Pleasantly surprised

Had never been to “The Boat” but had a few buddies speak highly of cheap drinks and the atmosphere. Arrived around 1pm on a Friday and was surprised to see the parking lot 1/3 full (thought it would be dead). Facilities have been described in earlier posts, but to reiterate, parking lot is fenced and monitored by the door man. I would have felt comfortable parking there day or night. It’s off the street so if discretion is an issue that’s a plus. Greeted by the door man who briefly wanded me and told me about the daily special ($1 burger and fries I think). He didn’t escort me in. I did not have to scan an ID or “sign in” as previous reviews mentioned, but I assumed the security would be a little more lax in the afternoon.

Inside, surprised to see a fair amount of customers. Based on the previous reviews, I assumed Friday afternoon would be fairly quiet. Once you clear security there is a short staircase down to the main floor. VIP/CR to the left, 3 stages in front (1 main, 2 alternate, all have poles). Bar on the right. Bar was smaller than I had imagined, maybe 8-10 seats and all occupied by who I assumed were regulars. I had wanted to sit at the bar and I was disappointed it was crowded, so I decided to grab a drink and find a seat on the floor. I waited quite awhile for the bartender to return (5 minutes); hot and tall blonde but didn’t converse much. I asked about specials and it was 2 for 1 wells and I think $2.50-$4.50 for domestic drafts. I asked for an 805 which was served in a small (8oz?) glass. $8 plus $2 tip, but I wasn’t there to drink.

Made a lap around the main floor looking for a seat. I say main floor as the bar and 3 stages are on one level a few steps below the entrance, VIP/CR are a few steps back up, and men’s room is a flight of stairs below. Mirrors on the wall opposite the main door with a single row of arm chairs and tables between, in one row against the mirrors. Other 4 top tables throughout, and seats on the rail at each stage. Fairly dark, but the stages are light enough to see. Several black lights of course. A couple neon signs that are a little distracting. After checking out the room I chose a seat by the mirrors (maybe 10 feet from the stage, but no other seats between those and the rail). Other reviewers suggested that side and it seemed like a little more spread out as opposed to a table.