Risque Rouge

Here’s my update now that is closed for good another thing to leave Calgary /​another business that went under who knows what’s the story on that why went under for good

Over the course of the past couple years, Risqué Rouge has re-​imagined itself from a «gentlemen’s club» to a women’s dance club that happens to have strippers. All its advertising focuses on women. Dance music, rap and hiphop are in, rock music is out. DJs and funky lights are in, but nary the sign of a dance floor usually associated with those elements. Sporting events on the TVs are gone except UFC, which is really surprising when the Flames are the talk of the town.
The waitresses used to dress sexy on the weekends, but that has gone by the wayside too, since it’s no longer a gentlemen’s club, and now they’re in standard affair you would see at Earl’s or 20-​something restaurants. Some of the waitresses are indifferent, but some are very good and skilled professionals, but that’s par for the course in Calgary nowadays.
Needless to say, veer towards the quality waitresses!
So, not even remotely close to a traditional gentlemen’s club anymore, but it still has its elements for gentlemen to enjoy.
The strippers dance on a large stage with plenty of ringside seats for the plebs, but there are other areas — rarely used — for the VIPs to book parties. Also there are comfy booths, but those are reserved for bottle service, which is for those looking for and paying for a little extra.
The strippers vary in age and experience level, from kittens to cougars. They can’t choose their own music (house DJ) so themes are generally a thing of the past.
The real meow is the gogo dancers, non-​nude on side stages, who are generally cute girls next door. Women don’t need to be nude to be attractive, and the gogos usually prove that point.
The other meow is also the food, which is fairly solid pub fare and not atrociously priced, unlike the beer.
So, don’t expect anything close to eastern Canadian or American-​style entertainment here, but if the stars align, it can be fun for guys despite the club’s best intentions not to make it work for them.

Bring back the potato nachos!

On a recent visit we noted better service and improved food quality. The black lights that make the food look disgusting were turned off. Some significant improvements over our last visit.

Some coworkers wanted to come here after work and I tagged along with the group. I haven’t been here in a few years since its been renamed and renovated, but its still basically the same place. The layout is the same, they just put some new lipstick on it.
First off, I wasn’t a fan that they scanned my ID to get in. Second, a $ 10 cover 45 minutes before they close seemed a little ridiculous.
I would agree with Brent J.‘s comment about «passionless» dancers. Despite the front row bring full and the second row mostly filled it just seemed like the entertainers were going through the motions to get their handful of loonies.