Hadn't been to Archibalds in about...

Hadn't been to Archibalds in about a year. First thing you notice is the effect of the DC smoking ban. You can stop in for a while and go back to work and not smell like cigarettes. Not very crowded. Maybe a few customers at the bar and another 4 or five guys having a good time at a booth, chatting with a rather full-figured dancer. I wasn't going back to work so I ordered a drink and sat down close to the center stage. The place has seemed impersonal in the past but had a friendlier vibe. Girls on stage seemed appreciative of the attention when delivering a dollar tip, and one really worked for it (although no contact). After a while "Olga" from Russia sat down. I bought her a drink for $7 and we had a nice chat. She'd been in the country a month. Very sweet and wholesome looking. Overall, a much better experience than in the past. Be prepared to part with some dollar bills as the girl dancing on the side stage will approach for tips after her shift. I plan to go back again when I'm downtown.