Strip Club Reports

[Chicagorfp]

Having a free afternoon / evening to myself, I had visited Cellar in Joliet, on which see my prior report below. Since that experience was less than stellar, I had to decide between driving to Indiana or checking out Jimmy's, which was about 30 minutes east of Cellar at 410 West Lincoln Highway (US Route 30) in Chicago Heights. I decided upon the latter, figuring that'd leave me with sufficient time to go to All Star in McCook if desired (as the siren song of Colombiana was still echoing in my ears).

Upon reaching Jimmy's, I pulled into their ample parking lot on the east side of the building. They have additional parking in an adjoining north lot. I was rearranging my paper money when a homeless dude tapped on my window, looking for a handout. I gave him a few bucks to get rid of him, by which time Jimmy's security guy came out and shooed him away. I then proceeded to the club, which has both a metal detector and a license scanning machine. I had left most non-essentials in my car (an ordinary practice for me), but I forgot that my pocket knife was still on my belt, so I had to go back to the car and drop it off. I finally made it to the other side of their security checkpoint, had my license scanned, and then paid the $10 cover to the security guy.

Entering the club, I began to absorb my surroundings. This was a marked contrast to my visit to Cellar, which was outdated and tired. I hadn't been to Jimmy's for nearly a decade, and they had completely renovated the club--it simply looked great and fresh. There was a main stage in the center of the main room, about six feet by twenty feet, with two poles. The bar was situated along the east wall. The furniture looked new and in good shape and the stage lighting was modern and bright so one could enjoy the view. At the moment, there was no DJ: songs were full tracks played by some sort of music system situated in a media booth just off the stage; there was no visible jukebox. It seemed like the dancers were in charge of selecting their own music for their sets--maybe that booth contained a computer by which they could make their selections, but it was hidden from my direct view.

Anyway, I was the first customer, as the club had just opened shortly before my arrival, and there was just one AA dancer, Nadia, a 20-something gorgeous petite spinner type. This was the palette cleansing I needed after the Cellar visit, particularly since my taste is for, as CoochieEater in the Wisconsin forums likes to say, "Cocoa Concubines. " Upon seeing me, Nadia got on stage and began her dance routine, making full use of the poles and floor space. She was extremely talented and beautiful. After 2-3 songs, she sat with me at a table near the stage and we chatted for a moment before heading to the private dance area, where I had two topless songs for $20 apiece. Nadia's experience showed and I had a really good time. I was careful only because I wanted to pace myself: I didn't want to spend all my money at once.

After the set, there were a few other customers and Nadia proceeded to circulate among them. By this time another AA dancer, name unknown, also a 20-something gorgeous petite spinner type, was on stage doing a set. Another customer, whom I'll call Big Spender, was also at a table near mine at the stage and he was making it rain singles. He had stacks and stacks of cash on his table, while here I was just clutching a few bucks that I had planned to use for tipping. Well, while there was no way I could match that, I did add my few dollars to the big pile of cash that was growing on the stage floor. There were so many bills that they began falling off the stage and Big Spender and I would occasionally pick them up and put them back on the stage. By this time the second dancer was completely nude save for her shoes and man was she hot! Towards the end of her set, Big Spender whispered something in her ear, which indicated to me that she was likely going to sit with him afterwards.

Alas, after her set, there were no other dancers to be had. It was about 8:00 pm, and I was debating how long I should stay to see if anything further developed. I did notice that the security guy was cordoning off a section of the upper seats, so my guess was that a big party was going to arrive at some point that night. Big Spender, who had made it rain, was nice enough to send a drink my way--the first time that's ever happened to me at a club. The second dancer returned from the back, dressed at this point, and she sat with Big Spender, which is in part why I never learned her name. By about 8:30 pm, nothing had changed and I decided a visit to All Star in McCook was in order, so I bid Big Spender, Nadia, and the security guy farewell as I left the club.

License scan: Yes.

Pros: Lots of parking, club is in great, fresh shape, security guy and server were nice. The two dancers I saw were absolute knockouts and talented in terms of pole and stage work. Nadia's private dances in the back were pretty good. Songs were uncut. The cover wasn't too bad at $10, and it seems that the security guy keeps an (electronic) eye on the parking lot. On the right night this place is likely a chocolate extravaganza.

Cons: Not enough dancers--I had hoped for at least 1-2 more, especially since this was a weekend night. Also, dances that cost $20 a song at a minimum means your funds could be quickly depleted, though at least they were topless songs--fully nude dances run $30 a song, which is too rich for my tastes. There appears to be no hint of extras, by the way.

Verdict: If I were flush with cash, I'd come back to Jimmy's, even though it's a bit far from my house. If they ever ran $10 specials that'd be ideal. I guess one can dream.

Note: I'll crosspost this review in the South Suburbs-specific thread by providing the URL to this post.

[Chicagorfp]

Cellar is a money trap with little to show for it. Don't go unless things have radically changed. Which I doubt.

My dear Morrisman: alas things have not radically changed at Cellar, located at 111 Patterson Road in Joliet. I had an opportunity to pay them a visit one afternoon and was astounded. I'll put it like this, if someone wanted to recreate a backwater strip club from the 1970's or 1980's for a film, all the production designers would have to do at Cellar is remove the LCD TVs and the modern jukebox.

Anyway, this club is on what feels like a country road--I guess you'd call it unincorporated Will County. There are three places to park: a lot to the north and another to the south, and then parking on the east side of the building along the road. I chose the north lot and walked inside. Immediately one has to negotiate a short flight of stairs to reach the basement level where there was a booth with a window where the security guy takes the $5 cover charge and then buzzes you in. As noted above, apart from the TVs it was like walking into a time warp. Inside was a full bar and a stage or two with poles that were probably last used during the Clinton administration; one stage had a 1970's-era high-back wicker chair. Everything was really tired looking and yet sort of surreal.

I settled at the bar and got a drink from the barkeep, who was nice; one dancer was at the bar playing on one of the gaming machines. She was a white BBW in her early 40's, if I had to guess, and she offered a private dance, which was conducted in a booth towards the west side of the club where there was a series of them. Inside the booth was a comfy padded seat and the music came from the aforementioned jukebox. Cost was $20 a song; she had panty hose on and she did not go topless, nor did she allow touching any lady bits apart from her ass, explaining that this was due to restrictions in Will County. By the time it was over, another white BBW in her 40's was there, and my dance with her was exactly the same. At that point I finished my drink, bid them farewell, and left. The security guy was nice enough to walk outside with me to ensure I made it to my car safely--he said they do that for everyone leaving the club.

After that episode, I continued my journey by heading to Jimmy's in Chicago Heights, which I'll post about separately.

License scan: No.

Pros: If you want lingerie bar nostalgia they have it in spades. The bartender, security, and dancers were nice in terms of personality. Songs were from a jukebox and thus uncut. The private booths are indeed private and the seat was comfortable. Cover charge was cheap. Lots of parking.

Cons: Not handicapped accessible. Uninspired, overpriced dances with little grindage, many restrictions, and generally no action. Dancer staff was monolithic in terms of age, ethnicity, and body type, but then the club had just opened for the day--perhaps there are others? Who knows, and I wasn't about to spend further time finding out.

Verdict: I'll check out Cellar in 2031 to see if anything's changed by then. If it were run differently, this place has the potential to be a Louie's Lounge-type (Melrose Park) experience (that is, before their pivot to a nightclub model). As it stands, Morrisman was spot on in his assessment, but my $50 was still well spent in the spirit of research.

Note: I'll crosspost this review in the Joliet-specific thread by providing the URL to this post.

[Moejoo]

Industrial Strip is officially no masks for dancers or patrons, Some staff wearing them but most of them had the masks under their chin. Was kind of surreal in a good way. 390 stiill need them to get in and all girls and staff wear them in common area.

[SAnderson75]

The $10 dance special is certainly a value at PoleKatz, only problem is no private booths only a big lounge area with no privacy, bouncers (at least from last year) would occasional stand and call out people who are too roamy with hands. Real buzz killer.

IS has $10 specials on Monday and Tuesday. However the songs are only 2 minute long, the girls will try to over count, adds up real quick. On Wed they have a 4 for 65 special, better value since the songs are longer then 2 minutes. IMO.

I would say that IS is the best when it comes to $10 dances. You can do whatever you please there.

Polekatz is good if you want more flavors, but if you want to roam and then some. IS.

[Xkcd112]

Are any clubs no longer requiring masks, given vaccination rates are rising?

Somewhat unrelated, are any clubs good for bringing women as well?

[Oramo]

I mentioned in this thread a couple of weeks ago that one can now assemble a three-day string of value-laden strip club visits where there are $10 specials which include two members of your trifecta: Industrial Strip in Hammond on Monday, Polekatz in Bridgeview on Tuesday, and Club 390 on Wednesday. That's probably the best opportunity to perform said research.

The $10 dance special is certainly a value at PoleKatz, only problem is no private booths only a big lounge area with no privacy, bouncers (at least from last year) would occasional stand and call out people who are too roamy with hands. Real buzz killer.

IS has $10 specials on Monday and Tuesday. However the songs are only 2 minute long, the girls will try to over count, adds up real quick. On Wed they have a 4 for 65 special, better value since the songs are longer then 2 minutes. IMO.

[NiceChicaGaGuy]

I'm seeing a lot of back and forth about license scanning here, and the pros and cons are getting a little redundant. Personally I'm ok with it and understand the clubs' need to cover themselves, but I also get why patrons might not have a record of their presence in a particular place out there. I suggest we table the argument. I don't think we're going to convince those with whom we disagree. But certainly include in a review whether or not the clubs follow the practice.

I.

[Chicagorfp]

compared to the Trifecta of Atlantis /390/ IS where total nude grindage with all the roaming you want for the same price provided you have the correct dancer.

I mentioned in this thread a couple of weeks ago that one can now assemble a three-day string of value-laden strip club visits where there are $10 specials which include two members of your trifecta: Industrial Strip in Hammond on Monday, Polekatz in Bridgeview on Tuesday, and Club 390 on Wednesday. That's probably the best opportunity to perform said research.

[Oramo]

No mention was made of a fully nude option. I'm guessing it's not available at least on those first two tiers ($60 for five songs / $100 for fifteen minutes). I'm wondering if it becomes an option in the higher tier VIP rooms. Hopefully someone with more HB experience can tell us.

HB is basically air dances. Might as well hold up a playboy centerfold and light your cash for warmth. Total waste of time and $ compared to the Trifecta of Atlantis /390/ IS where total nude grindage with all the roaming you want for the same price provided you have the correct dancer. Unfortunately the only way to find out who is too do own research.

Every dancer has their own YMMV factor, so recommendations are no good.

[Chicagorfp]

More pre entry protocols to go through. My review of Heavenly Bodies;.

It sucks. Avoid totally. Money better spent on an escort.

Agreed, Ron, lots of rigamarole and non-dance cash outlay for not a lot of fun on the whole. (I mean Kitty was really cool and I enjoyed my time with her, but she was forced to work creatively within the club's draconian rules.). Still it's valuable to check in once a decade or so.

I was hoping to visit Cellar in Joliet (despite Morrisman's warning below) but they were closed today. The online sources I found had conflicting info in terms of days and hours of operation.

I still have fun even reviewing the crappy clubs. I submitted a full write-up for two mediocre clubs in the South Bend thread, just before COVID hit; one of them has since burned down, perhaps indicative of, well, something.

[Chicagorfp]

You said she shed her top. Are the dances there topless only?

No mention was made of a fully nude option. I'm guessing it's not available at least on those first two tiers ($60 for five songs / $100 for fifteen minutes). I'm wondering if it becomes an option in the higher tier VIP rooms. Hopefully someone with more HB experience can tell us.

[Ron M]

In the spirit of sharing information as discussed below, following is my write up of Heavenly Bodies Fantasy Sports Bar (abbreviated as HB in this report), located at 1300 Elmhurst Road in Elk Grove Village. My last report on this establishment, amazingly enough, was 12 years ago. I decided to go to HB because it wasn't too far from home and I had to get back at a reasonable hour; my original plan was to go to NW Indiana, but that's over an hour-long drive from my house. That'll have to wait for another weekend.

The site visit occurred on a Saturday night at about 8:30 p. There was plenty of parking available in the gravel lot that adjoins the club. The entrance on the south side of the building has handicapped access (a ramp) in addition to the stairs. Upon entering, an employee was doing temperature checks and they had you sign a release (though you can scribble "John Smith" and it won't matter). I had my jacket and hat on and was asked to check them, which was free. I then proceeded through a metal detector, but when I had set it off their security person had me dump my belongings in a little basket and then I went through without issues.

Then security wanted to look at my license, and they proceeded to scan it using a wall-mounted device of some sort, so fair warning to all. Finally, I paid the $15 cover and got a green wristband in return. I was also given a little gold token which is needed to get through the turnstyle and enter the club. All of this felt like I was flying commercially once again.

Went I got in, I saw that not a whole lot of folks were there: maybe about 20 patrons at that moment. There were two couples at a nearby table, so HB is couple-friendly in that regard. I saw six to eight dancers, mostly white, but one Latina who was presently on the main stage; there's a second smaller stage closer to the club entrance. The main bar is on the west wall, and there was perimeter seating and small four-seat raised tables dotting the floor area. A server took my drink order (Diet Coke), which was just $1; not too long after she brought it to me, the aforesaid Latina sauntered by. Her name was Kitty and she was from south Texas. Mid-20's, very pretty spinner type with B-cups; she explained that pricing was $60 for five dances or $100 for 15 minutes. I opted for the $60 option and we proceeded upstairs to where the booths were located. Note: the songs are played by a DJ, though they didn't seem severely cut short.

At the top of the stairs was another cashier: Kitty paid $15 to her, and then before we went back to the booth area a bartender asked if I wanted a drink, which I declined; he then asked if I'd like to buy Kitty a drink, and I said sure. Kitty's shot was $10 + $1 tip. After she drank that, we proceeded to the booth.

The booths were all set up nicely: adequate red lighting along the top of the booth wall's perimeter, plus a comfy loveseat, and this one had a window that looked out over the club. Kitty was kind enough to wait for the next song, and she shed her top and her dancer shoes while we waited; at this time I proceeded to pay her the $60. The dances were good mileage--Kitty is very talented, but HB still enforces where one can touch with one's hands: so it was basically anything but the lady bits, though Kitty made the best of it (she said she has six years of experience) and I appreciated her efforts by giving her a $10 tip at the end.

Once the set was over, we headed back downstairs and I noticed HB had gotten much busier, like double the number of patrons and dancers--I tried in vain to look for some AA dancers, as my tastes run that way, but didn't see anyone of that description. While I finished my drink, a white dancer, Dynasty, popped by; interestingly, she was from Texas, too. We chatted for a little bit, but I wasn't interested in spending another $60 at that moment, as I was wanting to save my money for the forthcoming NW Indiana trip, or maybe even a side visit to one of the Melrose Park clubs, if possible. Then just as I decided to leave I saw at least two AA dancers, but they were with other customers and I had to go anyway.

I almost walked out without my jacket and hat, but I remembered to stop at the coat check window before going to the parking lot.

License scan?: Yes.

Pros: Decent enough variety of dancers (if one is patient); five dances at $60, even though they're DJ-controlled, is actually not a bad deal; booth area is great: comfy well-padded loveseat and good lighting; club itself is convenient (right off of I-90) and has lots of parking; Kitty was an excellent dancer in terms of talent and beauty, plus she was a good conversationalist.

Cons: needlessly Byzantine procedures to enter both the club and the booth area--like why the gold token? These folks would be great government bureaucrats; licenses are scanned; DJ plays the songs, but at least they're not severely cut short (as far as I can tell); strict rules on where / how customers can touch the dancers; pressure to buy the dancer a drink, which led to a feeling of being nickeled and dimed.

Verdict: Would I go back? While the dance cost is decent enough, I'm beginning to not be a fan of the license scan, in accord with the opinions of SouthSideRed and Visconti5683 (see our discussion in the Melrose Park Strip Clubs thread). I'm willing to do it once at a given club for the sake of research, I guess, but I'm thinking that it's not worthwhile to do so repeatedly (which is why I've not yet gone back to All Star in McCook--though the siren song of Colombiana still rings out in my head from time to time). I guess everyone needs to make up their own mind about that. Another reason I'd hesitate to return is that other clubs allow for more mileage than HB, and funds that I'd spend on a second HB trip would be better spent on expanding research efforts elsewhere (for example, NW Indiana). As such, unless I hear something different I'll schedule another HB visit for (checks calendar) 2033!

More pre entry protocols to go through. My review of Heavenly Bodies;.

It sucks. Avoid totally. Money better spent on an escort.

[NiceChicaGaGuy]

In the spirit of sharing information as discussed below, following is my write up of Heavenly Bodies Fantasy Sports Bar (abbreviated as HB in this report), located at 1300 Elmhurst Road in Elk Grove Village. My last report on this establishment, amazingly enough, was 12 years ago. I decided to go to HB because it wasn't too far from home and I had to get back at a reasonable hour; my original plan was to go to NW Indiana, but that's over an hour-long drive from my house. That'll have to wait for another weekend.

The site visit occurred on a Saturday night at about 8:30 p. There was plenty of parking available in the gravel lot that adjoins the club. The entrance on the south side of the building has handicapped access (a ramp) in addition to the stairs. Upon entering, an employee was doing temperature checks and they had you sign a release (though you can scribble "John Smith" and it won't matter). I had my jacket and hat on and was asked to check them, which was free. I then proceeded through a metal detector, but when I had set it off their security person had me dump my belongings in a little basket and then I went through without issues.

Then security wanted to look at my license, and they proceeded to scan it using a wall-mounted device of some sort, so fair warning to all. Finally, I paid the $15 cover and got a green wristband in return. I was also given a little gold token which is needed to get through the turnstyle and enter the club. All of this felt like I was flying commercially once again.

Went I got in, I saw that not a whole lot of folks were there: maybe about 20 patrons at that moment. There were two couples at a nearby table, so HB is couple-friendly in that regard. I saw six to eight dancers, mostly white, but one Latina who was presently on the main stage; there's a second smaller stage closer to the club entrance. The main bar is on the west wall, and there was perimeter seating and small four-seat raised tables dotting the floor area. A server took my drink order (Diet Coke), which was just $1; not too long after she brought it to me, the aforesaid Latina sauntered by. Her name was Kitty and she was from south Texas. Mid-20's, very pretty spinner type with B-cups; she explained that pricing was $60 for five dances or $100 for 15 minutes. I opted for the $60 option and we proceeded upstairs to where the booths were located. Note: the songs are played by a DJ, though they didn't seem severely cut short.

At the top of the stairs was another cashier: Kitty paid $15 to her, and then before we went back to the booth area a bartender asked if I wanted a drink, which I declined; he then asked if I'd like to buy Kitty a drink, and I said sure. Kitty's shot was $10 + $1 tip. After she drank that, we proceeded to the booth.

The booths were all set up nicely: adequate red lighting along the top of the booth wall's perimeter, plus a comfy loveseat, and this one had a window that looked out over the club. Kitty was kind enough to wait for the next song, and she shed her top and her dancer shoes while we waited; at this time I proceeded to pay her the $60. The dances were good mileage--Kitty is very talented, but HB still enforces where one can touch with one's hands: so it was basically anything but the lady bits, though Kitty made the best of it (she said she has six years of experience) and I appreciated her efforts by giving her a $10 tip at the end.

Once the set was over, we headed back downstairs and I noticed HB had gotten much busier, like double the number of patrons and dancers--I tried in vain to look for some AA dancers, as my tastes run that way, but didn't see anyone of that description. While I finished my drink, a white dancer, Dynasty, popped by; interestingly, she was from Texas, too. We chatted for a little bit, but I wasn't interested in spending another $60 at that moment, as I was wanting to save my money for the forthcoming NW Indiana trip, or maybe even a side visit to one of the Melrose Park clubs, if possible. Then just as I decided to leave I saw at least two AA dancers, but they were with other customers and I had to go anyway.

I almost walked out without my jacket and hat, but I remembered to stop at the coat check window before going to the parking lot.

License scan?: Yes.

Pros: Decent enough variety of dancers (if one is patient); five dances at $60, even though they're DJ-controlled, is actually not a bad deal; booth area is great: comfy well-padded loveseat and good lighting; club itself is convenient (right off of I-90) and has lots of parking; Kitty was an excellent dancer in terms of talent and beauty, plus she was a good conversationalist.

Cons: needlessly Byzantine procedures to enter both the club and the booth area--like why the gold token? These folks would be great government bureaucrats; licenses are scanned; DJ plays the songs, but at least they're not severely cut short (as far as I can tell); strict rules on where / how customers can touch the dancers; pressure to buy the dancer a drink, which led to a feeling of being nickeled and dimed.

Verdict: Would I go back? While the dance cost is decent enough, I'm beginning to not be a fan of the license scan, in accord with the opinions of SouthSideRed and Visconti5683 (see our discussion in the Melrose Park Strip Clubs thread). I'm willing to do it once at a given club for the sake of research, I guess, but I'm thinking that it's not worthwhile to do so repeatedly (which is why I've not yet gone back to All Star in McCook--though the siren song of Colombiana still rings out in my head from time to time). I guess everyone needs to make up their own mind about that. Another reason I'd hesitate to return is that other clubs allow for more mileage than HB, and funds that I'd spend on a second HB trip would be better spent on expanding research efforts elsewhere (for example, NW Indiana). As such, unless I hear something different I'll schedule another HB visit for (checks calendar) 2033!

You said she shed her top. Are the dances there topless only?

[Chicagorfp]

In the spirit of sharing information as discussed below, following is my write up of Heavenly Bodies Fantasy Sports Bar (abbreviated as HB in this report), located at 1300 Elmhurst Road in Elk Grove Village. My last report on this establishment, amazingly enough, was 12 years ago. I decided to go to HB because it wasn't too far from home and I had to get back at a reasonable hour; my original plan was to go to NW Indiana, but that's over an hour-long drive from my house. That'll have to wait for another weekend.

The site visit occurred on a Saturday night at about 8:30 p. There was plenty of parking available in the gravel lot that adjoins the club. The entrance on the south side of the building has handicapped access (a ramp) in addition to the stairs. Upon entering, an employee was doing temperature checks and they had you sign a release (though you can scribble "John Smith" and it won't matter). I had my jacket and hat on and was asked to check them, which was free. I then proceeded through a metal detector, but when I had set it off their security person had me dump my belongings in a little basket and then I went through without issues.

Then security wanted to look at my license, and they proceeded to scan it using a wall-mounted device of some sort, so fair warning to all. Finally, I paid the $15 cover and got a green wristband in return. I was also given a little gold token which is needed to get through the turnstyle and enter the club. All of this felt like I was flying commercially once again.

Went I got in, I saw that not a whole lot of folks were there: maybe about 20 patrons at that moment. There were two couples at a nearby table, so HB is couple-friendly in that regard. I saw six to eight dancers, mostly white, but one Latina who was presently on the main stage; there's a second smaller stage closer to the club entrance. The main bar is on the west wall, and there was perimeter seating and small four-seat raised tables dotting the floor area. A server took my drink order (Diet Coke), which was just $1; not too long after she brought it to me, the aforesaid Latina sauntered by. Her name was Kitty and she was from south Texas. Mid-20's, very pretty spinner type with B-cups; she explained that pricing was $60 for five dances or $100 for 15 minutes. I opted for the $60 option and we proceeded upstairs to where the booths were located. Note: the songs are played by a DJ, though they didn't seem severely cut short.

At the top of the stairs was another cashier: Kitty paid $15 to her, and then before we went back to the booth area a bartender asked if I wanted a drink, which I declined; he then asked if I'd like to buy Kitty a drink, and I said sure. Kitty's shot was $10 + $1 tip. After she drank that, we proceeded to the booth.

The booths were all set up nicely: adequate red lighting along the top of the booth wall's perimeter, plus a comfy loveseat, and this one had a window that looked out over the club. Kitty was kind enough to wait for the next song, and she shed her top and her dancer shoes while we waited; at this time I proceeded to pay her the $60. The dances were good mileage--Kitty is very talented, but HB still enforces where one can touch with one's hands: so it was basically anything but the lady bits, though Kitty made the best of it (she said she has six years of experience) and I appreciated her efforts by giving her a $10 tip at the end.

Once the set was over, we headed back downstairs and I noticed HB had gotten much busier, like double the number of patrons and dancers--I tried in vain to look for some AA dancers, as my tastes run that way, but didn't see anyone of that description. While I finished my drink, a white dancer, Dynasty, popped by; interestingly, she was from Texas, too. We chatted for a little bit, but I wasn't interested in spending another $60 at that moment, as I was wanting to save my money for the forthcoming NW Indiana trip, or maybe even a side visit to one of the Melrose Park clubs, if possible. Then just as I decided to leave I saw at least two AA dancers, but they were with other customers and I had to go anyway.

I almost walked out without my jacket and hat, but I remembered to stop at the coat check window before going to the parking lot.

License scan?: Yes.

Pros: Decent enough variety of dancers (if one is patient); five dances at $60, even though they're DJ-controlled, is actually not a bad deal; booth area is great: comfy well-padded loveseat and good lighting; club itself is convenient (right off of I-90) and has lots of parking; Kitty was an excellent dancer in terms of talent and beauty, plus she was a good conversationalist.

Cons: needlessly Byzantine procedures to enter both the club and the booth area--like why the gold token? These folks would be great government bureaucrats; licenses are scanned; DJ plays the songs, but at least they're not severely cut short (as far as I can tell); strict rules on where / how customers can touch the dancers; pressure to buy the dancer a drink, which led to a feeling of being nickeled and dimed.

Verdict: Would I go back? While the dance cost is decent enough, I'm beginning to not be a fan of the license scan, in accord with the opinions of SouthSideRed and Visconti5683 (see our discussion in the Melrose Park Strip Clubs thread). I'm willing to do it once at a given club for the sake of research, I guess, but I'm thinking that it's not worthwhile to do so repeatedly (which is why I've not yet gone back to All Star in McCook--though the siren song of Colombiana still rings out in my head from time to time). I guess everyone needs to make up their own mind about that. Another reason I'd hesitate to return is that other clubs allow for more mileage than HB, and funds that I'd spend on a second HB trip would be better spent on expanding research efforts elsewhere (for example, NW Indiana). As such, unless I hear something different I'll schedule another HB visit for (checks calendar) 2033!

[NiceChicaGaGuy]

Completely agree with this: I'm vaccinated now and feel like I can visit places with more confidence. We should divide and conquer.

A tip for potential reviewers: I tend to write some brief field notes on my monger phone in the parking lot before I head home, and then I can write up the full report at a later (more convenient) time. That way you don't lose certain details by time you get home.

I'm also looking at NW Indiana since those clubs are relatively close, and I want to hit some of the more obscure ones on our side of the border, for example Cellar in Joliet. Anyway, best of luck and health to everyone this spring!

Maybe we should have a secret handshake or gesture, LOL. Seriously, just kidding. My fucked up arthritic hands make me easily identifiable anyway.