Dive Bar With All Virtues Thereof

The Detroit strip club market is famous in certain circles (such as this very forum) for a large number of clubs where "full service" can be found. Unlike many metro areas where that service is confined to a single club, or a few trashier venues, in the Detroit* market you can pretty well find whatever you're looking for at anything from the upscale establishments to the dive bars. (* Over the last 2-3 years this has sadly come to exclude clubs within the City of Detroit, where repeated police crackdowns have forced some clubs out of business and made extras virtually impossible inside the city limits).

Bogart's is an institution that unapologetically falls in the "dive bar" category, which is not without its fair share of virtues. The rather dilapidated building off Michigan Avenue contrasts starkly with the glittering neon of Flight Club across the street, but you can park your own car at no charge and walk in the door for only a $5 cover day or night, so remember what they say about "all that glitters." Make sure to keep the ticket they hand you, as the waitresses will need to be sure you paid your cover charge when ordering your first drink.

Stepping through the turnstile the club's layout is "efficient" to use a real estate euphemism. The main T-shaped stage and one satellite are in a raised area to the right with surrounding seating. More chairs flank the stage on the low side, parallel to the bar with tables and bench seating between. Another low stage is on the far end of the room near the DJ booth and entrance to the restrooms.