Good time at afternoon
PLACE: Club Cabaret is housed in a rather unassuming, single-story building that gives off a definite no-frills, industrial-park vibe from the outside. Stepping inside, the main room is a long, rectangular space with the bar running along the left wall and a central stage at the far end, flanked by two smaller, semi-private dance areas cordoned off by short partitions. The cleanliness was acceptable for the genre; the main floor and tables were wiped down, though the carpet showed its age and the dim lighting certainly hid a multitude of sins. Speaking of lighting, it was the standard mix of dim overhead spots and colored stage LEDs, creating a sufficiently shadowy atmosphere without being pitch black. The "thug factor" felt low; the crowd was mostly blue-collar guys keeping to themselves, and the single bouncer by the door seemed attentive but not intimidating. The music level was loud, as expected, primarily pumping out mainstream hip-hop and classic rock, but it wasn't so overpowering that you couldn't hold a conversation at your table. The DJ’s annoyance factor was moderate; his between-song banter was minimal and he stuck to the music rather than trying to be the night's hype man.
PEOPLE: On a Wednesday night, the dancer roster was modest but adequate, featuring about eight girls working the room. The ethnic mix was diverse, with a fairly even split between Caucasian, African American, and one Latina dancer. Their attitudes were a mixed bag, which is typical for a slower weeknight. A couple of the women seemed genuinely engaged, making friendly small talk and maintaining eye contact, while others had a more perfunctory, transactional approach, going through the motions without much visible enthusiasm. None seemed particularly unhappy to see new customers, but the warmth felt more professional than personally welcoming. The stage rotation was steady, and while the dance quality varied significantly, one of the Caucasian dancers displayed impressive pole work that stood out from the rest, who relied on more basic floor-level moves.
PRICE: Understanding the cost structure is key here. The cover charge at the door was $10. Domestic beers on tap were $5, while bottled premiums like Crown Royal were $8. The main attraction, the private dances, are conducted in the open but semi-private alcoves. The standard rate is $25 per song, and the songs are the full radio-edit length, not the truncated 90-second versions you find at some clubs. The dancers were firm on the one-song, one-customer rule for the $25 price and did not offer multi-song discounts. It’s also worth noting that all transactions with the dancers are cash-only, while the bar does accept credit cards for drink tabs.
SUMMARY: My willingness to return to Club Cabaret is conditional. I would definitely consider it again if I were in the Creve Coeur area and seeking a low-pressure, no-pretense environment to have a few beers and see some dancers without a high-end club's cover charge or dress code. The lack of a threatening atmosphere and the fair pricing on drinks are significant positives. However, I would not make a special trip solely for this club, as the overall energy was a bit lacking and the dance quality, with one or two exceptions, was merely average. For the business traveler with one night in town, it's a safe and affordable option to kill an evening, but don't arrive with expectations of a world-class gentlemen's club experience.
