I've been traveling to Seattle almost...

I've been traveling to Seattle almost monthly since late 2010, yet never stopped in to Deja Vu. I finally decided to give it a go this evening, since there aren't any other clubs in the immediate area around Pike Place.

Let's start with first impressions. I was turned off by the $20 door fee, but then found out that covers all soft drinks, so it's actually not too bad, even if you tip a buck for each drink. Next impression: Clean, roomy club. However, I thought it odd, and a bit awkward, that nobody was sitting in the lounge chairs at the stage; rather, everyone was staying in the middle/back rows. Maybe they wanted to avoid tipping? Maybe the front row was closed for the night? Being the new guy, I stayed back for the first 2 dancers (which were quite boring), and finally couldn't take it any more. Off to the front row I went.

As it turns out, the girls perk up with front-row patrons. After a few $1 tips, they tend to steer their dancing in your direction, with the occasional visit to your chair. I recommend a front-row position, even though it'll cost more in tips than if you hide in the back-row shadows. Although: if you want to avoid private-dance solicitation, the front row is the place to be, as the girls generally leave you alone.