A Throwback

I've probably driven by this place a hundred times, gone to the opposite end of the block to An Xuyen Bakery (which I highly recommend, by the way, if you're into good pastries) countless times. Never went in here, because it's just tucked into a bunch of other establishments. Actually, strange as it may seem, didn't know it was a strip club until a year or two ago. Always thought it was some kind of grungy biker bar. This day, I had time to waste, and was kinda looking for a place to catch the end of the 49ers-Seahawks game before heading out to a dinner.

The place is smack dab in a neighborhood/business section of Foster, so there's no parking. Find it where you can and walk in. Yes, there will be that slightly awkward walk to the door, mainly because there's the lot of food carts right next to it. Now, when I rounded the corner and got to the front, I saw a white building that said Seductions, advertising live nude dancers. Uh, I thought I was going to Devils Point. Is this a situation where Devils Point is the bar, and Seductions is the strip joint, or is this a Club 205 vs. Mystic situation? Played it safe and went into the black building, following some guy who'd just finished up talking on the phone.

Walked in, and it's pitch black with red lighting. After getting my bearings straight, scoped out the place. Bar to the left, machines to the right, and in the back room, tables strewn about with a single stage. There were two other patrons, both at the stage with a dancer, one dancer at the bar, prepping, and the bartender and another dude. Now, I was slightly disappointed that no one had the game on, but I decided to make due and stick it out.

I got my drink and chilled, checking the place out. There were a total of three girls, all of whom I'd consider quintessential Portland girls, although all were totally different. While I just sat there and watched TV, every now and then spinning in my chair like a kid, checking the place out, I noticed a couple things I really liked. I was half expecting some kind of grungy rock music playing, and the dancers doing their typical two 2-minute songs and then scurrying off the stage, sometimes jumping into the lap of the big tipper. It's what happens at every other place I've been to, why wouldn't I expect any different here?

Didn't happen at all. These girls danced to slow, sensual music. They danced to what seemed like entire songs. Most importantly? These girls danced. While other places have girls quickly moving to taking clothes off and showing off while maybe doing a couple spins on the pole, these girls moved, used the stage, got sexy without being slutty (if that makes any sense).