Visited Rick's Cabaret late afternoon on...

Visited Rick's Cabaret late afternoon on a Thursday in early Dec 2012, and again late afternoon on a Thursday just before end of Dec 2012. Located in midtown Manhattan, this is a very convenient club. It's just a couple avenues from Penn Station. There's a parking lot right next to the club that offers $15 parking after 5 or 6 pm. The club has a nice appearance outside with a doorman. Just inside the club there's a coat check and cashier. No cover before 6 pm (maybe even later). A friendly host asked where I wanted to sit. Chose a table in middle of club..

The club has 3 levels. The first main level is an rectangular space with a large stage on one end, and a small stage in front of the bar on the other end. Lots of comfortable table seating throughout. There are a couple of small couches along the walls as well. LDs costing $20 per song take place at the tables on the main floor. It's very cool checking out LDs all around while also taking in stage dances. Creates an opportunity to preview dancers, checking for technique, hints of mileage and intimacy level. Unfortunately, boob touching is not allowed during LDs. This sometimes results in low mileage dancers getting away with selling low mileage VIP sessions. Happened to me. Ughh! Buyer beware, YMMV...widely.

The second level of the club is a restaurant that overlooks the first level stage. Looking forward to trying a meal there. The third level is a relatively quiet VIP area. You can still hear music, but it's not as loud as main level. Privacy is very good in VIP with spacious, curtained booth/rooms that have a wide couch, chair and a couple of side tables in each. I understand there are cameras, so the dancers are cautious. VIP starts at $150 for 15 minutes, plus tips and drinks. If you use a CC, the dancer's cut is paid to her in club funny money, which carries a certain percentage cut for the club. You'll also have to leave a thumb print if you use a CC. Better to always pay cash. An ATM is available on premises.