The previous reviews on the Van...

The previous reviews on the Van Nuys Rhino are a bit limp, so in the interest of public service, let me fill you in on the real story.

This is about as upscale as it gets, at least in the Valley. The prices are also upscale. The dancers are pretty much 6 to 8, with a couple of 9s depending on when you stop by. When you enter the club after you pay the cover charge, you'll see a bar to your right front, part of which can be used as a second stage, and a main stage beyond the bar surrounded by the ubiquitous chairs and tables. The main stage is always occupied, the bar stage is occupied during the busy hours.

The many times that I've been there, which has varied on days and times, there has always been a fairly high dancer to patron ratio. This means that when you enter and sit down, you're likely to be approached by a dancer either to start talking or for a dance. If she isn't you're cup of tea, just say that you need to chill out for a bit, have a (soft) drink, and take a look around at what's available once your eyes adjust to the darkness. The ladies here are nothing if not polite, and they'll back off if they sense that you're not interested.