Strip Clubs

No, we don't mean entertainment establishments on Las Vegas Boulevard South. We mean the other kind of "strip." Yes, people come to town for the gambling and the wedding chapels, but the lure of Vegas doesn't stop there. Though prostitution is not legal within the city, the sex industry is an active and obvious force in town. Every other cab carries a placard for a strip club, and a walk down the Strip at night will have dozens of men thrusting fliers at you for clubs, escort services, phone-sex lines, and more. And some of you are going to want to check it out.

And why not? An essential part of the Vegas allure is decadence, and naked flesh would certainly qualify, as does the thrill of trying something new and daring. Of course, by and large, the nicer bars aren't particularly daring, and if you go to more than one in an evening, the thrill wears off, and the breasts don't look quite so bare.

In the finest of Vegas traditions, the "something for everyone" mentality extends to strip clubs. Here is a guide to the most prominent and heavily advertised; there are plenty more, of increasing seediness, out there. You don't have to look too hard. The most crowded and zoolike times are after midnight, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Should you want a "meaningful" experience, you might wish to avoid the rush and choose an off-hour for a visit.

In addition to the listings, keep an eye out for a new addition to the scene: In a "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" move, longtime bar owner and local musician Tommy Rocker decided to revamp his frat-boy fave, at 4275 Dean Martin Dr. (tel. 702/261-2688; www.tommyrocker.com), and turn it into a strip club, gleefully saying his new place's motto will be "Fun for the whole family, except for your wife and kids."

Two Strippers Offer Nine Strip-Bar Etiquette Tips

Brittany and Kitty each have several years' experience working in strip bars, so they know what they're talking about. And they both really are sweet girls, honest.

1. Bathe.

2. Don't lie and say you never go in these places.

3. Don't take off your wedding ring. We can still see the mark it leaves.

4. Don't ask if we take credit cards. Bring cash!

5. Don't fall asleep. Just because we are open 24 hours, we aren't a hotel.

6. Don't wear wool pants. They scratch.

7. Don't ask for our phone numbers.

8. Don't lick us. We're not Popsicles.

9. Don't forget: We aren't dumb strippers. We are a lot smarter than you think.