MIA/FTL Aug 8-11

[EZEtoGRU]

Just returned from Florida over the weekend. Had a chance to visit Swinging Richards, Twist and Boardwalk....all my visits being mid-week.

 

Swinging Richards

Best of the three on this visit. Was very quiet to start but more customers arrived as time went on. I was there from about 10:00pm till 11:30pm. Decent amount of built guys but still no real bodybuilder types. I wonder why they cant get at least one or two really built guys. Anyway, pretty good selection of guys. I did a private with a cuban guy (Rocky?) who was new to the club. I also did some lapdances with a NY Italian guy who seemed really nice. Richard's had about 20 dancers when I was there.

Overall rating for Swinging Richards: 8 out of 10

 

Twist

Pretty standard. Most dancers I was already familiar with. There was a new blondish Italian guy (Twist seems to have a lock on getting real italians to dance there.....interesting) dancing. Danny from Peru was dancing (although he has lost lots of his body mass since the last time I saw him) as was Diego from Uruguay. There were about 12 dancers there.

Overall rating for Twist: 7 out of 10

 

Boardwalk

I was shocked. It was awful. When did Boardwalk become a twink dancer club? It was crowded and there was a drag queen run amateur dancer contest going on with 4-5 contestants. There were also regular dancers there.....none of whom I found remotely interesting. I guess the competition from Swinging Richards has forced them into adopting the Johnny's formula. OK it was a Wednesday and maybe they have more of a mix of dancers on weekends. I had not been to the boardwalk for about 2 years and it seems like a completely different club now. Based on what I saw on Wednesday, I would not return. Then again I am not into twinks (and btw, most were not even attractive twinks) and I realize others on here are. I guess my loss is the twink-lovers gain Boardwalk had about 16 dancers in addition to the show contestants.

Overall rating for Boardwalk: 3 out of 10.

[Jake]

You started the topic for me. For those of us on the other side of the spectrum on taste, my big point I was going to make is how much better Boardwalk was this weekend compared to previous visits. While it was no Twink-A-Thon like Johnny's, it was nice to see a little youth and energy in the place. As I always say, to each his own. For those who like 'em rugged and muscular, my reviews aren't for you.

 

My buddy and I never do Twist for the obvious reason. We enjoyed Swinging Richards when we went, but the price structure to have any real fun kills it for us. It's like going to McDonald's and ordering a salad. So we kept it to Fort Lauderdale all weekend.

 

Johnny's

A ghost town. I know it's not peak season, but Friday and Saturday night were the worst 2 nights I'd ever seen at Johnny's. Read my previous posts and you'll see that Johnny's is usually my pick for FTL. But it was a complete disaster. Friday night there were only 1 or 2 guys who had my attention. A lot of the regulars have disappeared, making me think there was some incident or policy changes that pissed some dancers off. Sure enough, later in the weekend I found out that was the case. A guy who used to work at Johnny's we spotted at Boardwalk. Apparently they upped the dancer fees and are being a lot more strict with the dancers. The general attitude was pretty negative so many jumped ship. Normally, my bud and I make a Friday/Saturday night weekend and leave Sunday during the day. This time we stuck around for Sunday night... and ironically it was the best of the 3 nights. There was a hot tall skater twink with wavy shoulder length hair named Lee. He apparently DJs too so he didn't dance Fri or Sat. Great smooth lean bod and light eyes. My buddy took him to the back and didn't really give rave reviews, but nonetheless, a hottie for sure. Saw a hot guy I did a dance with on the previous trip - "Skyler". Dark haired skater boy look. His boyfriend (assuming) was a Bieber'y 12 year old looking kid who trailed behind him as if he was on a leash all night. Was kind of funny.

 

Boardwalk

Again, the surprise of the trip. Although I like the lean college guy look, there was one muscular guy who just made my jaw drop. "Alex" is a tall blond statuesque Russian guy from Siberia. Absolutely horrible game... just kept to himself, sitting behind the pool table most of the time. When we stopped him, he didn't make much effort to converse. But just an incredible body, light blue eyes and a chiseled face. We called him Ivan Drago all weekend. Beautiful and blond, but definitely had Drago's personality too. Not my type but he is just one of those rare finds you know you won't see on the next trip. There was another newbie from France. I forget his name, but he had an All American boy next door look and I guess his father is from the States so he had no trace of an accent. But just amazing... lean toned bod, great model like face. Probably 21 or 22 years old. Doesn't drink, but does smoke. (Duh he's from France.) About 5'9, 140-150lbs with a Zac Efron type bod. His short crew cut summer hair was boring, but just a stunning guy. Some of the former Johnny's boys like short Frankie, blond haired Eric were there Sunday, as were the furniture... the old dinosaurs like Jimmy and Auntie Mame. Nothing says phoning it in like a drag queen in slippers or sneakers.

 

---

 

I guess you have to keep expectations realistic this time of year in Ft Lauderdale. Johnnys, except for Sunday, was really disappointing. Definitely looking forward to one more trip to Montreal in September with my bud. All the fun I had on this trip happened on Grind'r. (An iPhone app for those who aren't familiar.) I had fun with a couple hot guys and didn't have to hit the ATM to do it!

[bigvalboy]

I just returned as well. Swinging Richards was the usual beautiful guys, but I have to agree with Jake, to have 'real fun' you have to spend mucho dollars, and most of the time I just don't see the 'bang for your buck' ...plus I hate the cab ride from FTL into Swinging Richards.

 

Dudes:

OK I gave Dudes the old college try, not once, not twice, but three times. It is close to the Royal Palms and I tried 'Happy hour' then I tried late night about 10 pm. And then went back on Saturday night kind of late around 11 pm, just in case it had gotten busy. It was dead all 3 times.!! Each time they had only two dancers, and on Saturday night they had only one guy dancing, and I think he was close to my age. I did fall in love with one of the bartenders, and we talked each time for hours on end. I was drinking all week so I can't remember his name, but he was classic Greek body and gorgeous. So so damn sweet. I managed to plan his life for him over the course of several days...always trying to save someone.

 

Johnnys:

I am not really into twinks, but my favorite was promoted to working the door and he doesn't dance anymore..sadly. I kind of had fun with a couple of guys that were a little hunky. One I did a private with and it did go way beyond anything that should have happened, but in the end I think he was a little 'spun out' on something and I ended the night back at the Royal Palm pool bar.

 

Boardwalk:

For me the Boardwalk just seems to continue to decline. Plenty of dancers, but not one that I was even remotely interested in. The bartender was gorgeous of course and I spent much of my time talking with him. It was a real disappointment. My favorite "Mike" moved to NYC and "Lee" just seemed to be more of a hustle this trip. The usual guest porn star was someone I had never heard of before and I just lost interest and left both nights kind of early. It was 'off season' and FTL was hot and humid and as a whole was really quiet. Perhaps the October trip will bring more promise. I am heading to the 'Keys' then and I will be solo. Hopefully I will find a renewed interest down there.

[EZEtoGRU]

I agree with both Jake and BVB that going to SR's is not a inexpensive endeavor if one wants to enjoy oneself. Yes some of the guys are very hot, but between the barbill and also paying for the private room(s), it becomes an expensive evening. Kind of like going to Stock in Montreal. I also agree with BVB that the location of SR's leaves alot to be desired. It's really not close to anything. No hotels really close. Once about 3 months ago, I left SR's to head back to South Beach and I passed through a sobriety checkpoint. I had been careful only to have two cocktails and also plenty of water at SR's so I had no problem at the checkpoint. However the relatively remote location of SR's really causes one to think twice about having more than 1-2 drinks. That's one reason I like Twist. Oodles of hotels in South Beach that are only a $10 taxi fare away.

[EZEtoGRU]

Oh I forgot, kudos to BVB for giving Dudes "the old college try". I myself had intended on checking out Dudes last week (I was staying in FTL instead of MIA on this trip) however I never made it. Also I wasn't highly motivated as I couldn't find any ads for Dudes in any of the rags....which I took as a bad sign. Thanks to BVB for at least giving Dudes a chance.

[+ BOZO T CLOWN]

Regardless of how attractive the boys are at any of these South Florida venues, many of us will never really enjoy spending time at the strip clubs there until Florida joins the rest of civilized society and bans indoor smoking at bars and clubs. The health risks and dangers of second-hand smoke are indisputable, yet I wish only once I could make a visit to one of the strip clubs without other customers sitting down within 50 feet of me, lighting up, smoking one cigarette after another, totally ruining what should be a pleasurable experience of ogling near-naked dancing boys. By far, Johnny's is the worst of the culprits, with their poor ventilation and low ceilings. Spending 20 minutes at Johnny's is like smoking a pack and a half of cigarettes - Absolutely awful!

 

I hope I live to see the day when I can enter in a South Florida club and not worry about breathing in the toxins of cigarette smoke, and be able to exit without my clothing and pores reeking of tobacco. Until that happens, we enter these strip clubs at our own risk.

 

Bozo

[EZEtoGRU]

BTC speaks the truth. The whole smoking thing in Florida bars is ridiculous. I understand Atlanta is the same.

 

Twist can get pretty bad as it is such a small space where the dancers are. I find Swinging Richards to be the best of the bunch as it is large and seems well ventilated. Also, I have only been to SR's during the week when it is not very crowded...which helps alot.

[Jake]

The smoking thing doesn't bother me all that much I guess. I'm not a smoker never have been. But I can't help but wonder ... would it really mess up their business all that much if they required smokers to go outside? Just because the Florida law allows for it, doesn't necessarily mean it's good business sense. Obviously it doesn't deter us from going to these places. We put up with it. But I would think the same would be true for smokers. I think if they had to go outside to have a cigarette, they would still go to the clubs.

 

But then again, I'm not a smoker. Any smokers want to disagree?

[EZEtoGRU]

Jake, I'm not a smoker but I'll respond to your question. This tug of war between smokers and non-smokers has been going on for many years. As time went on, areas where one can smoke have been increasingly reduced. First airlines banned it. Then office workplaces. Then restaurants. And more recently bars and clubs in many cities/states/countries. In my observational experience, every time smoking is going to be banned somewhere, some of the smokers (not all) act as if the world is coming to an end and swear they won't return to that establishment....yet after about a month everyone adjusts and life goes on and smokers accept going outside to get their fix. I remember a few years ago England announced smoking was to be banned at all pubs. There was a huge outcry. All forgotten now. The reality is people can adjust to almost any situation if they want to or are forced to. The drive to see hot naked (or semi-naked) men would overcome the desire to smoke inside a bar every time if Florida banned smoking in bars.

 

I think lots of smokers also welcome smoking bans inside bars....even though it does cause the inconvenience of having to go outside for a cigarette. Many casual smokers don't want their clothes smelling of cigarettes either.

[bigvalboy]

BTC speaks the truth. The whole smoking thing in Florida bars is ridiculous. I understand Atlanta is the same.

 

Twist can get pretty bad as it is such a small space where the dancers are. I find Swinging Richards to be the best of the bunch as it is large and seems well ventilated. Also, I have only been to SR's during the week when it is not very crowded...which helps alot.

 

I am not a smoker, but EZE is correct, it isn't as bad at SR. The ceilings are higher, the space is wide open and the ventilation is pretty good...Now Johnnys is another story. Dear God, BTC is absolutely correct, it is like going into a closet with a smoker. There is a haze over the whole place. It never bothered me until this trip. The ceilings are really low and the room is very narrow, it just makes the whole problem worse. You can't get around the evidence that 'second hand smoke' is dangerous.

[Xander]

My friend works at the Swinging Richards in Miami - I was just down there staying with him for a few days when I was on tour. He's hot hot hot and a great aerialist, fire performer (hot hot hot!), and hooper. If you see him, you'll recognize him by his LED-belt (which he made -- he also made all of the LED trays that they are starting to carry around there), or his cut-off pants which he modded so that he can zip them right off when he gets on stage.

 

So count this as my shameless plug for him because he's got a good head on his shoulders, and he's hot. He's asked me a lot of questions about escorting but keeps telling me "I could never do that" *rolls eyes*

[+ BOZO T CLOWN]

Sidelines, a popular Wilton Manors LGBT sports bar, made a decision almost two years ago to go smoke-free. They haven't looked back since......

 

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Florida-117218043.html

 

We need to be pro-active, and tell the owners of these South Florida smoke-filled death traps to follow the lead of Sidelines, and ban indoor smoking.

 

Bozo

[Jake]

Been watching the Boardwalk feed tonight (yeah, I'm bored!)

 

Seems like Boardwalk has adopted the Campus shifts... almost all twinks until 9 and then the muscle comes in. No major hotties tonight. Some of the regulars... the short twink Franky, the young Kid Rock lookalike Corey...

[paulsf]

Announced at SR's last night. City council met last tuesday and voted 7-0 to allow them to stay nude.

[bigvalboy]

Announced at SR's last night. City council met last tuesday and voted 7-0 to allow them to stay nude.

 

That is amazing news tav1....so many of us never gave up hope...Thanks for the information.

[brettnyc]

Just spent Friday night at SR N. Miami - before Isaac blew through town... There was a good turn-out of well-built dancers although I see that Riley and another SR dancer might have been in NYC for the Adonis party (can anyone who was there confirm ?)

 

Probably the stand-out of the night was Josh, who hails from San Antonio, has cute dimpled face and a massive cock - he's playful, but like most of the guys at SR, their attention span lasts as long as the money from your wallet keeps coming their way. I had a couple lap dances with him, and he kept reminding me that the VIP room would be more fun - which of course translated into more $$.

 

Other guys who I enjoyed time with was Sebastian, visiting from Argentina, - he has muscular build and blondish looks - appears more Northern European than Latin. His buddy from Argentina who is a regular at SR is Xavier, who is also well built, shaved head and personable on stage.

 

I recognized Orlando from Twist - a sexy Latin muscular stud,though he seemed less engaged in the SR venue than I remember when he was at Twist.

 

Joey is the regular "twink" it seems and he has a very nice, lean toned body and very good on the pole.

 

John had a very handsome face, nice smile and very friendly...said he was a nursing student from Dallas, who will be returning to TX next week - but might

be back in October.

 

I also enjoyed watching Angel, a sexy bald muscular guy from Cuba who was usually hard on stage...very sexy vibe.

 

Max was another looker, with a very nice build, bearded face and smooth butt with a very sexy tanline which showed off his ass-ets !

 

There were two guys who I've seen before at Club 20, Roland & Johnny, both were good looking, but not my type as far as bedside manner is concerned - they

both seemed on the pushy side.

 

All in all, it was a good night, though the muscle on display was not as impressive as a good night at Adonis Saturday parties can be.

[rickvt]

Here's the news story on the North Miami Beach Council voting to allow nude dancers and the serving of alcohol.

 

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/23/2964967/north-miami-beach-oks-booze-at.html

[+ atlgaboy]

RE: Swinging Richards in FL....Anyone know the status of the attempt to ban full nudity and SR subsequent lawsuit claiming discrimination? Haven't several deadlines come and gone?

[bigvalboy]

RE: Swinging Richards in FL....Anyone know the status of the attempt to ban full nudity and SR subsequent lawsuit claiming discrimination? Haven't several deadlines come and gone?

 

Trav1 reported a couple of posts above yours that the city council voted 7-0 to allow full nudity. Hopefully that will be the end of it.