★★★★☆
One Financial Plaza
Springfield, MA 01103
Phone: 413-731-0011

palazospringfield-023.jpgSaturday, my mom, Ric, Tony and I went to Palazzo Café in Springfield because it was conveniently across the street from the Massachusetts Democratic State Convention at MassMutual Center.

palazospringfield-019.jpgPalazzo Café is located right inside the Financial Building on Main Street. In front of the Café is a beautiful water fountain with two American Bald Eagle statues on top.

There are two entrances; one from inside the Financial Building is easy access for the doors are left wide open when the café is open. An outside entrance has a single entry door that is not automatic so you will need help with opening the door if you enter here.

palazospringfield-022.jpgInside was very crowded when we were here for it was the lunch break of the convention. The cashier counter where you place and pay for your food order is not wheelchair accessible for it is too high. I was able to reach it and place and pay for my order easily because I elevated the seat on my Permobil C350 Power Chair. The employees were very busy yet all very kind, courteous and polite.

springfield-020.jpgAll the tables located inside are wheelchair accessible and of a perfect height. We decided to eat outside for it was such a beautiful sunny day. The outside tables are not very accessible for they are bistro style tables. Even though the height is good, my legs couldn’t fit underneath.

The Men’s and Women’s restrooms are single rooms which are spacious, wheelchair accessible and fully ADA compliant. The accessible sink, faucet, soap and paper towel dispenser are all of a good height and within my reach.

barneyfrankjimkennycospringfield-026.jpgAs we were eating our lunch outside, we saw  Congressman Barney Frank getting out of his car across the street. Congressman Frank and his friend Jim were very kind to come over to say hi to me. I feel very fortunate to have such a great Congressman as Barney Frank for he is always willing to spend time helping his constituents.

I give Palazzo Café in Springfield FOUR STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the Fifth Star, they would simply need to lower the cashier counter to a wheelchair accessible height so all persons can place and pay for their food order independently and place a wheelchair accessible table outside.