I've been coming to the Tennyson...

I've been coming to the Tennyson lodge, nestled in the middle-class Pittsburgh suburb of Bethel Park, for about 2 years now. This is truly the mom-and-pop shop of strip clubs. Low ceilings, thick cigarette smoke, salt-of-the-earth bartenders/owner, and mostly friendly girls really give this club a local dive bar feel. There seems to be a broad range of clientele - from older regulars completely content to remain at the bar with their marlboros and chat up anyone sitting to close to younger guys with tongues wagging at the gyrating bodies in front of them. DJ Marty is there most nights. He's adequate. He can play a little too much metal if he's in a mood on a particular night. Although he is very open to suggestions usually and will continue playing songs afterhours if paid lap dances are still pending. The girls are quite hit or miss in the looks department. For every hott new 19-year old hire, there is a very road weary 40 something with stretch marks and cellulite soon to take the stage. Also, it's worth mentioning that some of the girls are clearly under the influence of drugs at work which can be disconcerting. They also have a tendency to get wrapped up with cigarettes and conversations with regulars for hours at a time, completely disregarding other customers.

The best part of the Tennyson in my opinion is the VALUE. Cover is usually $5. Drinks are quite reasonable. If you are sitting at the stage most girls will be more than happy with the $1 stage tip. Private dances are $20 per song prepaid and value/mileage is quite high. The rooms are 3 curtain covered booths right on the show floor. Most girls will allow you full contact with enthusiasm and intimacy. I've also noticed that the girls very rarely haggle for extra tips. There is no VIP room option. To put it simply, this may be the best strip club value-wise in the pittsburgh area.

The worst part of the Tenny would have to be the lapdance system. If you want a dance, you tell the bartender which girl and then prepay for the number of songs. This system works fine if the place isn't busy. However, when it's crowded on a weekend night, this method completely falls a part. The girls (especially the intoxicated ones) are often unaware how many customers are in line for dances and in which order. I've waited over an hour for a dance from a popular girl after paying. However the bartenders will offer refunds if you're tired of waiting from my experience. I understand that the protocols with the private dance money are in place to prevent the girls from stealing the club's money but it just leads to confusion and anxiety for the customer.