The Harem is still a fun...

The Harem is still a fun club. Two changes from my last visit (in 2012). The club is now non-smoking inside, which makes hanging out without smelling like an ashtray possible. The second change is, the dancers now wear pasties. Idiotic, but what are you going to do? The Harem is easy to find from I-75, just north of Needmore Road on Dixie Drive. Big sign, big parking lot, no charge during the day.

Inside, the club appears larger than expected, with a high-ceilinged main room, a large center stage, and a few small satellite stages around. There's a second-floor balcony with DJ booth and VIP couches; the lap dance room is a large open space with benches around the perimeter. Not much privacy, but everybody seemed to mind their own business. Drinks were cheap by strip club standards--half-price during the afternoons, I was told.

The dancers on day shift were not much to write home about; median rating about a 6. Dancers did two-song sets on stage, with not much energy; that said, a dollar or two in tips earned a surprising amount of affection. Once offstage, dancers circulated to offer lap dances; most customers seemed to find what they were looking for. My impression was, customers bought a beer, found their favorite dancer, hit the back room, and moved on. Dancers set their own prices for the lappers. I received offers ranging from 2 for $30 to $25 per song. Letting the inmates run the asylum is fine by me, but the Harem seems to be a place to use your negotiating skills.