This review covers two visits on...

This review covers two visits on a Thursday--one in the early afternoon, which was fun, and a return visit that evening, which was a bust. Such is the life of a PL. The Cricket is easy to find on Michigan Avenue, with convenient free parking behind the building. No cover during the day, $10 at night. Nice, well-maintained physical plant; reasonably attentive bartender, unobtrusive management. One rectangular stage with two poles in the center of the main room; lighting and sound OK but nothing special. Overall, a "neighborhood club" feel; most of the customers appeared to be regulars. During the day, there must have been a 2-for-1 drink special.

Dancer talent on day shift was OK, nothing to write home about; 8-10 girls, mostly 6-7/10; three AA girls, the rest were white. Many dancers seemed to hang out with their regulars; during my day visit a young, vivacious AA dancer with big glasses and a great smile stopped by to talk after I tipped her on stage. We had a good conversation, and later I sprung for some lap dances--$20 each, no VIP tax, no extras on offer but good two-way contact. Based on this positive experience, I stopped back after dinner, paid the cover, and immediately noticed that it was "chubby girls' night." Oof. To my surprise, the night shift gals were a step or two below day shift talent, with way too much belly fat and cottage cheese butts for me to be interested. One quick drink and I cut my losses.

In the future, I'll probably check the place out during the day. There's little downside risk, with no cover and no parking charge. But Detroit seems to have much better options at night--for the same cover charge and drink prices, I'll go for The Flight Club or BT's Dearborn and leave the parade of fatties for others.