Good to know some things never change

I finally made it back to the Hiphugger after many many years. In fact, I went there twice on this trip, both late on weeknights. I was surprised by how little had changed. It was as if neither COVID nor this recent inflation ever happened! One of the girls I spoke with told me “the only thing that’s changed around here are the girls” and I have to agree.

The club is still $5 to get in, $10 for laps, and since there are no seats at the stage the dancers tend to make their rounds through the “crowd” after their three songs are done, asking “are you tipping tonight?” To my surprise some of these local guys actually push back on giving even a single dollar.

That said, there is zero pressure in this club to get lap dances. I’d even say that sometimes it’s difficult to get the attention of the dancer you’d like to see. Often they sit with locals and regulars and don’t solicit dances from tourists. I had some luck approaching the stage and tipping (rare in this club) and just telling the dancer I’d like to spend time with them after their set.

The VIP is definitely not private but at the same time I think the management stopped paying attention a long time ago. I didn’t spend a lot of time back there, so your mileage may vary, but the rules were that touch was okay (even encouraged) except for bikini area, and no kissing etc.

Everybody at the Hiphugger was really laid back and friendly with me. It’s got a neighborhood bar feel and seems like an inexpensive locals favorite. If you go, look for Ginger as she was especially nice to hang out with