Pricing Me Out

While I've been to The Admiral several times before, a Saturday night in late May was my first visit in probably a couple of years, partly because of an underwhelming experience last time and partly because it's not conveniently located for me. (I'm almost always in the west or south suburbs the couple of times a year I'm in town.) There's been a change in ownership since I was here last - it's now owned by the Pony franchise - and that's led to some important changes, though other things remain basically the same.

One thing that hasn't changed is limited parking options close by, security check in the foyer, and an entry fee of $30 - and don't rely on the free pass advertised on their website, as it may not be accepted on a given night. (It wasn't this night.) While the place is now open much earlier than it used to be, I arrived around 11:30 p.m. that night and headed down to the main floor of the theater venue.

One change was immediately evident: the theater-style stage now has a pole on its extension! A dancer was also usually active on one of the tiny side stages in addition to the main stage, which I don't think I'd ever seen on previous visits. The floor layout remains basically the same, though one elevated area that used to be VIP seating is now reserved for individual floor dances. (Individual dances are no longer done at regular tables, apparently.) The curtained-off booths on the elevated north side remain the same, with VIP rooms down a hall behind them. Another change is that the club is now BYOB, though non-alcoholic beverages are still served and there is a limited kitchen menu now, too. The price for a pop was a bit on the high side but not outrageous for a club.