Nitro Club was stealthily opened in early 2008. It seems almost no one was aware of the club opening in the alley behind Pearl Street Mall until the company posted their first advertisement. What followed was general shock and outrage by the "open minded" Boulder community.
You see, Nitro is a Strip club. Yes, that is right, a strip club right in the heart of downtown Boulder in the alley just behind Old Chicago's and Pearl Street Pub and Cellar. What could be a better addition to Pearl Street's Tibetan/Chic/Designer over-priced shops and mega chain restaurants than a strip club!
After hearing some reviews from friends, I decided I had to experience Nitro for myself.
I must point out I am not a huge fan of strip clubs; I will visit one maybe once in a six month period or for events like bachelor parties, etc. While I enjoy the experience, strip clubs have always felt more like an expensive tease to me that just leave you worse off after than you were before. Enough said on that.
My partner in crime for the evening was a female friend who is bisexual and has a thing for exotic dancers. Note to all the guys out there; if possible take a female with you to strip clubs. You will get infinitely more attention and be able to take more liberties with an attractive lady by your side.
We arrived at the club around 11:30 on a Saturday evening; pretty close to what would be prime time I imagine. Nitro stays open until 4 am, making the club an attractive option for bar goers who get ushered out at 2 pm. I can't remember exactly what we paid for cover, I think it might have been 15 for me and 10 for her, although I was already hammered off Sake bombs by this point and could have cared less what the cover charge was since I was not paying for the entertainment that evening.
Club Nitro is divided into two sections, the regular section and a VIP Speak Easy section where you can consume alcohol. Instead of applying for a traditional liquor license, the owner of Nitro went the route of a private club where customers can bring and consume their own liquor. Like bars in Utah. You can join the Speak Easy for 45 dollars a month or ~500 a year.
My friend decided to use her charm to gain us access to the Speak Easy section of the club. I am not sure exactly what she paid; but I don't think she had to come up with 45 dollars per person.
Once inside the Speak Easy, the night was much more enjoyable. There is a special area next to the stage for Speak Easy members, as well as comfortable couches and a large coffee table the dancers take advantage of. My friend flirted with some of the guys to score us free drinks and we proceeded to consume more alcohol. This resulted in even more exciting lap dances as the night progressed.
The Atmosphere
Nitro was disappointing from an ambiance standpoint; then again it is a strip club...
The weirdest part is the low ceiling and non-elevated stage. The ladies can barely climb the pole before hitting the ceiling, and it can be tough to see the floor routines unless you are right next to the stage.
The Ladies
I was actually presently surprised by the talent at Nitro. I had heard the women were old, and looked like life time dancers who were just working a new spot. This was not really the case, as there were several attractive young ladies dancing that evening. A handful of the girls were pretty broke, including visible bruises on their bodies and excessive stretch marks and wrinkled skin.
Of the three of four attractive dancers, two of them gave very respectable lap dances. On the other end of the spectrum, one of the girls performed one of the worst lap dances I have ever received; and that is saying something!
You are not normally supposed to touch the dancers, but I found this was not a requirement for my friend and I. In fact, my friend got very friendly with several of the dancers, resulting in security frequently walking by to keep things under control.
We must have dropped close to $300 dollars on lap dances and tips. We did not leave the club until 3:30 in the morning. If you stay in a strip club for four hours, that is always a good sign!
All in all, I would have to give Nitro 3 stars.
Star 1 - A strip club right off Pearl Street Mall leaping distance from some of my favorite watering holes.
Star 2 - A decent selection of attractive dancers (not comparing to Vegas obviously) and a better selection apparently than when the club first opened.
Star 3 - Figuring out a loop hole to both open a strip club in Boulder and somehow allow patrons to consume liquor. A fine achievement in the true spirit of American capitalism.
If you find yourself drunk in Boulder and would like to watch some live entertainment, check out Nitro and support your local exotic dancer! read more