Dive with Occasional Views

Dancin' Bare raised an eyebrow or two when I suggested it as the nearest strip club to our hotel. It seems the name may evoke different ideas to those now familiar with the homophonic "Dancing Bear" series of pornographic videos starring male strippers. That's homophonic, not homophobic. Grow up, friends

I stopped by the place on a Friday afternoon around four, just to scope it out on my way to my hotel for a conference. The afternoon was nearly dead, with four or five patrons and an indeterminate number of dancers, with significant wait times in between stage shows. Several ignored the rail patrons and scooped up tips without ceremony, but then one girl just eye-fucked me (and everyone else) until I was sure she was ready to give up the life and run away with me and me alone. She was ready to make a lap dance sale, but I was out of time before my conference was due to start, so I promised myself I would return after. Upon stepping away from the rail the spell was broken, and I could see more of the club for what it was. Old carpet, weirdly placed neon, and a bar staff neither attentive nor fun loving.

At nearly midnight I returned and sampled some food, finding their fried foods acceptable and greasy, fitting for a decent dive. The clientele had mostly work shirts and flannel as opposed to the business suits and collared shirts downtown. The stage girls seemed to be having a little fun with the show, but none were really popping for my tastes. After a drink or two, I walked out having spent little more than I could have at any dive bar (plus stage tips, of course.)