Phillyist Goes to the Nudie Bar

Well, technically it isn't a nudie bar—just topless. But we liked the headline.

When we got the invitation to attend the grand opening of Rick's Cabaret as VIP guests, we jumped at the chance. Because, really, who doesn't love liquor and ladies? (Wait—don't answer that question.) The combination strip club, steakhouse and sports bar just opened its doors at the south end of Columbus Boulevard in the old Crazy Horse location. We never patronized the former business so we can't say for sure, but we were told that extensive renovations were done to transform the place into its latest incarnation, and it is swank.

When we arrived at the club, we were instantly struck by how incongruous the building was with its industrial surroundings. Was it perhaps a bank at one time? But we didn't have much time to ponder that question as the valet quickly whisked our car away while a tuxedoed doorman checked us off the guest list and directed us inside. We were led to a reserved table behind a velvet rope (we love velvet ropes), where a petite corset-clad waitress instantly offered us cocktails. Rick's gets bonus points for featuring one of our favorite wines, Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, and for bringing us glass after glass of the stuff.

Wine in hand, we settled in to enjoy the show. The main room boasts a large stage with three poles, and a smaller room in the back (the sports bar) has another stage with a single pole. One of the dancers told us most of the fancy pole work happens on the back stage, apparently due to a management mandate that the girls not upstage each other on the main stage. In fact, there seem to be a lot of rules at Rick's, but that's probably why the place runs like a well-oiled machine, even on opening night.

There's also a steakhouse—more of a steak room, really—for those who like some beef with their boobs. We didn't order any steak, but if the appetizers that were being passed are any indication, the food at Rick's is pretty darn good. For some reason we can't stop thinking or talking about the bacon-wrapped scallops, which might seem odd given that they were accompanied by nearly naked ladies.

And speaking of the ladies, we were happy to see some diversity among the entertainers. There were perhaps 30 dancers working out of a reported 100, and silicone-enhanced bottle blondes were actually in the minority, though certainly present. The entire staff was gracious and accommodating. We were also pleased to find out that unescorted women are allowed at Rick's even if they're not guests of the publicist (unlike some other clubs in town... ahem, Delilah's, we're looking at you).

Keep us on the list, Rick's—we'll be back.

Photo by Steven Katz