The Heat is On

I was in the area on a Saturday afternoon and decided to drop in on the way home after confirming other recent reviews that Sugar 44 is completely empty. Club is on the Southwest corner of 7th St and Virginia Ave just a little north of I10. ADOT has been closing I10 in both directions on weekends so check Google Maps for directions or get on McDowell Rd and go North on 7th St. Parking is most convenient in the larger of two areas on the West side of the building. Good sign before going in was that all three parking areas were mostly full on an early Saturday afternoon. After parking, headed along the South side of the building, past the enclosed patio/smoking area and around to the entrance on 7th St.

Immediately at the entrance is a small counter with a cash register with a tip jar and a bouncer ready to greet you. The bouncer scanned the barcode on the back of my driver license and said "There's no cover charge but we would appreciate a tip for the jar and buy a couple of drinks while you're here, thank you". Threw a buck in the jar and headed toward the back. There's a long bar on the right running most of the way to the end of the large front part of the club. There's a small stage just opposite the bar but I have never seen it in use, maybe only used a night. The bathroom is just past the end of the bar, about the size of a walk in closet, definitely going to be rubbing shoulders if anyone else is in there, thankfully it's a troll free zone. There was about 2 or 3 girls hanging out at or across from the bar and there was about a half dozen barflies who appeared to be regulars. Continuing back is the main dance area. Immediately to the left is the DJ stand, directly ahead is a small circular stage with one pole and several small table and chairs surrounding the stage, never have seen anyone using them as pervert's row. To the right are some tables with two chairs and to the left are some couch areas, both sides are used for lap dances. All the way to the back is the VIP area, access gained from the left side. The VIP area has a short wall dividing it from the dance area, no one can be seen sitting down up there from the main dance area. Maybe 6 VIP small benches with a very small divider between, dark enough for a little privacy.

If you can speak Spanish it will definitely be a big asset in Bandaids, not required but many of the dancers may only know enough English to setup a dance interaction but not a conversation. The girls shall I say are a little on the thicker side and on a purely subjective personal scale in the 3-5 range on looks. The girls are friendly, not pushy at all and will move on quickly if you decline an offer. There were about 12 girls working, stage sets were two songs without removing their tops. The music is mainly Hispanic and rap, DJ is OK and you can actually understand what he's saying. The waitress comes around every once in a while, doesn't push any drink minimum, $5 Coke with a $1 tip. I don't consume alcohol so don't know other drink prices.