Public Transportation To Clubs Actual User Experiences
minnow
Any place that interests me.
I initially debated writing this article figuring that someone with the wherewithal to support many club visits could also afford a set of wheels, and/or have enough horsepower in the company food chain to rate a company paid rental. I recognize that some downtown areas just aren't car parking friendly, and that getting a rental car would entail getting it on ones own dime. I'll chronicle my actual experiences utilizing the metro rail system in 3 cities, and briefly touch upon some bus options and hotel van driver options.
DC/METRO
The DC area metro system is a very good one, IMHO. Parking anywhere in downtown DC can be a royal PITA. There are several different colored lines going through downtown DC originating in the Maryland (Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, Orange) or Virginia suburbs. (Blue, Orange, Yellow).
My first experience using the Metro to get to a strip club happened in the late 80's when I took the Red Line from a Maryland suburb to the Farragut North stop, then walking a few blocks to Archibalds. Virginia suburb customers taking the Blue or Orange line will want to get off at the Farragut West stop, Eastern MD customers taking the Blue or Orange line will want to get off at McPherson Square.
Other downtown DC clubs convenient to Metro stops would be Royal Palace and Camelot. The former is a few blocks north of DuPont Circle stop (Red Line). Camelot is almost a wash between DuPont Circle stop, and Farragut North stop (Red Line). For Blue, or Orange line riders, Farragut West is the place to get off, being about 3 to 4 blocks south of club. In the VA suburbs, Crystal City Restaurant is close to the Crystal City stop (Yellow and Blue lines).
ATLANTA/MARTA
On a short layover in ATL airport area hotel, I opted to take a hotel van to the main terminal, then take MARTA subway train to the Midtown Stop (~ 3 blocks from club) for an early afternoon visit to The Cheetah. As I recall, the actual ride from the airport was about 20 to 25 minutes, getting off at the 4th or 5th stop. (Midtown Stop).
At this point, I'd like to add that the Tuscl map to individual clubs is an excellent resource. You may have to hit the (+) symbol on the map to zoom in a bit. The Metro(DC), and Marta (Atlanta) stops were well depicted with the applicable stop name displayed. For bus stops, drag icon over the bus symbol depicted nearest club, and a square displaying the bus line number (and color as applicable) pop up adjacent to bus symbol. At least it worked that way a Google Chrome browser on my laptop.Just for grins, I zoomed in on Follies (the most popular Atlanta club among the more active Tuscl members). There is a bus stop about a block south of the club, about even with an Asian eatery.
SAN FRANCISCO/BART
Crazy Horse Theatre and BART were made for each other. CHT is in a very (Un)-User Friendly place for car parking, and it is located only 2 blocks from Powell St. BART Station. I've utilized BART from both San Francisco (SFO), and Oakland (OAK) airport area hotels. Although the trek from Oakland by car would be much longer than one from SFO Airport, the BART ride from Oakland Coliseum Station was only ~ 3-5 minutes longer than the one from SFO Airport Station. If you're staying near SFO, you''ll want to tell the hotel shuttle driver to drop you off at the International Terminal. For those who don't want to take their cellphone to the club, there's some complimentary phones around terminal that auto dial most area hotels. The one downside to BART Powell St. Station (as mentioned in several club reviews) is that there are more vagrants around that station compared to many other areas. That didn't bother me that much, but it helps to be mentally prepared for this by just keeping on walking.
Some other club/station combos that might be doable, but not as convenient as CHT/Powell St. combo include Gold Club (located ~ 6 blocks from Montgomery St. Station). Civic Center/UN Plaza would put you 8 blocks from MBOT, and New Century. (6 blocks uphill, 2 blocks left). For some people, utilizing BART to get to Broadway Clubs would be an exercise for the hardcore, or those who relish complicated travel arrangements.(i.e., take train to---, then take xx bus to----, then wait 19 minutes to catch bus xx to drop you off 2 blocks from club.) For such individuals, the Embarcadero Station would be your exit point, with a net walking distance of 10 to 15 blocks, depending on desired club. Most of that is uphill. Hardy souls, have at it.................
BUS OPTIONS
I'm not a big fan of riding the bus for a number of reasons. They are probably the same reasons that many of you have. I stated earlier that the club map feature of Tuscl is an excellent resource for finding the bus stops nearest to club (bus symbol on map) and the line to take. Even so, I'd still track down the local metro bus service website to confirm the stop, line number, and timetable of operations.I just recently found a gap in the Tuscl club map coverage.Pazzazz (Dayton, OH) is located adjacent to the Dayton Mall. Strangely enough, no bus stop is depicted, even though the South Hub Station for the Dayton transit system is located just south of the mall with 5 to 6 different bus lines running there.With that in mind, I'll do my good deed for the day by listing www.i-riderta.org as the website to go to in the Dayton area for bus service. I sampled a few other area club maps, bus stops near club are depicted for them.
HOTEL VAN DRIVERS
Seasoned business travelers know that the primary purpose of the van is to pick up from and discharge hotel guests off at the nearby airport. Some larger hotels keep an extra van and driver to shuttle guests to nearby prominent places like shopping centers, etc. If one goes to hotel often enough, one can get to know the van drivers, and some other local nuances. In Tampa, some Westshore area hotel vans will take upon request guest(s) to the Mons Venus if they're not too busy. Pick up can be a crap shoot, so it's best to bite the bullet for a cab.
Another time, I was staying at a hotel a ways away from LAX with irregular van service. I just happened to stop by front desk to find out that van was leaving soon to pick up some people at LAX.. I knew that it would be passing near Bare Elegance along the way. I approached the van driver and asked him if he would mind dropping me off there along the way. Not only did he agree, but he followed me in the club when I went in to break a $20 for some tip change. His eyes were as big as saucers. I knew I could count on him for future rides. All the same, I rented a car on subsequent visits because of the irregular van schedule, and my desire to expand my club base.
Hotel van drivers can also be a good resource for free passes. Some Northwest Fwy hotels in Dallas have shuttle vans to both DFW and Love Field (DAL). Riding from DFW airport to hotel, we passed by The Lodge. I casually mentioned that I might be interested in going there whereupon van driver handed me a free pass, and that I could get a ride there. I knew that might not be tenable for the hour that I would go there, or be picked up. Still, it never hurts to pick up free passes when you can.
Those are some of my experiences, please feel free to share yours.
DC/METRO
The DC area metro system is a very good one, IMHO. Parking anywhere in downtown DC can be a royal PITA. There are several different colored lines going through downtown DC originating in the Maryland (Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, Orange) or Virginia suburbs. (Blue, Orange, Yellow).
My first experience using the Metro to get to a strip club happened in the late 80's when I took the Red Line from a Maryland suburb to the Farragut North stop, then walking a few blocks to Archibalds. Virginia suburb customers taking the Blue or Orange line will want to get off at the Farragut West stop, Eastern MD customers taking the Blue or Orange line will want to get off at McPherson Square.
Other downtown DC clubs convenient to Metro stops would be Royal Palace and Camelot. The former is a few blocks north of DuPont Circle stop (Red Line). Camelot is almost a wash between DuPont Circle stop, and Farragut North stop (Red Line). For Blue, or Orange line riders, Farragut West is the place to get off, being about 3 to 4 blocks south of club. In the VA suburbs, Crystal City Restaurant is close to the Crystal City stop (Yellow and Blue lines).
ATLANTA/MARTA
On a short layover in ATL airport area hotel, I opted to take a hotel van to the main terminal, then take MARTA subway train to the Midtown Stop (~ 3 blocks from club) for an early afternoon visit to The Cheetah. As I recall, the actual ride from the airport was about 20 to 25 minutes, getting off at the 4th or 5th stop. (Midtown Stop).
At this point, I'd like to add that the Tuscl map to individual clubs is an excellent resource. You may have to hit the (+) symbol on the map to zoom in a bit. The Metro(DC), and Marta (Atlanta) stops were well depicted with the applicable stop name displayed. For bus stops, drag icon over the bus symbol depicted nearest club, and a square displaying the bus line number (and color as applicable) pop up adjacent to bus symbol. At least it worked that way a Google Chrome browser on my laptop.Just for grins, I zoomed in on Follies (the most popular Atlanta club among the more active Tuscl members). There is a bus stop about a block south of the club, about even with an Asian eatery.
SAN FRANCISCO/BART
Crazy Horse Theatre and BART were made for each other. CHT is in a very (Un)-User Friendly place for car parking, and it is located only 2 blocks from Powell St. BART Station. I've utilized BART from both San Francisco (SFO), and Oakland (OAK) airport area hotels. Although the trek from Oakland by car would be much longer than one from SFO Airport, the BART ride from Oakland Coliseum Station was only ~ 3-5 minutes longer than the one from SFO Airport Station. If you're staying near SFO, you''ll want to tell the hotel shuttle driver to drop you off at the International Terminal. For those who don't want to take their cellphone to the club, there's some complimentary phones around terminal that auto dial most area hotels. The one downside to BART Powell St. Station (as mentioned in several club reviews) is that there are more vagrants around that station compared to many other areas. That didn't bother me that much, but it helps to be mentally prepared for this by just keeping on walking.
Some other club/station combos that might be doable, but not as convenient as CHT/Powell St. combo include Gold Club (located ~ 6 blocks from Montgomery St. Station). Civic Center/UN Plaza would put you 8 blocks from MBOT, and New Century. (6 blocks uphill, 2 blocks left). For some people, utilizing BART to get to Broadway Clubs would be an exercise for the hardcore, or those who relish complicated travel arrangements.(i.e., take train to---, then take xx bus to----, then wait 19 minutes to catch bus xx to drop you off 2 blocks from club.) For such individuals, the Embarcadero Station would be your exit point, with a net walking distance of 10 to 15 blocks, depending on desired club. Most of that is uphill. Hardy souls, have at it.................
BUS OPTIONS
I'm not a big fan of riding the bus for a number of reasons. They are probably the same reasons that many of you have. I stated earlier that the club map feature of Tuscl is an excellent resource for finding the bus stops nearest to club (bus symbol on map) and the line to take. Even so, I'd still track down the local metro bus service website to confirm the stop, line number, and timetable of operations.I just recently found a gap in the Tuscl club map coverage.Pazzazz (Dayton, OH) is located adjacent to the Dayton Mall. Strangely enough, no bus stop is depicted, even though the South Hub Station for the Dayton transit system is located just south of the mall with 5 to 6 different bus lines running there.With that in mind, I'll do my good deed for the day by listing www.i-riderta.org as the website to go to in the Dayton area for bus service. I sampled a few other area club maps, bus stops near club are depicted for them.
HOTEL VAN DRIVERS
Seasoned business travelers know that the primary purpose of the van is to pick up from and discharge hotel guests off at the nearby airport. Some larger hotels keep an extra van and driver to shuttle guests to nearby prominent places like shopping centers, etc. If one goes to hotel often enough, one can get to know the van drivers, and some other local nuances. In Tampa, some Westshore area hotel vans will take upon request guest(s) to the Mons Venus if they're not too busy. Pick up can be a crap shoot, so it's best to bite the bullet for a cab.
Another time, I was staying at a hotel a ways away from LAX with irregular van service. I just happened to stop by front desk to find out that van was leaving soon to pick up some people at LAX.. I knew that it would be passing near Bare Elegance along the way. I approached the van driver and asked him if he would mind dropping me off there along the way. Not only did he agree, but he followed me in the club when I went in to break a $20 for some tip change. His eyes were as big as saucers. I knew I could count on him for future rides. All the same, I rented a car on subsequent visits because of the irregular van schedule, and my desire to expand my club base.
Hotel van drivers can also be a good resource for free passes. Some Northwest Fwy hotels in Dallas have shuttle vans to both DFW and Love Field (DAL). Riding from DFW airport to hotel, we passed by The Lodge. I casually mentioned that I might be interested in going there whereupon van driver handed me a free pass, and that I could get a ride there. I knew that might not be tenable for the hour that I would go there, or be picked up. Still, it never hurts to pick up free passes when you can.
Those are some of my experiences, please feel free to share yours.
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36 comments
In my limited experience public transportation is doable and perhaps preferred in big congested cities where often people opt not to have a car even if they can afford one (e.g. NYC and perhaps other heavily congested NE cities) - in my limited knowledge not only is public transport perhaps the preferred transport method in heavily congested cities but also more reliable in terms of running more hours and more frequently.
Growing up in the south (Miami) it's hard to rely on public transportation although I've used from time to time - we have a light rail (Metrorail) in Miami that runs thru downtown but does not go to many places - many people that work in downtown use it and if I gotta go downtown or its vecinity I'll also use it but that's once in a blue moon since I rarely go to downtown.
My issue w/ public transportation beyond that it can be very inefficient and often make one's commute 2x+ in duration is that it can be dangerous - often times they go thru bad neighborhoods where you'll be sharing the train-car w/ some unsavory characters - and the walk to and from the train station can be a bit dangerous depending on the city and area (even in daylight) - a while back I think either someone posted it on here or I saw it in the news about fights routinely breaking out in an Atlanta train system (I assumed it was MARTA but not sure).
w.r.t hotel vans - I guess they can be useful but then again not too reliable and they also have limited hours of operation.
I can't rely on the public transportation for the clubs I visit in South FL: just would not work - and when I travel I always use a rental although I'm not well-traveled and have not been in cities where public transport is the preferred method of transportation - nowadays w/ Uber/Lyft (although I've never used it); that seems to be a better alternative to public transport or hotel shuttles (at least in most areas).
I have many times taken the Cal Train up and then walked from 4th and Townsend.
But by far the best is BART. As of right now though it mostly serves people in the East Bay. But it is so nice that it would give one a reason to live in the East Bay. And yes, Crazy Horse it right near a stop. Maybe we can get Market St. Cinema back open. And I have measured out on a map the walking distances to the other clubs, from BART. All reasonable, considering that I'm used to walking from 4th and Townsend.
But no, it is still tough, and all the more so if one was expecting to be leaving with dancers. Maybe a boat in one of the marinas, or a shuttle bus to come and pick them up, or I guess the pay parking garages.
As I have observed, most of the dancers live in the East Bay, and I am sure BART is a factor in this.
No way for BART to get to Marin County. And San Mateo County has waged a political battle against it for over 40 years now. Though finally it did get to the Millbrae Station for going to the Airport. And it is slated to come from Fremont into San Jose and Santa Clara now. But we will see.
The original idea was that it would ring the bay, and then go all the way to Sacramento.
SJG
King Crimson - In the court of the crimson king (full album)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtwtrsVm…
The album is considered to be one of the first and most influential of the progressive rock genre, where the band largely departed from the blues influences that rock music was founded upon and combined elements of jazz, classical, and symphonic music.
Blush Pittsburgh PA is urban city, no street or ground level parking, metro and gazillion bus lines near by. All NYC clubs are urban city, no real street parking. Showcase in Beltsville MD was complicated to get to by public transit. Club Ritz in Baltimore is ancient pre-war pre-car era urban city, not that much street parking. Baltimore's "The strip" is metro and bus accessible.
Biggest problem I face is, "last bus of the night". If its a quiet city, or early last call, leaving 1 hour before closing isn't a big deal and I dont miss much. If it is a loud party city, last bus is 10-11PM, club opens at 9 PM, and closes at 4 AM or later, it is nearly impossible to go by PT unless there is 24/7 PT since most strippers never come in at opening time. I've never been to a SC during the day, none of the ones I've ever wanted to goto have day shifts.
Some strippers do take PT to or from work. Some strippers rely on their regulars to give them platonic rides to or from work, or not platonic rides ;). The one time I took a stripper home by bus for safety reasons (stripper friend didnt come) (I really need a car) she said I dont have to pay for 3 LDs next time, and she remembered next time ITC.
That stop is right in front of Follies. Next to Follies is an Asian eatery, that is a Vietnamese restaurant that makes a great bowl of Pho!
2. I've had good success with cabs in the few metro areas I've resorted to that option. Biggest drawback is getting a return ride. Good way to avoid mandatory valet.
3. I primarily opt for a rental car even when it is on my own dime just for the ability to come and go at will. Driving in unfamiliar territory is a drawback. (ATL traffic is nuts, for example)
I only once I tried to use a taxi for SCing, they wanted $60 for 4 miles at 1 AM, and said it will be 2 hours until they come (I'll be sitting outside the SC for one HOUR by myself after it closes). I can walk along the interstate faster and for free. Every other taxi company just had voice mails, which I interpret as "we closed for the night". In my home town of 128K people, 3rd largest in the state, the only taxi company licensed in the city shuts down between 1 AM and 6AM. 1 AM is last call, and last bus time. Was a real problem when car ran out of gas, taxi is closed for the night, AAA wants 4 HOURS to show up. Eventually a cop wound up driving me and my friend to the nearest 24/7 gas station (no pat down before entering the back of the patrol car lol), us getting gas, then driving us back to the car. Funny that he checked with his flashlight our fuel gauge when we turned on the car to make sure we werent lying the whole time.
-->"The one downside to BART Powell St. Station (as mentioned in several club reviews) is that there are more vagrants around that station compared to many other areas. That didn't bother me that much, but it helps to be mentally prepared for this by just keeping on walking."-->
That area is actually gentrifying and getting safer. I tend to have a low tolerance for shady neighborhoods, and even I find that particular walk no problem these days, particularly in the daytime. Even the once-terrifying area to the side and behind (Taylor side and Turk), which was once the purview of drug addicts, aggressive panhandlers, gangbangers, and numberous drivebys is now significantly cleaned up, and the corner liquor store where all the gangbangers hung out (which is where the drivebys happened) is now a hipster dance club full of white people. Holy crap, what a transformation.
-->"Some other club/station combos that might be doable, but not as convenient as CHT/Powell St." ---->
Yep, good characterization. My general advice here is, just plan to do a cab or Uber/Lyft.
Since I drink at the clubs, and live in an area where I can't catch Bart, I always take Caltrain in, then a taxi to the clubs (since there's always a taxi line outside Caltrain, it's more convenient than Uber). Then for any club hopping or the ride back to Caltrain, always Uber or Lyft
Only way this ever changes is if the girl knows you and is actually a kind of a comrade.
Maybe if the girl clearly knows that you are from out of town, and came from the airport by public transit ( BART and the Cal Train both get you from the Millbrae Cal Train Station at the SF Airport, with its own shuttle, now. ), and especially if she is holding your out of town business card.
Spending money to impress the opposite sex -> Spending money to keep up with the Jones. It sucks.
In the organization I am building, these problems will all be solved, so that you never need deal with them again. So many girls climbing on you that you won't even have time to think about such things.
SJG
http://www.holytaco.com/r-i-p-king-of-do…
Now if the strip clubs in Boston weren't so lame . . .
Perhaps locals can expand on this as I haven't been there for several years, but the Trolley was clean, regularly scheduled and the fare was reasonable.
Uber, etal , is certainly available to the general public, but you must call or hail them. I did go off topic a bit my mentioning hotel van shuttles. In that case, I was catering to the Tuscl demographic of which many are business travelers who may not always rent a car.
The best night for the trains is the nights when there is also a sporting event downtown (baseball, basketball, or football). As the trains will run late, somethings until 1:30 or 2:00 AM which is about perfect.
I have been stranded a few times when I was out thinking there was a ball game when there wasn't.
One night I had to walk home through "the projects" (Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority). Boy! Was that exciting! ;)
Should be this Blue Trolley, and thanks to Silky Pants for letting us know about this.
Justme, people suggest caution about being out and about in TJ late at night. Not having been there I really don't know, but the idea of 4am would concern me. Would you have rented a room for the night, or just be using the short time rooms?
SJG
FLDS, abusive polygamy, High Country News
http://www.hcn.org/issues/44.10/flds-con…
Debra Weyermann
https://www.amazon.com/Answer-Them-Nothi…
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Life-Satan…
Secret Life of a Satanist, Blanche Barton. Has picture of young naked acolyte ready for initiation. She has porn start grade tits. Picture replicated in Hugh Urban's book.
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Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?
https://youtu.be/yiirjB0uO8M?t=2m6s
A very dark play about some very crazy kinds of people
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er7h5MB2…
Full Text
http://web.mit.edu/jscheib/Public/21m790…
https://www.google.com/maps/@32.5384875,…
So based on your experiences to date, do you like HK Bar or Deja Vu better, and why?
Thanks, SJG
and hong kong is absolutly the best.
SJG
SJG