Most Creative Laundromat Ideas from Around the World

Those who regard laundromats as dreary places full of industrial equipment probably haven't

taken their laundry out recently. In many places throughout the world, these utilitarian spaces are

being reimagined to fit the aesthetics and lifestyles of modern society. Clever entrepreneurs who

understand that most people would prefer to socialize rather than watch yet another spin cycle

have successfully married the functionality of the laundromat with a bar, café, or other venue to

allow patrons to get their chores out of the way while relaxing. Here's a glimpse at some of the

most creative laundromats in the world.

Igor's Lounge and Game Room (New Orleans, Louisiana)

This local bar/hangout/laundromat is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week. In a city that

parties until the wee hours, people can stay on top of their laundry while digging into one of

Igor's famed burgers, sipping a Bloody Mary, or enjoying the Wednesday night karaoke. Bring

quarters for the laundry machines, games, and pool table. This place packs a lot inside and also

features outdoor seating along St. Charles Avenue.

Wasbar (Ghent, Belgium)

Multi-tasking is taken to new heights at Wasbar. The launderette is a common concept in

Europe, but this unique space not only combines a café (serving coffee, beer, and food) and

laundromat — it also includes a hair salon. This multifunctional space hosts several themed

nights, such as a guys’ night, where men get free beer, as well as live music and DJ nights.

Mangelwirtschaft (Berlin, Germany)

Equal parts café and launderette, Mangelwirschaft has the aesthetics and low-lighting of an

intimate bistro. That ambiance is probably why it's often listed as a top place to meet other

singles in Berlin. Mangelwirtschaft successfully transforms the once-singular activity of

laundering into a communal experience. In addition to washing machines, this busy Berlin

laundromat offers food and drinks, and is also a popular place to watch soccer.

BrainWash (San Francisco, California)

BrainWash opened in 1989, making it one of the earliest American laundromats to embrace the

dual-functionality concept. The owner originally planned to open a nightclub, but the BrainWash

concept allowed her to meet the area’s need for a laundromat and stick to her original idea.

Happy hour offers $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, and nightly entertainment ranges from comedy acts to

DJs to live musicians. The menu is just as versatile. Burgers, hummus, pasta primavera, tofu, and

bagels with lox all get a mention on the lengthy list of available eats.