Welcome competition to the scene, but still has work to do.

So far I’ve visited twice since this place has reopened as Spearmint Rhino, a few years ago it was The Penthouse Club. The basic layout is the same, but everything has been redone and looks clean and fresh. The stage is a little smaller, and there are more tables and seating than before. The first time I was there, Sunday of opening weekend, there was a decent selection of out-of-town girls working. The second time, a Wednesday in mid December the quality of dancers went down a notch or 2, but it still seemed like mostly non-locals.

Between both visits, I only recognized two dancers from other local clubs, and I’ve since seen them back at their original clubs. The $20 dances are done on the floor at tables. This puts SR at a disadvantage compared to just about every other club in the area. The cheapest “private” option is 15 minutes for $125. Those are done in what was Penthouse’s lapdance room, with basically the same 6 divided booth layout. The booths have large partitions separating each other, but no privacy from others walking by to get to their booth.

Mileage on the floor and private dances was OK, typical grinding and groping, no kissing or stick shifting. Cover was $10. Beer was $5 IIRC. It’s still too early to give a final verdict because a lot will depend on how the dancer lineup settles after the newness wears off. For better or worse, it seems the ownership is much too corporate for this to turn into the whorehouse that was Penthouse.