At Your Own Risk

Back in the Lou for another round, I spent this past weekend at Dollie's Playhouse. This club is not easily accessed off the freeway; in fact, it is in the heart of the Washington Park neighborhood of East St. Louis. That may be a red flag for some--for good reason--and it would be advisable not to come visit this area in the evening on a weekend. Against my better judgment, I decided to take the risk anyway. If you drive a really nice car, be aware the parking lot is not gated nor monitored; nor is it paved or well-lit like the other clubs in the area. The outside of the building does not look very inviting, either.

Inside the club, cover charge that night was four dollars, and a sign says there is a two drink minimum. They do have four beers on tap--all Anheuser-Busch products. (STL is the headquarters of Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and it is a National Historic Landmark after all. You can tour the complex for free and enjoy two free glasses of any Anheuser-Busch product in the Hospitality Room after the tour. And if you're into horses, you can observe the famous Budweiser Clydesdales exercise in the field and see their places in the carriage house.) A draft beer was four dollars; large for seven fifty. The chairs are comfortable for short periods of time, but they--like the club in general--are quite run down and in need of urgent repair.

Six girls were working the rounds that night, five black and one white. There's a pool table and three dance floors--one with a pole. Only the pole was in use at the time. The girls rotate every three songs via a jukebox, and the hustle factor is comfortably low. Each one of them will come talk to you and offer the VIP menu. Ages ranged from early to late twenties, and none of them repulsive for once. Unfortunately, the VIP room is disappointing.