Some new faces, some good (pricey) dances

Hustler is one of the better clubs in the St. Louis area. It's a short drive across the river from downtown St. Louis, and is right at the highway exit so you don't have to venture too far into the depths of the slummier area of Washington Park. The parking lot has acquired some cavernous holes, but is otherwise large and well lit. There's usually a light pat down on the way in. They check and scan your ID when taking the cover charge.

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Cover the last couple of visits has been $18.50, when it used to be a simple $20. Different people occasionally hand out free-pass cards. With one of those, the cover was $8.50. I think the charges are technically split between entrance and getting access to the lap-dance area, so if you know you're not getting lap dances you can probably get in cheaper. Note that the passes don't work on Tuesdays, when they have their drink special. I've also had it declined on other days when they had a feature, though that didn't happen this time around.

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The club inside hasn't changed in some time. It's large and brightly lit. There's a big central bar with stools around it, a large heart-shaped main stage on one side, and a tiny caged stage on the other. The floor has a bunch of small tables with upholstered chairs. Everything's in decent shape and clean. Waitresses circulate frequently and I had speedy service at the bar.