Pricey - Beautiful - Typical

So Rick's got my visit mainly because it was closest to my hotel and basically all the 'upscale' NYC clubs are going to be overpriced, stuck-up rip-offs. Rick's is located mid-block in an area where it seems safe but you'd not be surprised to encounter some strange dudes hanging around (okay - so I just described all of NYC!). Entrance is your typical guys in suits out front to make it look cool - walk in and pay your $20 cover. This is where the NYC BS starts -- you pay your cover ($20 for me) and then wait for a 'host' to come and get you to bring you into the club. They do this with everyone so just play the game.

My host asked if I wanted a table or the bar and I opted for the bar figuring that would be easier to watch the entertainment w/o constant hustle. As folks know - this is a topless club. The too-small bar in on the far wall when you enter. The main stage is a nice-sized, two story platform where 1-2 girls will do 2 song sets - show their titties and then head off to where they can make $$. As others have commented, NYC is not a stage tipping environment. There is a small satellite stage near the bar and this was in operation when I was there - more people were tipping at the satellite, but still very few.

I ordered a whiskey ($15) and in very short order had a lovely lady sit down and start chatting. We had a very pleasant conversation and then a manager comes over - and whisks her away so that ended far too quickly. It wasn't long before a far-more charming and gorgeous brunette slipped in. I offered her a drink and her response was "I only drink champagne" - which is usually a bad sign but on this night I was happy to go along with the request. We ordered a nice bottle - share a glass with the bar tender and chatted about the basic friendly bs while she's convincing me that my world would turn upside down if I did a VIP Room with her. In all fairness -- she really didn't push or promise but her company was delightful and I figured with the Knicks game ending soon the place would get crazy and if I was going to do anything with anyone that night "G" was the one.