Smoky but Fun

In Detroit on business, and managed two trips to the Landing Strip, Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon. I've been to this club two or three times a year since the late 1980s, and while it can be "hit or miss," for me the good times outweigh the bad by a decent margin. The club is nicely-maintained but not luxurious, and dancer variety is usually good, plus it is convenient to DTW. Valet parked both days (no alternative to the $7 charge), no cover, found a seat at the bar. The club layout hasn't changed in years (since they moved the VIP from the loft above the bar to downstairs. Long main stage with 2-3 dancers onstage at any time; small tables on either side of the stage, booths along the walls, and a rectangular bar with seating on all sides. Friday mid-afternoon had a good crowd, with 12-15 dancers on staff; Saturday, a little bit lighter crowd when I was there. Drinks are in line with other strip clubs--$10.75 for call liquor. Decent service at the bar. As is usual for the LS, a wide range of appearance among the dancers, most in the 6-8 range. About half AA, but lots of different looks and ages (including a couple close to "stripper retirement." Also as usual, I noted variance in the hustle factor--a few constantly looking for VIP customers, others more laid-back and willing to let things happen. Ran into a dancer I had spent time on a previous visit; she remembered both me and my VIP preferences. VIP is downstairs; tipped the bouncer $10 and had a fine time both days. VIP rooms have decent padded bench seating and thick curtains; seemed clean enough, but I've been to enough clubs to know not to look too close.

On Saturday, I stayed to watch some NCAA basketball, and hung out with a low-pressure dancer. Z** and I had a great time talking (she had been a competitive athlete, and made for good company). Food is just OK, and (as noted in other reviews) the club is smoky. Not sure whet the regulations are in Michigan, but if you're going to tolerate cigarettes, invest in some better ventilation! Overall, the Landing Strip remains on my Metro Detroit list.