I am inclined to cringe every time I hear the word “pamper.” The term, which means to indulge or spoil, tends to be over-used in reference to women, their pedicures and scented lotions. “I got you this gift certificate so you can pamper yourself.” Really, or are you just treating me to a nice day at the spa? And did you add in a pint of Ben & Jerry’s to round out the stereotype? So when I came across The Social’s (170 S. 1st St.) weekly take on ladies night (Tuesdays 8 p.m. to close), unsurprisingly touted “Pampered,” I was a bit skeptical (my nights out with the girls tend to consist of telling funny stories over chips and salsa and margaritas.) Unfortunately, I also happen to light up every time I hear the phrase “drink special.” Or “bottomless flout of champagne.” Or “chair massage.” So without further delay, I ventured over to The Social to hesitantly get pampered.
Beyond its retro-looking bar area, the Social’s low-lit dining room – with its cream brick walls, hints of dark furniture and wood floors and red vinyl tabletops that no woman would have to clean that night – seemed warm and homey. The perfect relaxing atmosphere away from husbands, children, laundry and other estrogen-related obligations. In one corner sat a tarot card reader. Also present was an enticing massage therapy chair. A movie was projected on a back wall ( “The Big Lebowski,” go figure).
The evening was like a significant other’s gift gone right: there was something for everyone. Ladies in the mood to celebrate a special occasion, or just their affinity for the bubbly, could delight in $15 of unlimited “Champagne Bliss.” I chose to sip a Pomegranate Love martini ($5). Those looking to add some excitement to their intimate lives could peruse the colorful array of bedroom unmentionables and, ehem, gadgets from the Tool Shed adult toy store. And stressed or curious patrons could indulge in a 10-minute massage ($5) or tarot card reading ($10). I myself took a glimpse into my future.
A rather scant turnout actually helped to create a more intimate setting, and no one had to wait long for drinks or activities. The crowd ranged from pairs of college girls and groups of older women to a rather mixed smattering of patrons around the bar (guys are welcome, too.) The event provided an evening escape far different from what other bars offer to their female visitors. The low-key environment and offerings of reasonably priced beverages and services perfectly fit the label “pampered,” whatever you think of the word.
Nights of the Ladies
The city offers a variety of other ladies nights to fit a variety of moods. Most of the clubs allow women to bypass cover charges and drink free on select weeknights: try Three and Texture on Wednesdays, Tangerine and Have a Nice Day Cafe on Thursdays and Eve on Fridays. If dancing isn’t your thing, head over for a listen at Bremen Cafe or a pint at Caffrey’s Pub, both offering discounted drinks to female bar patrons on Wednesdays. For a girls night out when money isn’t such a concern, try Barclay Gallery & Garden Cafe, where you can shop for art and jewelry, enjoy a signature martini and sit on the patio. And for more of a wild night, Lucille’s Piano Bar awaits with plenty of drinks and entertainment.
