the ultimate strip club list

a guy's guide to strip clubs

July 9, 2008  •  Vol. 15, Issue 190

Where to begin... I was up in the area this past weekend for my annual trip to Albany and was able to go up a day earlier to be able to spend some time checking out this club. Unfortunately, the weather was awful (heavy rain) and near freezing temps, so that doesn't make the drive along these long, windy back roads any better. While the directions on the website were accurate (first time I went that route to the club), I'd recommend the RT 66 way if you are coming more from the Troy area. I think it's a little shorter and at least there is life on the road you are traveling.

With the weather being what it was, there were only 3 guests in the club and 4 girls. I sat at the stage through a round of the girls to scope things out. 3 song sets - one in their outfit, one topless and one where the panties may come off (some did, some didn't). Had to keep getting some singles from the DJ/doorman/(manager?) and I'll agree with the last poster - he has to be one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet. I think that's one thing separating this club from some of the others in the area - they want to make this a good time. One note is that there is no BYOB - soda only for now. They also were not taking any personal info, so don't be afraid of that any more.

One of the dancers, Phoenix, sat next to me at the stage and chatted for a bit. I took her for one of the "sneak peek" dances. These are in a couple of draped off rooms near the stage. $25/2 songs plus some tip. A little bit much for some of the clubs I'm used to frequenting (outside of NY), but not too bad. I then took Peaches to a nude VIP ($75 / 15 min). The VIPs are held upstairs in the draped off rooms - overall a pleasant experience. Tips are still "appreciated" of course. Peaches is a very sweet girl, and if I were a PowerBall winner, it would be easy to just stay there all night with her.

The club may be out of the way and in the middle nowhere, but a good time can be had.

Where do I begin regarding Capital Hideaway. Well first off the club is a little hard to find. I copied the directions from their website (www.capitalhideaway.com) and they did a rather nice job of getting me from the thruway to the club. I made only one wrong turn and had to backtrack but other than that the directions were dead on. This club is located on the outskirts of Albany/Troy. Its pretty unique to say the least. It looks as if its in a residential area. There is a very long and windy road that you must take in order to get to the club. Upon arrival you are greeted by the big Capital Hideaway sign, once you see a sign for Walts Garage you have another minute. This club is in an old house that has been converted to a stripclub. First off I have to admit that the outside is very unappealing. It is an old house with boarded up windows, an "open" sign in an upstairs window and some of those stick on letters spelling the name of the club near the door. I'm not sure I would have went in if not for the two hour drive. So I gathered my nerve and went to the "front door". You enter and turn left and are greeted by the DJ/Doorman. Tonight it was a bigger guy who reminded me of Ving Rhimes. I have to say he was probably one of the nicest guys I have met in a long time. He explained that the club was BYOB (Bring you own beer) and because of that there was a membership service set up. I would have to fill out a form that consisted of my name and what my drivers license number is. On many other boards this is the biggest complaint about the club. I have to admit it really wasnt bad, I filled it out and they simply took it and filed it away. The price to get in was $10 (industry standard). I was then told that you pay $5 at the bar and then drink free the rest of the night. Soda,water,etc. This is an AWESOME idea. Lets be honest, this club knows that its money makers are the vip's and admission charge, and they give a break to the customers on this soda deal. I think this shows that management is smart and does care about its customers. I hate going to other clubs and after getting raped on everything only to keep coughing up $3-$5 for more sodas. This idea leaves the customer for more money to spend on vips which is where the real money is made. The club is a small club and very very dark. To the right is the stage area which consist of a typical runway stage with chairs around it. In the back is the bar and to the left is an ATM machine and a couch where the dancers are sitting. On this night there were 6 ladies working ranging from 6-9's. Jeff (Asst Manager) was our bar man and vip timer. He seemed like a really friendly guy. I saw Eric the General Manager mingling with customers and the dancers. He also seemed like a really nice guy. I couldnt believe how NICE everyone was. My fears disappeared and I was put at ease. My one complaint with the downstairs was the lighting. I know we are trying to set a mood, but it really was way to dark. It was hard to see the dancers and it was hard to see just walking around. I went to use the mens room and had to feel my way down the hall. I'd add just one more light, I overheard another customer saying the same thing to his friend. Upstairs is where the vips take place. This club does have the typical 20/song vips. You do these downstairs in what probably use to be a closet. Upstairs is where the pricier vips take place. The prices if I remember are 15min=60, 30 min for 100 and they have a hottub vip which I believe was in the high 100's or low 200's. Dont worry they have new bathing suits in case you want to give it a try. The vips are a great deal. Instead of paying the 20 a song opt for the 15 for 60. Much better value and the rooms are bigger than downstairs. The upstairs is a huge room that is sectioned off using drapes/sheets. I wasnt to crazy about this but you have to remember this club has only been open for 5 months. This club is pretty good to its workers giving the dancers a 75% cut of the vips, very classy CH. Tonight I decided to do a few vips. I chose Jordan, a young light haired dancer who was very sweet. After Jordan I chose Jessie (A very tall girl) who was also an excellent dancer. All in all I dropped over 200 on this nite and it was well worth it in my opinion. So lets recap. First off-- after the club has been open awhile and making good money I'd invest in some vinal siding. Nothing to expensive, I wouldnt even insulate. I would do this just so the outside of the club looks uniformed. You can side right over those boarded up windows and make the club look for like a house and not an abanded house. Possibly get one of those plaques where people put their address and name on it and have that near the front door. Inside just turn on another light downstairs. Upstairs as time goes on I would frame out the rooms instead of using the drapes. Once again I know this is a young club so my suggestions are for when the club starts making real green. Everything else was perfect. The dancers were nice looking,friendly, and gave great vips. The staff was friendly and helpful. This is a place you should check out. This is one of the better up incoming clubs I have seen. Believe it or not I cant wait to make the 2 hour drive again!!! Excellent Experience!