Some businesses come and go. Others provide such a valuable service to their local communities that they become neighborhood institutions and achieve almost legendary status. Good Guys Restaurant is one such place; they've been in business for over 40 years and have a reputation far larger than the diminutive space they occupy would suggest.

What's the secret to their long-lived success? Providing their customers with quality food at economical prices; excellent community relations; and the finest damn dancers on this stretch of the east coast!

Over the years, Good Guys has developed a reputation for excellent service, both in and outside of the restaurant. They have assisted with and participated in community service projects ranging from fundraisers to fighting homelessness. They have even sponsored local softball teams. And although they provide risqué adult entertainment, they have never been cited for any violations. For any bar in Georgetown—much less a strip club—that's one hell of a track record. Good Guys has such a great reputation, in fact, that its primary marketing tool is word of mouth. Once you've been there, you're bound to return for a second helping of what brought you there in the first place—whether it was the food, the girls, or another night on the town with the gang.

Good Guys opens daily at 11am. It features three main stages, each spaced far enough apart that neither customers nor dancers feel cramped. Music is provided not by a DJ, but from a jukebox where the customers are allowed to pick the songs. What a great concept! How can you tell if the dancer is really a dancer until she's put to the test? Sure it's easy to dance to techo and hip-hop, but how about some White Zombie? Gun's and Roses? Motown? It doesn't matter what's playing, these girls can move to any beat or groove the patrons choose. If things don't seem right to you without the sounds of a DJ talking to the girls, don't worry: Good Guys has DJ Bubbles! He's the bartender who grabs the mike and keeps the girls motivated both on and off stage.

During my visit, I chose to attend during the lunch rush. The restaurant had customers in attendance quite early. Busy is always a good sign in a restaurant I always say. After being seated, I had to make that difficult decision—what's for lunch? Good Guys offers a variety of burgers (using only lean beef), sandwiches, Tex-Mex, and a few really good entrees. I enjoyed the "Good Guys Grilled Chicken Platter"—a boneless char-grilled chicken breast marinated in lemon juice and homemade seasoning accompanied by roasted potatoes and string beans. The price: $4.75. Where else in D.C. could you get a meal like this at that price?

Old Dog, New Tricks
In the entertainment business, variety isn't just the spice of life, it's often critical to avoiding becoming stale. Stick with your original concept for too long, and it could become passé. The key is to keep it exciting and fresh. For Good Guys, two recent changes have built a buzz and rapidly become favorites of the regular customers. First, on each weekday, all waitresses dressed in accordance with a theme for the evening.

Mondays were Bikini Beach Party. Tuesday's it was Disco '70s Dance Party. Wednesdays brought out the cowgirls with Country/Western night. Thursdays were a time for the dancers to show some patriotism with that skin at the USA Patriotic Party, and Fridays boasted the staple of any guy's fantasies: the Lingerie Party.

Good Guys also attracted attention by announcing an Amateur Dance Contest. It will take place on Tuesday, June 24th at 8 pm. First prize is $1,000.00; second place takes home $250.00; and the third spot garners the lucky competitor $100.00. For more information on the contest rules, contact Good Guys at 202-333-8128.

I asked Jeremy Lippman, who manages the day shift, "If you could put your finger on the one thing that makes Good Guys so successful, what would it be?"

"DC is a diverse city, and we're a diverse club," he responded. "We hire different types of girls to meet the challenges of that diversity. Some of the club's customers would return years later after their last visit, and comment how much the place hasn't changed. The girls were still friendly and as beautiful as ever. We've become sort of a landmark in D.C. by offering over 25 years of great service."

If you haven't gone to Good Guys yet, what are you waiting for?
Good Guys Restaurant is located at 2311 Wisconsin Ave., NW, 202-333-8128