a visit to a roadhouse; should have kept driving

This club qualifies as a roadhouse, which the dictionary defines as “a tavern, an inn, a dance club, or a nightclub on a country road.” What this definition does not state explicitly is that a roadhouse is also a place where elicit behavior like gambling and drinking occurs. Based on the offers I received from the dancers at this club regarding extras, this place meets this roadhouse expectation as well.

I arrived around 10 on a Friday night and there were already a lot of cars in the lot. I was screened by the bouncers, paid the $25 cover and headed upstairs (the club is on the second floor). At the top of the stairs I found a bar to the right, restrooms to the left and the stage area straight ahead. The stage is elevated, has a central pole and has stools around the perimeter. There is a second, small stage off to the right. The performance area has comfortable benches and tables around the outside of this space. Consistent with the atmosphere expected of a roadhouse, the club was dark, plain and run-down.

Once inside I noticed that there were not many patrons in the club despite all the cars in the lot. Most of the cars must have belonged to the 20+ on staff (12-15 dancers, 4 barmaids, 4 bouncers, and one girl who collected the cover). There were certainly less than 20 patrons in the club over the time I was there, and this seemed to be a source of consternation for the dancers.