Late Aug 2017 visit Barbarella's

Even though much of the road is blocked by construction, Barb's was accessible by a narrow sidewalk from both Lyon and Bay streets. Upon entry, I notice that the construction probably hampered business as there were only 3-4 other customers and the club only reached a maximum of about 10 around 9:30pm, before I left. The venue was clean, stage has two poles, and plenty of setting around the stage. Champagne room has 12 armchairs next to each other. Wooden panels are placed between every chair so adjacent chairs are not visible when sitting down, but otherwise there's no curtain separation. Stage and room lighting was mellow (nothing highly neon, reflective, or flashy...compared to other strip clubs), and DJ and music levels were average. No thug vibe just because it's Ottawa.

There was a rotation of 3 girls (1 blonde thin, 2 brunettes average build, ages 25-35) over the course of two hours. The order was something like 1 set topless, 1-2 song break, 1 set full nude, 10-15 minute break, 2nd dancer. Since there were almost no clientele in the club, I guess the dancer's general pace and enthusiasm commensurates with expected returns. On the other hand, the pole was quite low, and one dancer's foot almost grazed the ceiling when she performed an invert, so maybe they were avoiding crazier moves. As for soliciting dances, the dancers were not pushy at all.

I arrived just before 7 so there was no cover charge but I assume a drink was mandatory and I think it was $7 for a beer. Dances were $20 and one girl stopped to ask if I wanted to continue to the next song while the other just kept going. And if they don't ask, then I don't ask and went for the V grip and apparently got away with it. Some dancers tell you the rules at the start of the lap dance and some don't either because they don't care or are too out of it, so you got to go for that V because every time is your first time at a strip club and you don't know better.