I've been to a lot of...

I've been to a lot of clubs all over North America. This is one of the nicer ones. It's not so upscale as to be uptight or uncomfortable, it's a very relaxed atmosphere. It's sort of like the sign my mom had when I was a kid, "My kitchen is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be happy." The club itself is very clean and the staff are friendly and attentive. They serve food, which I've never tried, but that may have something to do with it. The place has to pass a health inspection I assume.

The cover is $5, at least on weekdays. I went a little earlier in the day once and got in without paying. Don't know if I snuck in or if there's no cover before a certain hour. Drinks are reasonable for this sort of club. I don't remember if I've ever ordered alcohol here. I'm working about 90 miles away, so have a long drive after I visit. Bottled water or soft drinks are $3, which is high but not out of line given the venue. When a ballpark can get $10 for a beer, $3 for a Coke is cheap.

Music is more rock than hip-hop, which I appreciate, and is not so loud that you can't carry on a conversation. The DJ seems to understand that HE is not the featured entertainment. Too many of these guys think THEY are the show, and add a running commentary to the dancer's routine. The DJ at the Sports Cabaret limits himself to tasteful comments about the "lovely ladies," how many songs they have left in their set, and who's up next. That sort of restraint is admirable and refreshing.