This building, a stunning achievement of early twentieth century architecture, is one of the few places that could rightfully be called the heart of New York. If that is true, then it was in need of a bypass a couple of years ago, and fortunately, it got one. From this location thousands of New Yorkers get on trains that take them where they are going, or just hang out in the food court to avoid going back to work. Any good restroom reviewer knows, then, that the quality and quantity of passersby that a good people-watching spot provides is usually inversely proportionate to the quality of the nearest restroom. Understandably, this location gets a lot of traffic. However, it fares well and the line moves quickly. The marble columns and black marble floors recall bygone eras of architecture, as do the standard flush levers on urinals in the men’s room. When we visited there was a beer bottle behind a toilet in a stall and a belt in a sink. The mind reels, but the location seems way too crowded for drunken sex in the stalls, and the presence of the armed troops who patrol Grand Central doesn’t exactly encourage risk taking anywhere in the building. If you are feeling risky, try the food court; at least there’s a decent bathroom nearby.

Rating: 6

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