Magic Gardens
217 NW 4th AvePortland, OR 97209
503/ 224.8472
Located in: Northwest Portland & near Northeast Portland
BarFly's Review of Magic Gardens
Should there be a Vice-chic equation [(rock stars X tits + coke-addled hipsters - top 40 tunes)/ well whiskey price], we'd imagine Magic Gardens would top Portland. The dingy, divey, claustrophobic landmark has not, perhaps, the finest performers (Suicide-Girl heavy for rush hours, natch, with an eclectic array lunch-ward) nor pole nor, should there be a crowd, any comfortable vantage point to view them. Still, the dancers have better musical taste than you and couldn't be friendlier - though one should always assume both that their boy/girl-friends'll be somewhere's 'round the room and that you'll one day want their autograph.
Reader Reviews of Magic Gardens
Patty
She the the worst bartender ever. I was once a bartender and I know. She is rude, ignorant and racist. Of all the people I every met in the strip bars she is the worst. She should be fired! I have often wondered who she is having sex with to keep her job though I find it hard to believe anyone would what to have sex with that old hag.
She the the worst bartender ever. I was once a bartender and I know. She is rude, ignorant and racist. Of all the people I every met in the strip bars she is the worst. She should be fired! I have often wondered who she is having sex with to keep her job though I find it hard to believe anyone would what to have sex with that old hag.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Coyotemother on August 31, 2008, 12:17 pm
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Comfort Levels
Patty is a widely loved lady who presides over a bar in which industry people and others who know how to behave feel welcome and comfortable. Nobody can please all the people all the time, but the Magic seems to me to please those who understand what is expected of them... loyalty, maturity, generosity, and no whining.
Patty is a widely loved lady who presides over a bar in which industry people and others who know how to behave feel welcome and comfortable. Nobody can please all the people all the time, but the Magic seems to me to please those who understand what is expected of them... loyalty, maturity, generosity, and no whining.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Greg on February 20, 2008, 1:46 am
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30 min on Portland
I was there at the end of September 2007. I was doing a bus trip with a friend. we started in Toronto, Canada. And we ended at San Francisco.
So we stopped at Portland at 11pm, only 30 minutes, and there was this guy with us on a bus, forget his name, but he had a fake string tattoo on his back, anyway he bring us there. He knew the place, i was surprise of that club, cheapest beer, nice music, cool people and of course, the girl who was dancing, she was gorgeous and had good shake... i really liked it, its like a scene on grindhouse movies.
After 3 songs, we run back to the Greyhound bus. I remember wearing flip flops, not that easy...
Too bad, that we didn't have time to stay longer on the place, even on the city that i don t know what is looks like.
So now i am in Paris, thats where i lived and we don't have the same shit here :(
But if someone can tell me where i can find t-shirt of Magic Gardens on the internet, please let me know.
I was there at the end of September 2007. I was doing a bus trip with a friend. we started in Toronto, Canada. And we ended at San Francisco.
So we stopped at Portland at 11pm, only 30 minutes, and there was this guy with us on a bus, forget his name, but he had a fake string tattoo on his back, anyway he bring us there. He knew the place, i was surprise of that club, cheapest beer, nice music, cool people and of course, the girl who was dancing, she was gorgeous and had good shake... i really liked it, its like a scene on grindhouse movies.
After 3 songs, we run back to the Greyhound bus. I remember wearing flip flops, not that easy...
Too bad, that we didn't have time to stay longer on the place, even on the city that i don t know what is looks like.
So now i am in Paris, thats where i lived and we don't have the same shit here :(
But if someone can tell me where i can find t-shirt of Magic Gardens on the internet, please let me know.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Filipe on January 30, 2008, 9:54 am
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Patty
I'm a regular at Magic, and I agree that Patty can be salty sometimes. Still, she's almost elderly, and I bet you asking if she had a problem with you made her think you were about to become a problem. Out of all the bars I drink at I've been cut off and kicked out by her the most, usually for shooting my mouth off (imagine that). And well I should've been, seeing as others are there to watch naked girls, not tolerate my verbal abuse. But I still think Patty's cool, and there's no reason to give up your fave hangout if she's not your cup of tea. It doesn't sound like you were 86'd so try going on sunday or monday when Angie's working. She's never cut me off so the odds are in your favor. Oh, and that's when Cami's dancing, bonus!
I'm a regular at Magic, and I agree that Patty can be salty sometimes. Still, she's almost elderly, and I bet you asking if she had a problem with you made her think you were about to become a problem. Out of all the bars I drink at I've been cut off and kicked out by her the most, usually for shooting my mouth off (imagine that). And well I should've been, seeing as others are there to watch naked girls, not tolerate my verbal abuse. But I still think Patty's cool, and there's no reason to give up your fave hangout if she's not your cup of tea. It doesn't sound like you were 86'd so try going on sunday or monday when Angie's working. She's never cut me off so the odds are in your favor. Oh, and that's when Cami's dancing, bonus!
So sad to lose a favorite spot
Shortly after I moved to Portland two years ago, I discovered Magic! I loved the place. It has great girls, interesting music, a pool table and very little ‘attitude’ that some of these other places tend to exhibit. The low ceilings, red smoky lights….all made this a great place for me. I met a lovely Portlander girl and we started going there together. It quickly became a firm favorite of ours. We love the bouncer, Arturo, the burgers, and the friendly dancers. We have never had an ounce of grief while there.
Sadly, we will never be going back.
The witch behind the bar, Patty I believe it is, is the most diabolical server this side of the equator. Over the two years, I have never, ever failed to tip her generously. She would always take her time to serve me, but I put it down to her preferred style. I had never seen her smile, not once. The last night we were there, she looked right past me and said to the guy behind me ‘what can I get you.’ I asked her if there was a problem, and she answered that she would prefer that we not frequent the place! We were stunned!!! Someone post on here when ‘Patty’ leaves, and will go back.
Shortly after I moved to Portland two years ago, I discovered Magic! I loved the place. It has great girls, interesting music, a pool table and very little ‘attitude’ that some of these other places tend to exhibit. The low ceilings, red smoky lights….all made this a great place for me. I met a lovely Portlander girl and we started going there together. It quickly became a firm favorite of ours. We love the bouncer, Arturo, the burgers, and the friendly dancers. We have never had an ounce of grief while there.
Sadly, we will never be going back.
The witch behind the bar, Patty I believe it is, is the most diabolical server this side of the equator. Over the two years, I have never, ever failed to tip her generously. She would always take her time to serve me, but I put it down to her preferred style. I had never seen her smile, not once. The last night we were there, she looked right past me and said to the guy behind me ‘what can I get you.’ I asked her if there was a problem, and she answered that she would prefer that we not frequent the place! We were stunned!!! Someone post on here when ‘Patty’ leaves, and will go back.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by TheTwoOfUs on January 5, 2008, 1:21 pm
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Oh Magic..
The first strip club I ever went to in Portland, oh what a soft spot it holds. Patty is sharper than anyone would ever realize. she misses nothing. The old bit, that just gets you to put your guard down. I might be in there once every eight months and she remembers me my wife, and everyone I ever came in with. Oh The Gardens are special, always will be. Hollowed ground I tell you.
The first strip club I ever went to in Portland, oh what a soft spot it holds. Patty is sharper than anyone would ever realize. she misses nothing. The old bit, that just gets you to put your guard down. I might be in there once every eight months and she remembers me my wife, and everyone I ever came in with. Oh The Gardens are special, always will be. Hollowed ground I tell you.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Ezra on September 8, 2007, 8:51 pm
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BT and the bouncer
For y'all who like to jump to hasty judgements I must say: -you are all wrong (except for Yamada). The old lady and the "Mongolian-Terror" are one awesome duo! Hands down. You just have to go by the good old golden rule is all. Oh, and it helps if you tip seeing they are most likely not on a 401-k plan nor have a dental plan...
For y'all who like to jump to hasty judgements I must say: -you are all wrong (except for Yamada). The old lady and the "Mongolian-Terror" are one awesome duo! Hands down. You just have to go by the good old golden rule is all. Oh, and it helps if you tip seeing they are most likely not on a 401-k plan nor have a dental plan...
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by SwedishRoyalty on August 12, 2007, 6:51 pm
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The girls DJ their own music at Magic and the Bouncers
DJs and Bouncers
The DJs and bouncers at strip joints are (for the most part) big giant doody-heads!
The DJs and bouncers at strip joints are (for the most part) big giant doody-heads!
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Klown on August 8, 2007, 4:39 pm
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Still great, but
Magic is still a great option for downtown strippaz, but I was none too pleased with the way my girlfriend was harassed by the bouncer last Saturday. We walked in with about a dozen of us (she was the only female), and as everyone crowded at the bar to order drinks (I went to the pisser), she sat down at a table with one or two other guys (already had their drinks). Less than 3 minutes after we walk in the bouncer is giving her shit about the one drink minimum: "You've got to order a drink, and you'd better do it now." She's not a loud or extroverted person, and this mongoloid fucktard almost ruined her (and my) night. I may give the garden a miss the next few times I'm downtown and yearning for strippers.
Magic is still a great option for downtown strippaz, but I was none too pleased with the way my girlfriend was harassed by the bouncer last Saturday. We walked in with about a dozen of us (she was the only female), and as everyone crowded at the bar to order drinks (I went to the pisser), she sat down at a table with one or two other guys (already had their drinks). Less than 3 minutes after we walk in the bouncer is giving her shit about the one drink minimum: "You've got to order a drink, and you'd better do it now." She's not a loud or extroverted person, and this mongoloid fucktard almost ruined her (and my) night. I may give the garden a miss the next few times I'm downtown and yearning for strippers.
bartenders
The best reason to go to Magic Garden is the cute blonde day bartender. Better looking than most of the dancers, and good friendly service too.
The best reason to go to Magic Garden is the cute blonde day bartender. Better looking than most of the dancers, and good friendly service too.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Robert on May 23, 2007, 8:24 am
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Not worth it
Went here on a saturday night around 9pm, place was empty, only two girls rotating on stage so after an hour you wanted to see more trim. Both were hotties, but needed more selection.
This place is very small and only has one stage. It felt more of a local hangout than the touristy boys night out kinda place. My advise, head two blocks further to the Cabaret, the entertainment and service is much better.
The old lady who serves drinks was nice to us, I dont know what your all complaining about. You either don't know how to TIP or you look like you should be on the streets outside napping in a cove. She was a little on the slow side, agreed on that point. Solution - Order doubles
Helpful advise - Tip the old lady a five spot on your first round and you won't have any problems with her the rest of your visit. She might even give you priority service.
Bouncers seemed nice, didn't have any problems. Lots of bums in the outside surrounding areas. It's that part of town.
All three of us tried the burger which was mentioned twice on BarFly but it wasen't that great.
Went here on a saturday night around 9pm, place was empty, only two girls rotating on stage so after an hour you wanted to see more trim. Both were hotties, but needed more selection.
This place is very small and only has one stage. It felt more of a local hangout than the touristy boys night out kinda place. My advise, head two blocks further to the Cabaret, the entertainment and service is much better.
The old lady who serves drinks was nice to us, I dont know what your all complaining about. You either don't know how to TIP or you look like you should be on the streets outside napping in a cove. She was a little on the slow side, agreed on that point. Solution - Order doubles
Helpful advise - Tip the old lady a five spot on your first round and you won't have any problems with her the rest of your visit. She might even give you priority service.
Bouncers seemed nice, didn't have any problems. Lots of bums in the outside surrounding areas. It's that part of town.
All three of us tried the burger which was mentioned twice on BarFly but it wasen't that great.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by David on April 22, 2007, 5:44 pm
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Zoe
Zoe is still there. Check the website to see when she'll be working. www.myspace.com/magicgardensgirls
Zoe is still there. Check the website to see when she'll be working. www.myspace.com/magicgardensgirls
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by craig on April 2, 2007, 8:39 am
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Does Zoe still dance there?
I love the Garden. It feels comfortable (if occasionally a bit too smoky for my tastes), and despite other reviews, the older woman behind the bar has been nothing but wonderful to me. The music is top-notch; I've picked up more than a few CDs based on stuff I've heard there for the first time. And the dancers are just beautiful ... I haven't been in a long while - I remember a girl named Zoe who was hands-down the most friendly and engaging dancer I've ever had a chance to chat with. Anyone know if she still dances there?
I love the Garden. It feels comfortable (if occasionally a bit too smoky for my tastes), and despite other reviews, the older woman behind the bar has been nothing but wonderful to me. The music is top-notch; I've picked up more than a few CDs based on stuff I've heard there for the first time. And the dancers are just beautiful ... I haven't been in a long while - I remember a girl named Zoe who was hands-down the most friendly and engaging dancer I've ever had a chance to chat with. Anyone know if she still dances there?
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by tenminutesalone on April 1, 2007, 12:57 am
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I know what you mean
For those of you who want to avoid Patty (the ancient bartender), she works Wednesday through Saturday from 6:30 to close. So go in on one of the other nights, or any day before 6:30pm.
For those of you who want to avoid Patty (the ancient bartender), she works Wednesday through Saturday from 6:30 to close. So go in on one of the other nights, or any day before 6:30pm.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Mike on March 22, 2007, 10:50 am
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Magic Gardens
Best music in a dance club, hands down. The girls at night (Thursday-Saturday) dance verrrrrrrrrry slow, are beautiful, natural and have the right mix of I don't give a damn and I really like dancing to this music and looking at myself in the mirror. No pole. No bad hip hob or obnoxious metal. No carnival style DJ telling you to 'give it up, boyeeeee'. It's like a neighborhood bar with hot naked hot babes and killer music.
The old bartender has got to go. She hates most of her customers and could give a crap about serving you a drink. It's like she's doing you a huge friggin' favor. She's the reason I don't go there more often.
Best music in a dance club, hands down. The girls at night (Thursday-Saturday) dance verrrrrrrrrry slow, are beautiful, natural and have the right mix of I don't give a damn and I really like dancing to this music and looking at myself in the mirror. No pole. No bad hip hob or obnoxious metal. No carnival style DJ telling you to 'give it up, boyeeeee'. It's like a neighborhood bar with hot naked hot babes and killer music.
The old bartender has got to go. She hates most of her customers and could give a crap about serving you a drink. It's like she's doing you a huge friggin' favor. She's the reason I don't go there more often.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by dupre on March 16, 2007, 10:42 pm
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My favorite club
The best strip club in Portland. Great place to stop in after work, as it's usually pretty mellow then and the day time girls are friendlier than the stand-off-ish late night girls. Hotter too, IMO. The night girls' dark, strung-out, skeletal look doesn't really do it for me. In the daytime you'll usually see more variety, various shapes and sizes, blondes and brunettes, more girl-next-door types.
The best strip club in Portland. Great place to stop in after work, as it's usually pretty mellow then and the day time girls are friendlier than the stand-off-ish late night girls. Hotter too, IMO. The night girls' dark, strung-out, skeletal look doesn't really do it for me. In the daytime you'll usually see more variety, various shapes and sizes, blondes and brunettes, more girl-next-door types.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by John on February 16, 2007, 3:28 pm
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WOW
Besides feeling like I was in my parent's smokey basement, I would say it was overall a humorous experience. The only bartendar on the Saturday night I went there was a 70+ year-old woman who took centuries to serve me my drink. The strippers looked like they had just rolled out from under the box out on the street. These "all natural" stippers could have taken a little more time practicing personal hygiene and picked some better tunes to watch them groove to.
Besides feeling like I was in my parent's smokey basement, I would say it was overall a humorous experience. The only bartendar on the Saturday night I went there was a 70+ year-old woman who took centuries to serve me my drink. The strippers looked like they had just rolled out from under the box out on the street. These "all natural" stippers could have taken a little more time practicing personal hygiene and picked some better tunes to watch them groove to.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by halla on September 25, 2006, 12:15 pm
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I love this place
I was friends with a girl that danced here back in 1988, and I have loved it ever since...
I was friends with a girl that danced here back in 1988, and I have loved it ever since...
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Chad on June 15, 2006, 12:22 am
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it's tragic
there aren't more places like this. friendly, eclectic dancers, fantastic ambience, the best staff in town, and the small size make this place the perfect home away from home. perfect after-work hangout if you want to wait for downtown traffic to die down.
there aren't more places like this. friendly, eclectic dancers, fantastic ambience, the best staff in town, and the small size make this place the perfect home away from home. perfect after-work hangout if you want to wait for downtown traffic to die down.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by nick carmine on April 22, 2006, 11:01 am
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not bad at all
I don't mind hanging out here for awhile when its not hella busy. The strippers are reasonably attractive but not very talented dancers.
I don't mind hanging out here for awhile when its not hella busy. The strippers are reasonably attractive but not very talented dancers.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by mel on April 7, 2006, 9:07 am
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Love Love Loved it
Im a chick that loves chicks and wowee wow wow! Though the girls are all too thin for my taste ( come on....even a doggie likes a little meat on his bones) I will say this; they were really cute and sexxxxy. They paid extra attention to me and were hella sweet. I was afraid that the guys would trip out on another chick being in there watching and tipping but nobody paid me much mind. In fact, I ended up playing pool with another solo female. Felt like a strange movie in there, the low ceilings, the redish lighting and the girls right in your face if you sit anywhere near the tiny little stage. Even that mean little pickle faced barmaid had her own charm.
Im a chick that loves chicks and wowee wow wow! Though the girls are all too thin for my taste ( come on....even a doggie likes a little meat on his bones) I will say this; they were really cute and sexxxxy. They paid extra attention to me and were hella sweet. I was afraid that the guys would trip out on another chick being in there watching and tipping but nobody paid me much mind. In fact, I ended up playing pool with another solo female. Felt like a strange movie in there, the low ceilings, the redish lighting and the girls right in your face if you sit anywhere near the tiny little stage. Even that mean little pickle faced barmaid had her own charm.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Grrl_4_Grrl on February 17, 2006, 12:06 am
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Slow Dancing to Great Music
The dancers dance slow. They all wear platform shoes and they're languid. The music they play is not the usual strip club music. You'll hear everything from Joy Division to Bluegrass to Drive By Truckers to Syd Barrett. It's nuts. Most of the girls are thin, some are tall (though it could be the shoes) and they're all pretty much sexy. The best of them is Kami who is a dark haired double for Cameron Diaz. The place can get filled with assholes who think they're God's gift to something or other, but for the most part it's like a neighborhood bar that happens to have a bunch of pretty naked girls moving real slow to a slew of really good music.
The dancers dance slow. They all wear platform shoes and they're languid. The music they play is not the usual strip club music. You'll hear everything from Joy Division to Bluegrass to Drive By Truckers to Syd Barrett. It's nuts. Most of the girls are thin, some are tall (though it could be the shoes) and they're all pretty much sexy. The best of them is Kami who is a dark haired double for Cameron Diaz. The place can get filled with assholes who think they're God's gift to something or other, but for the most part it's like a neighborhood bar that happens to have a bunch of pretty naked girls moving real slow to a slew of really good music.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Frankie on February 1, 2006, 1:37 am
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It's like a movie set
I have to agree on the burger, it really does kick ass. Most of the women are pretty hot, (although the one getting on stage as I left looked big enough to whoop me.) I love the hipster tatoo types naked. The atmosphere is claustraphobic, dingy and fun. With red lights, video games and pool, I wish the arcades of my youth were as cool.
I have to agree on the burger, it really does kick ass. Most of the women are pretty hot, (although the one getting on stage as I left looked big enough to whoop me.) I love the hipster tatoo types naked. The atmosphere is claustraphobic, dingy and fun. With red lights, video games and pool, I wish the arcades of my youth were as cool.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Chris on December 8, 2005, 4:48 pm
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Pretty nifty
I visited several times late last year and found the place quite pleasant. The tobacco smoke level was tolerable (and I'm unusually sensitive), the dancers were uniformly sexy, the bartender is one of the cutest in town, and the hamburger is just plain friggin' delicious (worth coming in for even without the naked babes). This place is worth checking out for just about anyone.
I visited several times late last year and found the place quite pleasant. The tobacco smoke level was tolerable (and I'm unusually sensitive), the dancers were uniformly sexy, the bartender is one of the cutest in town, and the hamburger is just plain friggin' delicious (worth coming in for even without the naked babes). This place is worth checking out for just about anyone.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Bob G on August 30, 2005, 10:49 am
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Perfect for what you're there for
Friendly staff, and friendly dancers. A propper dive with a hot naked chick in the middle. Try it!
Friendly staff, and friendly dancers. A propper dive with a hot naked chick in the middle. Try it!
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by V.M.T. on August 13, 2005, 12:46 pm
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Dear me, I love this place
If you can stomach the neighborhood, which can be on the sketchy side, you're in for a treat. The dancers are beautiful and friendly, and the atmosphere is absolutely wonderful. It's a smallish club, and it looks like it could be straight out of some long lost noir film. I cannot recommend the place highly enough.
If you can stomach the neighborhood, which can be on the sketchy side, you're in for a treat. The dancers are beautiful and friendly, and the atmosphere is absolutely wonderful. It's a smallish club, and it looks like it could be straight out of some long lost noir film. I cannot recommend the place highly enough.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Mr. Thumbs Up on August 3, 2005, 10:49 pm
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ups & downs
The Upside: Hot hipster girls dancing to great music, no clearchannel playlist here . The Downside: It smells, the sidewalk out front is littered with crackheads and the meanest old lady I've ever met behind the bar.
The Upside: Hot hipster girls dancing to great music, no clearchannel playlist here . The Downside: It smells, the sidewalk out front is littered with crackheads and the meanest old lady I've ever met behind the bar.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by steve on June 23, 2005, 1:43 pm
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What makes the Garden great
The people who work there. The music. The red glow. The fact that wannabe laptop geeks with all their fake shit don't go there. One of the few left.
The people who work there. The music. The red glow. The fact that wannabe laptop geeks with all their fake shit don't go there. One of the few left.
Reviewed Safely & Anonymously (pussy) by Diablo on February 26, 2005, 10:49 pm
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