Bogart's Still Like a Favorite Old Movie

Returned to Michigan recently on a work trip and, having a recent Tuesday off, decided to head over to one of my old haunts - Bogart's. Not much has changed. As they say, "the faces and the names change, but the game remains the same."

Bogart's is a small club facing Michigan Ave. The lot is small and rough, but parking is usually not too much of an issue. I usually go to a bar with the intention of having some drinks, so I usually just Uber in/out. If you're staying at an airport area hotel, I recommend that over a car rental. Will be about $35-$50 round trip. There's no charge for parking if you drive, but the doorman will collect a $5 cover charge upon entry. You can get a pass for the nearby Henry's at this time, in case you don't see what you like. Inside there is a smallish center stage with two smaller side stages in use. They run an organized stage rotation like at most places. The long bar is along the wall opposite the main stage. The upstairs VIP area is at the entry end of the building, and the restrooms are on the other end. They have a kitchen with a small menu of decent and tasty food if you are hungry. You'll pay $20 or so for a meal including tip. They're going to be expecting you to order some drinks, but how many I don't know since I come here to drink. Whiskeys were $13 each, except for the occasional special when the price is reduced to $5 for a short time. One more thing: this is a smoking establishment. If you detest cigarette smoke, do not come here. You will smell like the bottom of an ashtray when you leave. I'm a smoker, so it's a relief for me to not to have to go outside to light up. Not the cleanest club in the world, but I have to say it's not completely gross either.

There were about 8 or 10 girls working. Don't expect Playboy models here and you'll be fine. This place is kind of a dichotomy in that it can be what you want it to be. If you want a bar, it's a bar. If you want it to be a strip club, it can be a strip club. You can go upstairs and get some standard dances for $20 per song, or on Tuesday for $10 per song. Be aware that $10 dances are "air dances." You won't be having any contact, except possibly with yourself. And if that's you on a budget, then go for it. You won't be frowned upon. On the other hand, if you want Bogart's to be Fantasy Island, then it can definitely be that. Feel free to tell any girl you are talking to what it is you would like. 9 times out of 10 you'll be given a price that can usually be negotiated down. You will not piss off anyone by negotiating here. You may not agree on a price, but there won't be any acrimony. If you want to have some real fun, you can pre-negotiate usually in the range of $150-$200 dollars for just about whatever you want. You might give in for a little more, but probably not more than 25-30% more.