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Disclaimer: What follows is a result of many trips to the Block and of my wishful imagination. No illegal activities should be inferred from this guide and I have never witnessed or been a part of any such imagined activities. <br />
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Baltimore's Block is unique unto itself. There are approximately 20 strip clubs located in the 400 block of East Baltimore Street and one side street in downtown Baltimore. Because of the proximity of the clubs to each other, and the fact that there is no cover charge at any bar, it is almost viewed as one large club with 20 different and unique venues. One can easily walk into one club, look around and if he doesn't see anything he likes, walk out and go next door. In my dreams I imagine that one can find anything he wants on the Block. If you are looking for a world that is filled with ladies who look 8 or better, then the Block is not the place. The Block has it's share of 8's, 9's, and an occasional 10, but it has more than its fair share of 0's, 1's, 2's, and 3's. And a lot in between. <br />
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Block bars are generally small - the rule is the bar down one side with the stage behind the bar. Some larger clubs have a central stage surrounded by a U shaped bar. A lot have a section of couches for lap dances, some do lap dance in a reserved back area of the bar. It is rumored that some even have back rooms, but this is just a rumor, I have never seen any. The quality of the bars varies widely, from the very sleazy to the reasonably classy. Prices charged for drinks are relatively consistent. A drink for you is $5, no matter whether it is coke, beer, or a mixed drink. The notable exception is Pussy Cat where they are $6. A small drink for a dancer is $20 ($25 at PC) which will get you anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes of conversation, longer if business is slow. This is a necessary step to find out your &quot;compatibility&quot; with the lady and whether you think she will show you a good time. A larger drink (lap dance) is between $60 and $70 to the bar for the drink. Tips to the ladies are negotiable and should be discussed up front before agreeing to buy that larger drink. Keep in mind that this is not for a one-song lap dance, it is for about 15 minutes of the ladies attentions in a remote area of the bar. In most (not on the Block) strip clubs, you pay that $20 or $30 for a one-song dance. Here you get about 3-4 songs for the $60. The big difference is that in other clubs your money goes mostly to the lady, on the Block it goes to the bar, the girl gets about $12 out of that $60. Here, you have to tip the girl in addition to buying the drink. That's why I indicated to negotiate the tip up front, before you buy that drink. 'Cause she will surely ask for it &quot;up front&quot; before she starts. There may be larger drinks available, at least that is what I hear and it is rumored that they are priced anywhere from $100 to $300. <br />
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The Block operates from noon to 2am, seven days a week. Some bars, however, are only open during night shift. Day shift is from Noon till 8pm and night shift is from 8pm 'till 2am. Even though the bars open at noon, a lot of dancers don't come in until 1:30 or 2. Since 8pm is shift change, the hour between 7:30 and 8:30 is a lousy time to be a customer. Day girls are tired and ready to leave, many are dressing to leave at 8, and the night girls are just coming in, getting ready, etc. Good time to have dinner, and come back at 8:30 or 9 Ok, now some suggestions about a visit. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, there are certain actions and attitudes that will enhance your enjoyment of the experience. First and probably the most important: go with NO EXPECTATIONS! The Block has its own rhythm and the enjoyment of the experience lies in becoming attune to that rhythm and enjoying the whole experience. If you go expecting something to happen, you very well could be disappointed. The Block changes from day to day, shift to shift and bar to bar. I have been down many times and can honestly say that each visit has been unique, never the same twice. Second, befriend the bartenders. They are the key to the Block - they control the length of the drinks and every other aspect of the place. Be courteous to them, not a loud-mouthed jerk (there are enough of those already). Tip them well, but not excessively (if you tip excessively you will be considered easy prey or a cop). Third, treat all the dancers with courtesy and respect. If a dancer approaches you to buy her a $20 drink, and you do not like her looks, politely turn her down. When you do buy a dancer a drink, don't try to cop free feels unless encouraged (again I am dreaming of course). Remember, these ladies are people, just like you and me; they have families, kids, bills to pay, and usually a lot of problems. They deal all day with guys trying to get something for nothing, and treating them as property just because he bought a $20 drink. You will stand out in their minds, and you will make a lot of friends if you are a nice guy. It is a fine line here though, if you are too standoffish or too obtuse, you may be labeled a cop, and that is not good. Fourth, be careful how much alcohol you drink. If you drink mixed drinks like vodka/tonic, beware that although they use cheap rail booze, they make the drinks very strong - you loosen your grip on your wallet when you are drunk. Fifth, if you are unfamiliar with a bar, don't be afraid to ask how things work, but keep in mind if they are suspicious of you are you are being a jerk, you probably won't get a straight answer. <br />
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All that said, here 5 clubs that will give you the gamut of the quality of clubs: <br />
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Oasis - Classy bar recently redecorated, higher than average number of nice looking women, very busy Friday and Saturday nights with up to 25 girls working <br />
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Tiffany's - Nights only, classy bar, lots of eye candy. <br />
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Pussy Cat - Lower in class, lots of young girls, drinks more expensive <br />
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Flamingo - not at the bottom of the heap by any means, often have more than their share of good looking women, but sometimes nothing. Because of their setup and pricing, a must drop in for any visit, <br />
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Plaza - Now we hit rock bottom, easily the sleaziest bar on the Block. You may find an occasional lovely lady here, but not often. Worth a quick visit to experience the &quot;dark side of the force&quot; <br />
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Hope this is helpful. <br />
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ww <br />
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<a href="/c.php?CID=1412">Strip Clubs on The Block</a>