Don B.
Yelp
The Lucky Devil Lounge sits in that little, brown, once-cursed building right next to the east-end of the Ross Island Bridge. It's been a landmark for so many years to those of us who use the bridge to commute on a daily basis.
For years it was some random strip club. Then it was a Mexican strip club (Gata Salvaje - get it?). During that short stint I always longed to try a taco from the little late-night taco stand that was set up outside. But alas, I never got brave enough to hit up the Gata.
After the Gata closed, it turned into Bent, a very obviously gay strip club. With rainbow flag flyin', the club sat empty for quite some time. There were rarely cars parked in the little half-pavement, half-blacktop lot. It was not long for this world.
Then, the clouds opened up and a ray of light shone down upon the squat, window-less brown box. The owners of various other successful clubs around town (Devil's Point to name one) scooped up the space and opened the Lucky Devil Lounge. After one year in business, the Lucky Devil is going strong. Let's hope the curse of contstant turnover is gone, and the Lucky Devil is here to stay.
First off, the girls: These are definitely Portland strippers. Ink, piercings, natural, not junkie-thin, sassy yet not bitchy, somewhat daring on the pole, and all around quality entertainment. Our group of 20 showed up at 7pm on a Thursday and there were 2 girls in rotation, but within a short matter of time, we had 4 or 5 girls working the stage (all at once, at one point) for our viewing pleasure. One of the best parts, they didn't come bug me to buy a dance. I never like having to fend off pushy sales girls. If I want a dance, rest assured I will let you know.
Next, the space: What seems to be a drab brown box on the outside opens up to a much classier setup inside. Textured, deep vermilion wallpaper, copper (?) tables, a metal rack, one pole on stage and 2 poles on the rack counter itself, and a nice long bar along the side. They also have a covered smoke patio with a fire pit for warmth. To one side of the stage they have a nice little lounging area with a couple of couches and a coffee table. All in all it's like a bigger version of the devil's living room. While still small and intimate, it's big enough to have a party.
Finally, the drinks and food: To be transparent, they found out our group was coming and set us up with a free buffet of some of their favorite menu items: buffalo blue cheese wings, mac n cheese, steak bites, pork sliders, and a hummus/veg plate. I had shown up early to get some dinner, but waited for the buffet instead, and am glad I did. Since when do strip clubs serve good food?? The Mac n Cheese was deceptively (and impressively) good, the sliders were tasty, and the wings were mighty fine. I would definitely not hesitate to dine in at the Devil.
Overall, I give this place a sold 4.5 stars. The only thing the Lucky Devil has done wrong is that they have the misfortune of being reviewed under Don's new regime of being a little stingy on the 5-star ratings. In the past, I would have tossed them that 5th star, especially for the level of service and attention we received as a group, and their willingness to make the night as perfect as they could for us. All around, they boast top quality: a good stable of girls, good service, classy space, good food and a heated smoke porch. I even want to give them that extra star for being so cool as to go non-smoking even before the ban. After talking with the owner, it sounds like they have many group and private functions there, and I can totally see why.
Oh, and what may end up nosing them up to a 5th star will be when I return for gaming. They have a social gaming license, and a nice little blackjack table. They also have cards and chips (for a deposit), so anyone can come in with a group and play a round of hold 'em. Supposedly there's also a guy who comes in sometimes and sets up as a blackjack dealer with his own bank. And really, what could be better than gambling, strippers, and booze?
