A few months back I had...

A few months back I had time to kill at the Detroit airport and, to make a long story short, cabbed to the Flight Club, didn’t enjoy it, so crossed the street (at considerable peril) to Bogarts and had a happier time. But I never wrote it up, partly because FC, to no good purpose, had drained me of the better portion of my funds. Recently I was back in Detroit and decided Bogarts was worth a return visit.

There is nothing here to suggest an “upscale” club. It’s a tired building – actually appropriate for Inkster, a tired city. It seems much more a local club offering respite for workers before they head home to the wife and cellulite. And no one is really pretending that stage dances, or even VIP dances, are the reason people come here. (Perhaps I should rephrase that!) For those familiar with certain Bridgeport, CT clubs a decade or so ago, Bogarts will seem like home – except that I think you’re somewhat less likely to get stabbed. There’s a safe vibe at Bogarts.

And pretty much anything normal is available. The girls are friendly – I never felt like I was the stranger not fitting in with the regulars. Most are a little older than at FC; looks and bodies tend to be in the OK range – no 22-year-old stunners – but literally no one I’d send away, either. Private dances are in reasonably private curtained booths off to the side. Girls seem happy to make small talk, during the course of which VIP options are likely to be suggested. I left feeling fulfilled. If I’m ever in the area again, I’ll definitely return.