Rick Reopening

Decided to stop by Ricks to see what has changed since Minnesota reopened bars and restaurants due to COVID. I stopped by on a Wednesday afternoon around 3:00. There was no cover to enter but they take your temp and write down your name and phone number. I’ve described the interior in prior reviews so no need to do that again as everything was pretty normal with the exception of no bar seating. However they added high top tables near the bar so it felt relatively the same. I ordered a coors light bottle which is now priced at $11. I believe last time it was $9.25.

This afternoon I believe there was three or four other patrons plus me. Two guys had a reserved table with some sort of bottle service. To my surprise there was 8-10 girls working, which seemed high for a weekday afternoon, but given that they had recently reopened and the governor has set bar closing times at 10:00 I’m guessing the afternoon shift girls and nigh shift girls are overlapping somewhat. Not surprising, the reserved table guys had four or five girls hanging out with them. I took a seat near the stage but not right up on it to scan the talent for the afternoon. There was a good mix and variety of girls. After watching several stage dances one of the girls came over. She was very young looking and not my type. We chatted for a bit but we weren’t connecting. She asked if I wanted a dance, but I politely declined. While I was talking with her I noticed a very attractive Latina who I made eye contact with. As soon as the first dancer left, she came over. Her name was M. We talked for a bit near the stage but then she asked if I wanted to sit near the bar and get another drink, which I was happy to do. I got another beer and bought her a drink too. I don’t remember exactly what or how much it was but in the $12-15 range. M was a good conversationalist and we talked for awhile. Eventually she asked if I wanted a dance,which I did. I’ve normally just done the fireplace room which is a semi private area where you get 5 songs for $150. Sometimes you have this room to yourself and other times there are other patrons and girls there too. Typically we’re alone or with one other couple. However this time I decided to check out the more private rooms where you’re alone with the dancer. The cost for these rooms is $370 for 30 minutes or $550 (managers special) for an hour. I’m not really sure if there’s a special but that’s what they called it. I was really enjoying my time with M so I opted for the one hour. She was definitely worth the time in fact I’m pretty sure we went over time. She never asked for a tip but given how long we were back there and the dances she provided were great I tipped her $100.

Overall I was pleased with ricks reopening and happy to see not much has changed. Masks are required but once you have a drink in front of you you’re not required to keep them on. Dancing in the main area the girls kept their masks on but in the private rooms it’s up to the dancer and patron. Overall I had a decent time.