Star Strip used to be a...

Star Strip used to be a fun club, then went downhill more than a year ago. I could not find any recent reviews, so I decided to take one for the team and check it out on a weekend night. For the uninitiated, Star Strip is located two blocks from the Beverly center and few blocks from Melrose and Sunset night spots and restaurants.

There were about 15 dancers, two really beautiful but the majority about average. Some have been here for as far back as I can recall. The club has several stages that used to be filled with customers, including a constant flow of oriental tourist groups. During my visit, the most customers at any point were less than ten (in spite of the LA Weekly coupons for free entry until 11:00 PM). The club has topless laps for $30. Only one customer did repeat laps, while two others did one lap each. At the tip rail, there were between one and five customers at different times.

The strongest impression I kept getting during my entire visit was the bad vibes from the dancers. They seemed bored and edgy. They asked for laps in an unappealing way. Some would not take no for an answer. Two girls separately offered me 2-for-1 as a sales pitch. The club doesn't have 2-for-1 specials, so I was a bit suspicious as I was ripped off before in this club. The girl said if I got a lap from her we would do A, B, and C. I went back with her, and she wouldn't do anything. When I told her you said we would do A, B, and C, she just stared at me while continuing her air dance. When she was done, she asked "would you like another dance?" It was surreal, actually bordering on amusing.