That nostalgic but empty feeling

I've been coming here for years, mostly for mileage and the on-the-way location to my final destination. I keep hoping things will start swinging back to where they were (less nickel and diming by management, younger, hotter dancers) and , mostly, I keep getting disappointed.

Arrived around 1:30pm, paid the $5 cover, and there was about 10 customers (slow) and 10 or 11 dancers, but not everyone was paired off. There was the usual pack of three dancers by the corner at one end of the bar near the restrooms, switching between looking at their phones and the custies, trying to pick a weak one out of the thin herd. The dancers are mostly South American, and several are in their 40s, having been there long enough to be collecting a pension anywhere else. The spirit is willing, but the flesh very handled and starting to sag on many.

I did spot two new(er) dancers, probably Connecticut natives, but from my generous participation at the rail during their stage time. I didn't think either would be enough fun in the VIP room, which is still +$20 (above your $20 dances) to the doorman for each time you go in (Management has killed it for the dancers and the customers both),; one didn't even take her top off on stage (a rarity at EB). Nonetheless, I tried the more spirited (and curvier) of the two any way in the VIP and I was right. Having not gotten what I went for, I caught the attention of one of the old timers who was still in great shape and was always eager to deliver a good time.