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| - Another bachelor party, another visit to the sinful underbelly of Montreal. This was my third bachelor party in the world's second largest French speaking city, and I think I'm finally starting to understand the city's legendary gentlemen's clubs.
The trick to having a good time at Chez Paree, or any of Montreal's strip clubs is realizing that these clubs are all about business, and you'll feel like you're getting hustled from the moment you walk in the door because, frankly, you are. But this isn't necessarily a bad thing, and so long as you're aware of what's going on you can still have a pretty good time.
For instance, at this all-cash club you'll find the cover isn't too bad ($5), but as soon as you finish paying for your admission ticket, the doorman won't hesitate to remind you that it's "customary" to tip him before he seats you. In other words, cough up another $5 or you're not getting in.
Drinks are exorbitantly expensive (for instance, $28 for two beers and a black label) and the pours are miniscule, so be prepared. Also, as Ronnie B. mentioned, the waitresses will grab any drink that's left unattended (forcing you to buy a new one), so be sure to tether your glass to your wrist.
The girls at Chez Paree are plenty good looking, and if you choose to purchase a dance, you can choose from either the $10 "table dance," which is a typical "lap dance" in the US, and the $15 full contact "private dance," which Montreal is known for. The private dance takes place in the VIP room, which costs another $5 to the doorman every time you want to enter (that's in addition to the $15/song price for dances). Never pay the girls before the dance (they'll get up and walk away halfway through the song, or only dance for 2 songs when you paid for 3). Also, be sure you keep track of how many songs they've danced, and verbally confirm each one, or they'll take you to the cleaners.
Otherwise, Chez Paree is one of the nicer gentlemen's clubs in town (by that I mean the girls are halfway decent looking, and you don't feel like you need a tetanus shot when you leave). They also put on a HELL of a bachelor party show for you (the best I've ever seen) so if that's your motivation for visiting Montreal, put Chez Paree high on your list.
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