Pandora's aka Old Faithful

Like a faded, worn-out shirt, Pandora's ain't always pretty but it's very comfortable. Walking in, getting the $15 cover/drink charge and temperature taken by an ex-dancer I know, sitting in my usual spot - it's like nothing's changed. A few things have changed. Yes, the bathroom's better. Yes, there are now curtained-off private rooms - although no dancer who approached me even mentioned them. They could stand to turn down the house lights a little bit more in the main area - but the Playground area is nice and dark.

This day started slow - at first just a couple of dancers doing long two-song sets. Eventually a roster of regulars showed up: Monse and Ava, who immediately have fanboys ready to play; Entice, who wanders over with no top on (is that a thing now?) and delivers a speech about her menu. I've sampled from that menu before and I pass (too mechanical for my liking.) A Russian (Slavic? Drunk?) dancer sits next to me and starts telling me what I'm sure was a VERY funny story that I didn't understand a word of. She leaves without asking me for a dance. Another blonde doesn't introduce herself, gives me a quick "Wouldyalikeadance" like she's filling a quota and walks away. A few more start milling in, as do a few more customers. Feels like old times.

And then there's Lola. She's a night shifter whose working day shift now, and so much better for the day shift. She does that thing that almost always gets me to try a dance: she sits next to me and starts a real conversation. We get back to the playground, do a 3-for-100 set that goes farther than most. After our session I go back to my table and hang out. After her next stage appearance, she comes back and asks if I want another round. I do. We work around my budget and we go about as far as you can go. Great vibe, fantastic service, will definitely repeat.