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I definitely wouldn't call SW a men's spa, but you should absolutely check it out if you're curious.  If you rent a room, it does lock, and you'll have the key on an elastic band you can wear on your wrist or ankle.  Or you can get just a locker, and the same key situation applies.  In addition, they have a lockbox system at the front desk when you check in, where you can store your valuables (wallet, watch, phone, etc), so you don't have to keep anything too valuable in your locker or room.
Friday evening/night will definitely be busy.  Although I haven't been in a number of years, you can be as voyeuristic or directly engaged in the action as you'd like.  Don't be so sure no one will be interested...there's someone for everyone out there, especially on a busy night.  If a guy is not interested, respect it, and move on.  Others will do the same when you are not interested in them.  It's the nature of the place.  If you do want to do just watch/look, there's plenty of opportunity to do that in the common areas...wet area on the first floor, some common play areas on the other floors.  
If you do get a room, you won't want to just be sitting in there (although some guys will wait for action by sitting face up or down on the bed and living the door open.   But you'll see more if you cruise around  and can go back to the room if you find a match (or play in public).
Feel free to message with questions, or ask publicly.  My overall experience with SW is that it can be as much or as little as you want it to be.

I honestly can't say how busy it might be on a night like that, but I agree with @LookingAround, don't overthink this.  You certainly won't see what you're going to see in SW on the street.  On a Friday, the SW scene is probably more likely to pick up later at night, as people wrap up their nights.  So have a drink or 2 at Lucky Horseshoe, stuff a few dollars in a dancer's jock, then head over to SW when you're ready.  My guess is that any time before 10, you won't face too long of a line.  But have a nap during the day and plan to stay a while if you go earlier in evening.
 

I definitely wouldn't call SW a men's spa, but you should absolutely check it out if you're curious.  If you rent a room, it does lock, and you'll have the key on an elastic band you can wear on your wrist or ankle.  Or you can get just a locker, and the same key situation applies.  In addition, they have a lockbox system at the front desk when you check in, where you can store your valuables (wallet, watch, phone, etc), so you don't have to keep anything too valuable in your locker or room.
Friday evening/night will definitely be busy.  Although I haven't been in a number of years, you can be as voyeuristic or directly engaged in the action as you'd like.  Don't be so sure no one will be interested...there's someone for everyone out there, especially on a busy night.  If a guy is not interested, respect it, and move on.  Others will do the same when you are not interested in them.  It's the nature of the place.  If you do want to do just watch/look, there's plenty of opportunity to do that in the common areas...wet area on the first floor, some common play areas on the other floors.  
If you do get a room, you won't want to just be sitting in there (although some guys will wait for action by sitting face up or down on the bed and living the door open.   But you'll see more if you cruise around  and can go back to the room if you find a match (or play in public).
Feel free to message with questions, or ask publicly.  My overall experience with SW is that it can be as much or as little as you want it to be.

I honestly can't say how busy it might be on a night like that, but I agree with @LookingAround, don't overthink this.  You certainly won't see what you're going to see in SW on the street.  On a Friday, the SW scene is probably more likely to pick up later at night, as people wrap up their nights.  So have a drink or 2 at Lucky Horseshoe, stuff a few dollars in a dancer's jock, then head over to SW when you're ready.  My guess is that any time before 10, you won't face too long of a line.  But have a nap during the day and plan to stay a while if you go earlier in evening.
 

I honestly can't say how busy it might be on a night like that, but I agree with @LookingAround, don't overthink this.  You certainly won't see what you're going to see in SW on the street.  On a Friday, the SW scene is probably more likely to pick up later at night, as people wrap up their nights.  So have a drink or 2 at Lucky Horseshoe, stuff a few dollars in a dancer's jock, then head over to SW when you're ready.  My guess is that any time before 10, you won't face too long of a line.  But have a nap during the day and plan to stay a while if you go earlier in evening.
 

I definitely wouldn't call SW a men's spa, but you should absolutely check it out if you're curious.  If you rent a room, it does lock, and you'll have the key on an elastic band you can wear on your wrist or ankle.  Or you can get just a locker, and the same key situation applies.  In addition, they have a lockbox system at the front desk when you check in, where you can store your valuables (wallet, watch, phone, etc), so you don't have to keep anything too valuable in your locker or room.
Friday evening/night will definitely be busy.  Although I haven't been in a number of years, you can be as voyeuristic or directly engaged in the action as you'd like.  Don't be so sure no one will be interested...there's someone for everyone out there, especially on a busy night.  If a guy is not interested, respect it, and move on.  Others will do the same when you are not interested in them.  It's the nature of the place.  If you do want to do just watch/look, there's plenty of opportunity to do that in the common areas...wet area on the first floor, some common play areas on the other floors.  
If you do get a room, you won't want to just be sitting in there (although some guys will wait for action by sitting face up or down on the bed and living the door open.   But you'll see more if you cruise around  and can go back to the room if you find a match (or play in public).
Feel free to message with questions, or ask publicly.  My overall experience with SW is that it can be as much or as little as you want it to be.

I definitely wouldn't call SW a men's spa, but you should absolutely check it out if you're curious.  If you rent a room, it does lock, and you'll have the key on an elastic band you can wear on your wrist or ankle.  Or you can get just a locker, and the same key situation applies.  In addition, they have a lockbox system at the front desk when you check in, where you can store your valuables (wallet, watch, phone, etc), so you don't have to keep anything too valuable in your locker or room.
Friday evening/night will definitely be busy.  Although I haven't been in a number of years, you can be as voyeuristic or directly engaged in the action as you'd like.  Don't be so sure no one will be interested...there's someone for everyone out there, especially on a busy night.  If a guy is not interested, respect it, and move on.  Others will do the same when you are not interested in them.  It's the nature of the place.  If you do want to do just watch/look, there's plenty of opportunity to do that in the common areas...wet area on the first floor, some common play areas on the other floors.  
If you do get a room, you won't want to just be sitting in there (although some guys will wait for action by sitting face up or down on the bed and living the door open.   But you'll see more if you cruise around  and can go back to the room if you find a match (or play in public).
Feel free to message with questions, or ask publicly.  My overall experience with SW is that it can be as much or as little as you want it to be.

I definitely wouldn't call SW a men's spa, but you should absolutely check it out if you're curious.  If you rent a room, it does lock, and you'll have the key on an elastic band you can wear on your wrist or ankle.  Or you can get just a locker, and the same key situation applies.  In addition, they have a lockbox system at the front desk when you check in, where you can store your valuables (wallet, watch, phone, etc), so you don't have to keep anything too valuable in your locker or room.
Friday evening/night will definitely be busy.  Although I haven't been in a number of years, you can be as voyeuristic or directly engaged in the action as you'd like.  Don't be so sure no one will be interested...there's someone for everyone out there, especially on a busy night.  If a guy is not interested, respect it, and move on.  Others will do the same when you are not interested in them.  It's the nature of the place.  If you do want to do just watch/look, there's plenty of opportunity to do that in the common areas...wet area on the first floor, some common play areas on the other floors.  
If you do get a room, you won't want to just be sitting in there (although some guys will wait for action by sitting face up or down on the bed and living the door open.   But you'll see more if you cruise around  and can go back to the room if you find a match (or play in public).
Feel free to message with questions, or ask publicly.  My overall experience with SW is that it can be as much or as little as you want it to be.

I definitely wouldn't call SW a men's spa, but you should absolutely check it out if you're curious.  If you rent a room, it does lock, and you'll have the key on an elastic band you can wear on your wrist or ankle.  Or you can get just a locker, and the same key situation applies.  In addition, they have a lockbox system at the front desk when you check in, where you can store your valuables (wallet, watch, phone, etc), so you don't have to keep anything too valuable in your locker or room.
Friday evening/night will definitely be busy.  Although I haven't been in a number of years, you can be as voyeuristic or directly engaged in the action as you'd like.  Don't be so sure no one will be interested...there's someone for everyone out there, especially on a busy night.  If a guy is not interested, respect it, and move on.  Others will do the same when you are not interested in them.  It's the nature of the place.  If you do want to do just watch/look, there's plenty of opportunity to do that in the common areas...wet area on the first floor, some common play areas on the other floors.  
If you do get a room, you won't want to just be sitting in there (although some guys will wait for action by sitting face up or down on the bed and living the door open.   But you'll see more if you cruise around  and can go back to the room if you find a match (or play in public).
Feel free to message with questions, or ask publicly.  My overall experience with SW is that it can be as much or as little as you want it to be.

Agreed, just start at the beginning.  If in doubt, turn to Wikipedia for the order!   The MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) is divided into two "Sagas", Infinity and Multiverse, and then further into Phases.  The Infinity Saga consists of Phases 1-3, and Multiverse Phase 4-6.  The TV shows on Disney Plus kick in during Phase 4.
You could probably skip The Incredible Hulk and not miss a beat. I'd probably say the same to Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and 3, but the first has enough relevant information to ground you in the characters for what's to come.
After Phase 3 the movies start to wander a bit, although in theory a lot will come together at some point, but it's honestly hard to see the narrative links.  For the most part, i've enjoyed the TV series in Phase 4, but I've had a hard time keeping up at this point in Phase 5.
List of Marvel Cinematic Universe films - Wikipedia
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG  
 

I went to Catholic school took and it was part of the curriculum from about 6th grade on, including a separate night for dad's to take their sons and mom's to take daughters to a all boys/girls lecture.
 
But, dad pre-empted all that when he had one too many cocktails and decided to sit me and my twin sister down together to have the talk while mom was out one night. Mom was not pleased (with my sister's participation)!
 
I still remember this nugget..."I don't know why they call it that...I haven't seen a bird screw a bee yet!"

I went to Catholic school took and it was part of the curriculum from about 6th grade on, including a separate night for dad's to take their sons and mom's to take daughters to a all boys/girls lecture.
 
But, dad pre-empted all that when he had one too many cocktails and decided to sit me and my twin sister down together to have the talk while mom was out one night. Mom was not pleased (with my sister's participation)!
 
I still remember this nugget..."I don't know why they call it that...I haven't seen a bird screw a bee yet!"

I just finished 3 by J Ryan Stradal: Kitchens of the Great Midwest, The Lager Queen of Minnesota, and Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club.  All set in the midwest, centered around the food/beverage/restaurant industry, and all the life story/stories of generations of family.  Good stories, nothing too bleak the characters face their share of struggle.  The second was my favorite of the 3.

As far as I know, they're totally open, and have been since last year.  I was there a few months ago and things were normal.
Like I said above, Rich is my go to for a great massage.  Marcus is also good, but only massages a few days a week because he also manages the place.  No experience with, but I've heard good things about about Alex and Joe in terms of massage quality.  

As far as I know, they're totally open, and have been since last year.  I was there a few months ago and things were normal.
Like I said above, Rich is my go to for a great massage.  Marcus is also good, but only massages a few days a week because he also manages the place.  No experience with, but I've heard good things about about Alex and Joe in terms of massage quality.  

Probably for the best...you're right, it's a tight squeeze in there. I'm looking forward to things getting back to normal there...maybe give a few of the new guys a try and get back on the table with Rich.

Same...I've heard a few people say that the massage from Gary is sub-par.  Would be interested to hear if anyone has tried out the new guys Kevin or Joe.

Sauna is probably a stretch.  Steamworks is a full blown bath house (and I mean that in the best possible way).  There is a large wet area, including whirlpool, group showers, a sauna and larger steamroom with several nooks and benches (it's like a long hallway with little offshoot rooms), even a weight room.  There's a second sauna an the third floor and showers on all floors.  There's porn playing everywhere.
Otherwise, there are rooms to rent (or just get a locker), mazes to walk around, glory holes, slings, benches...you name it.
Overall, the place is large, clean, and safe (although use your head and store your valuables).  I've only ever been in the evening, and the later you go, the bigger the crowd.  But I have no doubt you could find a lunchtime crowd or after work crowd too.
It's not a covert cruising spot like your neighborhood Russian Bath or anything.  It's there for sex, or watching, or whatever you want in between.  I'm sure my other Chicago brethren can chime in.

Sauna is probably a stretch.  Steamworks is a full blown bath house (and I mean that in the best possible way).  There is a large wet area, including whirlpool, group showers, a sauna and larger steamroom with several nooks and benches (it's like a long hallway with little offshoot rooms), even a weight room.  There's a second sauna an the third floor and showers on all floors.  There's porn playing everywhere.
Otherwise, there are rooms to rent (or just get a locker), mazes to walk around, glory holes, slings, benches...you name it.
Overall, the place is large, clean, and safe (although use your head and store your valuables).  I've only ever been in the evening, and the later you go, the bigger the crowd.  But I have no doubt you could find a lunchtime crowd or after work crowd too.
It's not a covert cruising spot like your neighborhood Russian Bath or anything.  It's there for sex, or watching, or whatever you want in between.  I'm sure my other Chicago brethren can chime in.

Sauna is probably a stretch.  Steamworks is a full blown bath house (and I mean that in the best possible way).  There is a large wet area, including whirlpool, group showers, a sauna and larger steamroom with several nooks and benches (it's like a long hallway with little offshoot rooms), even a weight room.  There's a second sauna an the third floor and showers on all floors.  There's porn playing everywhere.
Otherwise, there are rooms to rent (or just get a locker), mazes to walk around, glory holes, slings, benches...you name it.
Overall, the place is large, clean, and safe (although use your head and store your valuables).  I've only ever been in the evening, and the later you go, the bigger the crowd.  But I have no doubt you could find a lunchtime crowd or after work crowd too.
It's not a covert cruising spot like your neighborhood Russian Bath or anything.  It's there for sex, or watching, or whatever you want in between.  I'm sure my other Chicago brethren can chime in.

Probably depends on where you're going and the cost of private dances, if that's what you're looking for. In a club like Swinging Richards, a lap dance out front is $10, in back (non private) $20, and getting into the back room will cost you a one time fee (prob $20-$30 or so, I forget). A 15 minute private dance will run you about $140...$40 to the house and $100 to the dancer. And don't forget cash to tip the guys on stage (a few bucks to show interest...a few more if you're really interested). Plus cash for the cover/door charge and drinks. In short, cash is king. Bring what you're comfortable spending (and stay away from the ATM!!!). If you're thinking about a few 15 minute private dances, you can easily spend $400 to $500 no problem...I"m sure much more. Some may think that's a lot. Some may think it's not enough.
 
My approach with dancers is generally to tip one I like on stage, wait for him to come by and maybe chat a while You'll get a feel for the guy that way. You might get a sense if he's straight or gay (which might matter later), and how aggressive he is. Remember, these guys are here to make money, and a big part of the game is flattery.
 
In a club like SR, on a busy (or not busy) night, guys will be working the floor, trying to drum up private dances. Most of them will ask you if you want to go in the back room for a private. I usually give them a "maybe later, I'm going to hang up front for a bit" Even If I like the guy, I might hang out for a while to get a feel of who's there, and who I might want to splash out cash for a private for. Some of them will be persistent...just be polite and stick to your guns.
 
Being respectful to the guys will go a long way, in my experience. Tip first, and the let the rest go from there. Don't get too handsy (especially if you haven't tipped) up front.
 
It's hard to give advice if you're going to go for a private dance. In my experience, if a guy is straight, or comes off as aloof or "macho" upfront, they're usually not much fun in the privates. The friendlier guys tend to be just that, but don't expect anything more than the dance going in, and don't go for an uncharge after the fact unless you're truly interested.
 
As always, buyer beware. Some guys will play games, especially if you're paying "by the song". If you agree to a lap dance, tell him you'd like 3 songs, or whatever, so he doesn't just keep going and tell you you owe him $100 when you thought you were in for $20.
 
In short...use your head, be nice, don't spend more than your comfortable with, and have fun!

I had hit Spunk at Pieces just before lockdown.  Had one guy who definitely took advantage of the time (told him 1 or 2 dances, and he went over whatever I told him, and I think would have kept going if I hadn't looked back a the timer), and of course wanted payment for the extra (I did, but was aggravated).  That wasn't the general experience though...all the other guys I got a private from stayed on the agreed count.  All pre-Covid though, so I'm sure the guys have turned over somewhat.  Just a reminder to peak at the clock...if it feels like you're going over, you probably are.

I had hit Spunk at Pieces just before lockdown.  Had one guy who definitely took advantage of the time (told him 1 or 2 dances, and he went over whatever I told him, and I think would have kept going if I hadn't looked back a the timer), and of course wanted payment for the extra (I did, but was aggravated).  That wasn't the general experience though...all the other guys I got a private from stayed on the agreed count.  All pre-Covid though, so I'm sure the guys have turned over somewhat.  Just a reminder to peak at the clock...if it feels like you're going over, you probably are.

I had hit Spunk at Pieces just before lockdown.  Had one guy who definitely took advantage of the time (told him 1 or 2 dances, and he went over whatever I told him, and I think would have kept going if I hadn't looked back a the timer), and of course wanted payment for the extra (I did, but was aggravated).  That wasn't the general experience though...all the other guys I got a private from stayed on the agreed count.  All pre-Covid though, so I'm sure the guys have turned over somewhat.  Just a reminder to peak at the clock...if it feels like you're going over, you probably are.

That seems like more of an anomaly on the quality side, for Sir.  But sometimes the newer guys aren't as up to par.  Rich, Marcus, and Antonio are all experienced and give quality massages.  I've found you just have to experiment to find the right fit, quality wise there.  In terms of looks, I'll be honest, the expectation there isn't that they're models.  It's not the same sort of set up as the NYC type spas.  The guys are all licensed, legit providers.   My recommendation would be to give it another go, take some time to relax in the steam before or after, and you'll have a nice time.