MNF at Minks

Visited Mink's tonight to catch the last half of Monday Night Football, around 8:30 PM. For those who don't know the background, for years half the building had been a sex shop, which I'm sure couldn't have made much money. The other half was (and is) a decent sized strip club. A few years ago new ownership changed the sex shop into a fully functioning sports bar -- wraparound bar, six or eight TVs, pool tables, and one small stage dubbed "the sports stage." I have been going to Minks and its predecessors in that location off an on for years, but tonight was the first time I had been in the sports bar and I was impressed.

The location is deceptively good. It's in an industrial area but that industrial area is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and retail spots, so it is well-lit and seems completely safe. The parking lot is not huge, and is very narrow, but there is more than enough room for the crowds Minks gets.

The entry for both the club and sports bar sides is the same; once inside, you can go right to the sports bar or left to the club. The bouncer scanned my ID and wanded me, but there was no cover. I assume that's just a weekday thing but I didn't ask. He directed me to the sports bar and said it's the only bar open; the club bar was still closed.