Having been to two larger clubs, both in Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, I was prepared for a letdown and giving up clubs entirely after two poor experiences that probably could be chalked up to being new to exotic dance clubs and being taken advantage of, Annie's Saloon was third time's the charm to be sure.

I went on a Tuesday evening at 11:30. Based on my previous experiences, I thought I wouldn't last more than 45 minutes; instead, I was there until near closing and didn't leave feeling empty or used, but rather, I felt welcomed and relaxed and oddly satisfied, though nothing shady had transpired.

The club: The club itself is small and cozy. It's easily identified from outside from a little lit sign with Annie's Tavern Dancers written on it. The place has changed hands with a bit of a dark history, but don't be discouraged.

You walk in to the lounge and edge of the bar leading down toward the back where the Rack is (pole and bar dancing) with the private room leading off to the right. There's a pool table of good quality with no charge to play sitting right in the lounge with comfortable chairs and tables placed around it.

The bathroom is dead ahead, is clean and kept up, though the poster of Audrey Hepburn staring at you while you urinate is a tiny bit disconcerting (unless you're into that).

The bartender will check your ID if you look under 36. There were two on staff. From beer to soda to water to wine to mixed drinks, they seem able to accommodate any taste. I don't drink, so I kept to water and a coke. I wasn't hassled about anything, so I tipped the bar pretty well with each drink.

The Rack. Filing down the length of the bar is th Rack. A DJ booth (the lasses provide their own tunes, which is nice), a lone pole, enough space for a single dancer to move comfortably and a wide low bar ringing the space where you can place drinks while each girl dances (at your peril because the ladies will sprawl and undulate all along the space). Nothing unusual here. Dollars placed upon the bar garner attention. If you're sitting there, you're expected to tip... standard procedure.

The private room consists of three booths with gauzy red fabric between them with wooden railing. They look rickety at first glance, but some girls really get athletic with their dances and they hold up fine. You pay beforehand per dance, always with the option of having more afterward. Again the ladies bring their own tunes here, so each dancer is unique. Country, R&B, pop, heavy metal and rock-- any musical taste can be accommodated and the girls may ask if you have a song or a style of music you like best. Cozy.

The girls. There were three ladies working with an audition scheduled, but who ended up being a no-show. These girls were nothing like bigger club dancers who, at times, were very obvious about the game they played and impersonal. The ladies here were very welcoming and warm, a friendly and cheerful "Hi!" from the young lady working the Rack when I first approached. The music is loud enough to enjoy, but also allow conversation and the girls aren't shy about talking to all the guys seated around. Being only three ladies working, they still managed to be very attentive despite the ratio of 3 to 1 which evened out as the night moved on.

These ladies are classy, comfortable, and beautiful. No sob stories or hustling for dances. I was never asked or pressured for a private dance by any of them, but got to speak with them at length about anything and eventually had to ask about the private dances, in one case talking from stage set to stage set with a girl who never made mention of the private rooms until I asked.

There's no flattery or bullshitting from them, which if you're like me and a bit far from perfect looking, is easy to see through. Each patron vibes with the dancers individually in their own way, and there's no feeling of your wallet being hoovered simply because you're standing there. It's just people having a good time.

The private dances don't feel short or rushed. They are full nude. There's a feeling of community amongst the girls and patrons that shines through stereotypes.

Note: "No touching the dancers" seems to be a theme, even in the private rooms. If you're looking to get your grope on, this probably isn't your place. Same for "extras" from the dancers, so seek out someplace else if that's your thing.

Just sit back, enjoy and be generous if your dancer thrills you with her craft. A little kindness goes a long way.

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