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<p>Playing queen bee to El Cajon Boulevard’s idiosyncratic sleaze, Lips ‘mdash; a drag dining destination that serves dinner with a show ‘mdash; follows one philosophy: If life gives you oranges, you should wrap them in duct tape, squeeze them into a skimpy dress and work it.</p>
<p> While Lips’ interior resembles a 13-year-old’s home-sewn dream princess palace, complete with’ pink-tulle-covered walls and French can-can legs, its makeup-drenched staff of cheeky empresses play up the diva in us all. Depending on each bedazzled waitress’ mood, diners should be prepared to feel personally chastised or physically violated by the end of the evening, as bitchy remarks about your appearance and a spontaneous lap-dance are part of the meal. </p>
<p> Even though Lips’ menu ‘mdash; a collection of greasy American cuisine ‘mdash; is nothing to be wowed over, its divalicious martinis and cocktail collection hints at the venue’s goal of a liquored-up, rowdy audience. A hint of advice: skip the food altogether and meet your minimum order charge with drinks, a hangover is always better than a stomachache. </p>
<p> But once the mediocre cafeteria food is served and the lights are dimmed, all dining qualms are silenced (whether you like it or not) and a set of glammed-out prima donnas offer racy interpretations of popular hits. Whether you’re looking for a plus-sized version of Alice in Wonderland to get down to Gwen Stefani’s ‘What You Waiting For?’ or a touching ballad expressing the desire to be straight-up fucked, the Lips mistresses will deliver with a charming swagger all their own. Be prepared for a little personal contact ‘mdash; these divas thrive on crotch-in-your-face audience interaction and are burning to make a scene. </p>
<p> The performance’s downsides include consistent interruptions to promote the restaurant’s desserts and paraphernalia, capped off by a 10-minute interlude where the show host asks each table how many shots they’d like to order. Not to mention some long photo-op interruptions with birthday girls. </p>
<p> Be sure to make your reservations a week in advance and invite reliable friends ‘mdash; the venue holds the right to charge a $15 drop-out fee per no show. There’s also a $3-$5 cover charge and a $10-$15 food order minimum, depending on what evening you go (Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are more expensive). </p>
<p> Despite its shameless self-promotion and crappy food, Lips does what it strives to do best: get you piss-drunk and put on a stinkin’ good show. And by the time the alcohol has set in and you’re mesmerized by a queen’s gyrating pelvis, you’ll forget all about the dinner bill.</p>
<p> LIPS<br /> 3036 El Cajon Boulevard<br /> San Diego, Calif. 92104<br /> (619) 295-4007</p>
<p>” />#1.1360502:137530884.jpg:020909lips2::Photo Courtesy of Chris Martinez</p>
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<p><p>Playing queen bee to El Cajon Boulevard’s idiosyncratic sleaze, Lips ‘mdash; a drag dining destination that serves dinner with a show ‘mdash; follows one philosophy: If life gives you oranges, you should wrap them in duct tape, squeeze them into a skimpy dress and work it.</p>
<p> While Lips’ interior resembles a 13-year-old’s home-sewn dream princess palace, complete with’ pink-tulle-covered walls and French can-can legs, its makeup-drenched staff of cheeky empresses play up the diva in us all. Depending on each bedazzled waitress’ mood, diners should be prepared to feel personally chastised or physically violated by the end of the evening, as bitchy remarks about your appearance and a spontaneous lap-dance are part of the meal. </p>
<p> Even though Lips’ menu ‘mdash; a collection of greasy American cuisine ‘mdash; is nothing to be wowed over, its divalicious martinis and cocktail collection hints at the venue’s goal of a liquored-up, rowdy audience. A hint of advice: skip the food altogether and meet your minimum order charge with drinks, a hangover is always better than a stomachache. </p>
<p> But once the mediocre cafeteria food is served and the lights are dimmed, all dining qualms are silenced (whether you like it or not) and a set of glammed-out prima donnas offer racy interpretations of popular hits. Whether you’re looking for a plus-sized version of Alice in Wonderland to get down to Gwen Stefani’s ‘What You Waiting For?’ or a touching ballad expressing the desire to be straight-up fucked, the Lips mistresses will deliver with a charming swagger all their own. Be prepared for a little personal contact ‘mdash; these divas thrive on crotch-in-your-face audience interaction and are burning to make a scene. </p>
<p> The performance’s downsides include consistent interruptions to promote the restaurant’s desserts and paraphernalia, capped off by a 10-minute interlude where the show host asks each table how many shots they’d like to order. Not to mention some long photo-op interruptions with birthday girls. </p>
<p> Be sure to make your reservations a week in advance and invite reliable friends ‘mdash; the venue holds the right to charge a $15 drop-out fee per no show. There’s also a $3-$5 cover charge and a $10-$15 food order minimum, depending on what evening you go (Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are more expensive). </p>
<p> Despite its shameless self-promotion and crappy food, Lips does what it strives to do best: get you piss-drunk and put on a stinkin’ good show. And by the time the alcohol has set in and you’re mesmerized by a queen’s gyrating pelvis, you’ll forget all about the dinner bill.</p>
<p> LIPS<br /> 3036 El Cajon Boulevard<br /> San Diego, Calif. 92104<br /> (619) 295-4007</p>
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