emirate25 Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 Have any of you guys seen those places, (I've seen most of them on shoppin strips) where the windows are fully covered with curtains and there is a security guard sitting by the entrance door?I know its not a nightclub because you see people of all kinds going in there...some well dressed, some just looking like they just woke up entering these places.I want to say its like an illegal gambling place that's going and those establishments are always full in parking.Have you guys ever seen this or know what this is about? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modernceo Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 Maybe more specifics, ie, on where your talking about ?Address's, etc ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Original Timmy Chan's Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 I know exactly what you're talking about...there's something similar to what you describe in a little strip center on Almeda just north of Holly Hall. It's a small strip center, with a gas station and maybe 4 or 5 businesses, but the parking lot is ALWAYS full. What makes that curious is that one or two of the lease spaces are empty, and one of the businesses (Smokey's BBQ) is always closed when I drive by. I was curious why the parking lot was always full, and I started wondering if someone was selling used cars out of the parking lot. I drive by all the time and notice this, but never spent more than 2 seconds thinking about it. Well, last week, I happened to drive through the parking lot, getting gas...and I saw something I never noticed before: one of the spaces in the strip center had its windows and door completely blacked out with black plastic (almost like trash bags). The sign above that door? GAME ROOM. So yeah, I'm guessing it's some kind of gambling establishment. Or maybe it's just a video arcade for nudists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emirate25 Posted June 16, 2006 Author Share Posted June 16, 2006 I know exactly what you're talking about...there's something similar to what you describe in a little strip center on Almeda just north of Holly Hall. It's a small strip center, with a gas station and maybe 4 or 5 businesses, but the parking lot is ALWAYS full. What makes that curious is that one or two of the lease spaces are empty, and one of the businesses (Smokey's BBQ) is always closed when I drive by. I was curious why the parking lot was always full, and I started wondering if someone was selling used cars out of the parking lot. I drive by all the time and notice this, but never spent more than 2 seconds thinking about it. Well, last week, I happened to drive through the parking lot, getting gas...and I saw something I never noticed before: one of the spaces in the strip center had its windows and door completely blacked out with black plastic (almost like trash bags). The sign above that door? GAME ROOM. So yeah, I'm guessing it's some kind of gambling establishment. Or maybe it's just a video arcade for nudists. Yes!!! I've seen ones with black plastic trash bags on the windows too. I've always wanted to entered into one of these places just to see why is there ALWAYS a parking lot FULL of cars in front of these places. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 I know exactly what you're talking about...there's something similar to what you describe in a little strip center on Almeda just north of Holly Hall. It's a small strip center, with a gas station and maybe 4 or 5 businesses, but the parking lot is ALWAYS full. What makes that curious is that one or two of the lease spaces are empty, and one of the businesses (Smokey's BBQ) is always closed when I drive by. I was curious why the parking lot was always full, and I started wondering if someone was selling used cars out of the parking lot. I drive by all the time and notice this, but never spent more than 2 seconds thinking about it. Well, last week, I happened to drive through the parking lot, getting gas...and I saw something I never noticed before: one of the spaces in the strip center had its windows and door completely blacked out with black plastic (almost like trash bags). The sign above that door? GAME ROOM. So yeah, I'm guessing it's some kind of gambling establishment. Or maybe it's just a video arcade for nudists. I live in the condos next door to this one. Although I can't speak for the quality of the tenants or ghost tenants, the parking lot is only full on weekdays. The reason is that the TMC runs shuttles down to the apartments and condominiums in my neighborhood, and rather than pay exhorbitant prices for parking spaces, there are a whole lot of people that park along the curbs along El Paseo and in the parking lot of this particular strip center. I don't know why they aren't towed. Smokey's is open on weekdays, by the way, but their operating hours are admittedly not very good for anything other than lunch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 I always thought it was people taking defensive driving at Smokey's.I know they did offer it at one time.That parking lot is terrible. It's like a lake after a light rain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emirate25 Posted June 16, 2006 Author Share Posted June 16, 2006 I live in the condos next door to this one. Although I can't speak for the quality of the tenants or ghost tenants, the parking lot is only full on weekdays. The reason is that the TMC runs shuttles down to the apartments and condominiums in my neighborhood, and rather than pay exhorbitant prices for parking spaces, there are a whole lot of people that park along the curbs along El Paseo and in the parking lot of this particular strip center. I don't know why they aren't towed.Smokey's is open on weekdays, by the way, but their operating hours are admittedly not very good for anything other than lunch.The ones that I've seen in North part of Houston are always packed and these establishments are the only ones in business. I've even seen old video rental stores and barbershops turned into these kind of establishments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJones Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 The ones that I've seen in North part of Houston are always packed and these establishments are the only ones in business. I've even seen old video rental stores and barbershops turned into these kind of establishments. If it says something like "777" or "Lucky 7" or just a cheap Sam's Club "open" neon sign above the door. It is probably an Illegal Game Room where you can probably get a "happy ending" in the back room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Original Timmy Chan's Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 If it says something like "777" or "Lucky 7" or just a cheap Sam's Club "open" neon sign above the door. It is probably an Illegal Game Room where you can probably get a "happy ending" in the back room. That's cool...I'll have to try that. Usually when I go gambling, the casino is the one getting the happy ending...and I'm getting it in the.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 If it says something like "777" or "Lucky 7" or just a cheap Sam's Club "open" neon sign above the door. It is probably an Illegal Game Room where you can probably get a "happy ending" in the back room. Sounds as though you speak from experience? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJones Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 Sounds as though you speak from experience? Well, this one time.........in band camp....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trophy Property Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 Have any of you guys seen those places, (I've seen most of them on shoppin strips) where the windows are fully covered with curtains and there is a security guard sitting by the entrance door?I know its not a nightclub because you see people of all kinds going in there...some well dressed, some just looking like they just woke up entering these places.I want to say its like an illegal gambling place that's going and those establishments are always full in parking.Have you guys ever seen this or know what this is about?It could be a seven line joint. These are like slots and basically give people the ability to blow their meager paychecks on gambling. There are also quite a few poker joints around town. I know of about 6 and have played at three. It amazes me how open these places are. I spoke to the owner of one and he told me that vice leaves them alone as long as no drugs are being sold, there is no prostitution and underaged kids are not allowed entrance. This particular person has been in business for 12 years without a single incident from the cops. It is amazing the hospitality they provide. Free dinner - BBQ, Steak, etc. They also provide free cocktails, beer and even wine. My place has Crown. It is all free - which makes TABC not care. Good stuff. Too bad I am not very good at Poker and over the years have dropped a few g's at these places. You would be suprised where these games happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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