This Isn't Baseball — Two Strikes, You're Out
I really wanted to like this place. Gave it every opportunity to shine. After two visits, though, I can't see myself returning for a third attempt. The club is located on a main road filled with car dealerships. Plenty of parking right out front. Ring the doorbell to enter. Paid a $5 cover and had my ID checked. Bar is immediately by the door, bathrooms to the right, and stage to the left past the bar. There's a jukebox for girls to pick their songs. VIP rooms are upstairs with both public couches and more private rooms available.
In addition to this recent visit, I had also made a stop at Cox's about a year and a half ago. On both occasions, I walked into the club to virtual silence, an empty stage, and bored looking dancers/staff. Is there any worse feeling to start a night? Totally deflating. This was about 10pm on a Friday which should theoretically be prime time. I heard one of the staff say something like, "Okay, let's get it started up" and one of the dancers headed over to the jukebox and stage. On my previous visit, I was there for over an hour and only one girl came out and danced. My decision to be merciful and give them another shot was apparently a mistake.
I grabbed a beer, whose price I forgot (maybe $7?), and headed over. The stage itself is fairly large with seating around three sides and additional seating against the walls. Overall, it's a very dark environment — even on the stage. Difficult to see the dancers. There isn't any kind of DJ announcing dancer names or anything. If you want a name, you have to ask. Only one or two proactively told me. In general, the dancers made very little use of the pole, opting for floor routines. Most went topless but I don't believe anyone went full nude on stage. Is it telling that I don't remember for sure? Two standouts on stage were Evie and Lily.
During Evie's stage set, she came over and asked, "Do you want to see a trick?" to which I said "Sure." She then said, "Okay, do you have a $20?" This would be the first of many red flags. We're in middle-of-nowhere West Virginia, not Pompano Beach. I should have just said, "No thanks" but offered to buy some VIP dances later instead. She came and sat by me shortly thereafter and immediately asked if I'd like to buy her a drink, which turned out to be $22 freaking dollars. Painful.
Now, I had done my research and knew the generally going rate for dances, but apparently they can individually set whatever custom rates they want. I can't recall her precise amounts, but she quoted roughly 1) $150 for 3 songs in the public couch space, 2) $350 for 15 minutes in the private room, and 3) $600 for 30 minutes in the private room. At first, I was confused and not sure I heard her correctly. I initially opted for just the 3 songs but she offered to "work with me" and do the 15 minutes for $300 which would be "a whole lot more fun." My dear fellow PLs, do not ignore the classic red flags. Do not be like me.
$300 later, she took me up to the private room with a curtain and a rather uncomfortable bench with only a tiny bit of padding. The room also had a pole. I did not notice a camera, but I'm sure there was one somewhere. I always make it a healthy habit to ask each dancer what their personal boundaries are regarding touching, and she immediately goes, "Ohhh, so this is a No-Touching Club." It took every ounce of restraint not to yell out "BULLSHIT" since I know that's 100% not true based on numerous other reviews here. She then said, "But I'm sure we can make an arrangement for another $50 and you can touch me." That was the last straw for me. The rest of the dance happened, but I was not mentally able to have a good time.
Let's not kid ourselves — Evie was gorgeous and sensual — but all the classic symptoms of GPS rip-off artist were there. Just know what you're getting yourselves into, gents.
I went back to the stage for a few more dancers in an attempt to clear my head, but to no avail. I headed out with lots of cash left unspent. I'm sure there are other good dancers at Cox's, but one bad apple ruins the whole bunch. Having boundaries is fine, but intentionally deceiving and up-selling is just toxic and not something I'll put up with. I won't be returning.
