the table too.

I am not generally a fan of IHOP.  Generally they have a distinctive odor on entrance that smells like old corn syrup and oil.  Not only that, but in several we have had terrible service as well.  One to the point that when I snubbed the waiter a tip at the check-out counter, he literally ran back to the table to see if we had left a tip, then came back to let me know I hadn't.  Believe me, I knew.

This makes it all the more surprising to me that this place is so darned good.  No terrible smells, and fantastic, fast service with smiles and efficiency.  In general, that plays out in the commode as well, except for one small thing.

Generally clean and I think this is the only one I've ever seen that makes an effort to pretty up and privatize the long expanse of stall wall on entrance.  Well done, IHOP Manahawkin!

The rest of the space seems kept in good shape as well.  Unfortunately, I noticed something while inside the stall.  And honestly, I started noticing it in other places as well.

If only that dust tail hadn't escaped and hung off the edge, I would never have seen it.  Had there been other infractions, for instance, if the floor had been sticky, or sinks clogged and nasty, I would demerit it.  However, the fact that I just started noticing makes me wonder how many other places are guilty of the same.  My new sub-mission.  Dust.

Well, we'll see about that, but meantime, I can't say I didn't enjoy IHOP, and the restroom was very useable and (relatively) clean.

http://restaurants.ihop.com/nj/manahawkin/4697/