Tampa Bay Strip Club Myths Revealed

Thanks to the Super Bowl related media hype, a lot of writers are pointing out the fact that the Tampa Bay area is well known for its strip clubs. Now, I’m not gonna say that one of the many reasons I chose to stay in this town after college had to do with the number and quality of strip clubs in the area, but I will say that I enjoy having a number of quality strip clubs in the area.

I have visited at least ten of Tampa Bay’s strip clubs (Tampa Bay includes Sarasota, St. Petersburg and Clearwater as well as Tampa) and I feel it is my place to dispel some rumors.

First, drinking. There are only two strip clubs in Tampa Bay that allow full nude and alcohol consumption (they were grandfathered in when the law changed). You used to be able to bring your own liquor into strip clubs here and then pour your own into the juice and soda they sell at nine bucks a pop but times changed due to the untimely murder of a stripper (alcohol gets blamed for everything). To combat the new law, local hero and strip club owner Joe Redman, who once accidentally called my buddy Ben because he inherited a phone number from one of Joe’s friends (true story), decided to allow tailgating in his parking lot, proving that you can’t keep a good strip club down and also justifying why Joe perennially gets my vote for mayor (dude always runs—also a true story).

Second, the full nude part. Yes, they show you everything. Yes, there are back room payouts for sex. Yes, this is a part of the Tampa culture. Yes, I love it here.

Third, the six foot rule. There is a rule that states that no exotic dancer is ever allowed to come closer than six feet to a patron. As far as I can tell this rule is only enforced when someone forgets to bribe someone important. I was once in jail when thirteen strippers were marched in for the six foot violation (another true story). They were out in fifteen minutes. Redman doesn’t let people mess with his women. He’s a good man, I tell you.

Fourth and finally, Mons Venus. Often considered the crown jewel of Tampa’s strip clubs, Mons Venus is more of a lap dance and back room kind of strip club. Sometimes, the stage itself is actually empty. The women there know where the money is, and it’s not on stage.

I hope this helps you understand a little more about the Tampa Bay strip club scene. I’m just glad I could be of service. And you’re welcome.