The Men's Club strips away shame of entertainment dining
by Kristen Power, Outpost staff
"If you want food, go to The Men's Club," a friend said. "If you want women, go someplace else."
I'm still trying to figure that one out. The food and the women are great at The Men's Club.
That statement sounds weird to many because I am a woman, and generally women don't frequent local strip clubs for entertainment or food. In fact, when I arrived on my first visit I was the only woman in the cabaret not working. I was ogled by the male customers as I entered the dining room, and all eyes followed me until I was seated.
The Men's Club allows women into the cabaret only with a male escort. Photo by Kristen Power |
Luckily, I got a bit more.
I attended "The Feast," a Wednesday lunch buffet that boasts of over 50 items and costs just $8.95 and no cover charge. I was stunned when we walked past the buffet and I saw a woman in a g-string dancing right next to the carving station. But that surprise quickly abated as I turned the corner and was escorted back to the dining room.
A large, darkened room greeted me and I carefully situated myself into a cushioned chair at our table next to the stage. There I was, about to eat lunch right next to a girl that was practically in her birthday suit. I had to stifle my giggles.
We picked up our plates from the waitress, who was wearing a black g-string leotard and fishnet tights, and headed for the food. While my male companion was drooling over the women, I was making goo-goo eyes at the food. Caesar salad, chicken cordon bleu, fresh pineapple and mashed potatoes were spread out across a luxurious table. Silver warming trays contained piles of entrees, at least 20, and a large platter of meats and cheeses rested nearby.
This was no casino buffet. The Men's Club meant business. That business also meant making money. Sodas and water were provided in the buffet cost, but any alcoholic beverages were an extra expense.
I loaded my plate with salad, chicken wings, fresh shrimp and other delights and returned to the table for a bit of entertainment. I felt more at ease with a plate of food in front of me because it seemed like I was really there to eat and not just watch the dancers.
But I couldn't help staring at them. The women seemed so powerful and in control. They walked with their hips swinging and their chins up high. They danced with strong moves and flirted like they cared, even though they didn't. They changed my perceptions about strippers. These dancers could command $25 for tableside entertainment, a lap dance, and men would fork over the money like it was colored paper from Monopoly.
While I was glancing around the room, investigating the fine points of the lap dance, checking the male customers' reactions and generally enjoying the elegant atmosphere, I spotted some familiar faces. I didn't feel so alien anymore. I knew I wasn't a dirty person for enjoying my entertainment lunch because those decent boys were having fun too.
I ate my fill at the buffet. Too much actually; I didn't leave room for a slice of chocolate cake, a brownie or some carrot cake. But I think I would've felt guilty eating dessert after seeing all the beautiful female bodies around me.
The biggest thrill of the entire meal was the gift certificate giveaway. Apparently the cabaret gives out a $30 gift certificate for food and beverage on another visit to one table in the room. My companion and I won. I was guaranteed a return visit and couldn't have been more excited.
Wait, did I just say excited? I guess just one hour in The Men's Club was enough to form an appreciation for the hard-working dancers there and the rich, flavorful food.
Posted Dec.3, 1998
Copyright 1998 Nevada Outpost