First, a few general comments about...

First, a few general comments about the Block in Baltimore: I am continually amazed by reviewers who seem surprised to find more “intimacy” in these clubs there than at your average church social. I’ve been visiting the block for thirty years. If anything it’s tamer now. It is also one of the few places in the US where you can get booze and naked women under the same roof, and for no cover charge. In years past I’ve witnessed a few performances would have been barred in Tijuana, but basically you don’t go here just to watch. The deal is you sit at the bar, watch the naked ladies cavort (usually sets of three songs), and if you want a little physical intimacy buy a lady a drink. Minimum prices are $20 or $21 - $25 at this club - with more contact at “the end/back of the bar” for $60-$100. These pricier sessions are becoming more commonly referred to as “lap dances”. The girls all expect a tip in addition to their drink costs, and they generally earn it. They receive about 20% on the drinks they sell ($4 on a $20). You can have a lot of fun here for about what a three song session would run at Rick’s in Seattle, or the YSC in Tampa where tips also add to the total bill.

The clubs are uniformly narrow with a bar down one side and the stage behind it. The bar usually extends past the stage, providing the “private” area at the end. Some (all?) clubs have a “honeymoon suite” up or downstairs, or way in the back. Over the years I have been told that these provide all the delights the followers of Mohammed earn after martyrdom, except the virgin part. I don’t know, personally. The prices seem outrageous for the rewards, particularly considering what can be had in the main area with the right girl. How do you find the right girl? The same as everywhere. They will approach. You ask, nicely, what they are about. Most seem honest enough. Some will have as much, or more fun, than you do.

So, I got into town late and visited the block toward the end of day shift on a Friday. In my experience day shift is more fun, and night more commercial. Near the end of shift girls are usually a little tight, and maybe desperate to make a buck. Sometimes, though, mid-afternoon is better. There are fewer customers to compete for the attractive women (there are some very sexy ladies in these places, but a good many bow-wows as well), and the boss/owner usually isn’t there. After trying my usual haunts, and finding the finer women occupied, I checked out the Pussycat Club. This used to be one of my preferred spots, but the awesome performer (she didn’t dance much) left and they raised their prices above the other spots. But on this night I found several 7’s, a couple of whom were real players that had as much fun as I did, and I had all I wanted for a $60 lap and $100 in tips. The cost was about the same as Rick’s with a little less privacy, and no trial runs.