Banana Video

Reviews & Tips

• 0

  I have a hard time rating this place because I want to give it 3 stars for content (videos, toys, backroom, etc) but a -0 stars for the people employed there. They range from unfriendly to down right "shouldn't have a job working with people". While I'm not expecting the red carpet rolled out, I would expect a "hello", "thank you", or even a smile. The only thing I get is a stare and a grunt.  I don't know, maybe they have to be unfriendly as to not show weakness to customers?

  Review Source:

  Posted on 07.24.10 Steve K.

  • Report
• 0

  I have seen Banana Video's sign for years and finally decided to make my way in. I'm sure the clerk saw three women walk in and knew this wasn't going to be a profitable crowd. Still...
  
  Strangers in a strange land that we were- we were treated nicely as we wandered the little store with toys sized so big that thinking about them still pains my lady bits, industrial sized containers of lube, gonzo-style porn of twinks, trannies, and more!
  
  We were informed that Banana Video has been around for 20 years. And even though I might not be the target demographic, I wish it well and hope it's around for twenty more. We didn't end up buying anything, but if I or anyone I ever know needs a lifetime supply of lube with a pump dispensor,  (surely the most cost effective and handy way to purchase it?) I know a really friendly place to go.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 03.16.10 Cecilia C.

  • Report
• 0

  Okay kids, it's time for another journey into the heart of darkness that is Chicago's underground gay community. If men touching men in unsavory ways makes you feel oogy, you are best off skipping this review.
  
  The appropriately named Banana Video is located upstairs from Sofo Lounge, at the corner of Clark and Argyle. When you reach the top of the stairs, you'll find the door is locked, and you have to be buzzed in. Yeah, it's that kind of place. You won't have to say, "Joe sent me," but it can't hurt.
  
  At first glance, Banana appears to be simply a video/DVD store, albeit one that features exclusively gay and bi porn. And yes, you can buy and rent porn here. Assuming you don't have Internet access, I suppose. Or that you really want to catch the latest releases. You can also buy such accessories as lube, poppers, and dildos the approximate size and shape of a Louisville Slugger.
  
  At the far end of the shop, however, you may note a turnstile, and one which does not lead to an exit. Instead, if you fork over 10 bucks, you can go upstairs to the video viewing area. Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.
  
  The upstairs consist of a series of "private viewing rooms," each of which has a TV tuned to one of three different movies. You can watch alone, or with a "friend." Though in the latter case, you probably won't see much of the movie. There is also a public viewing area, for those of you who get lonely by yourself. Opposite the private rooms, there are... Are you familiar with the term, "glory hole"? Well, there are a series of closet-like enclosures, linked by one or two (on opposing walls) glory holes. I have no idea what goes on in there.
  
  Banana is open until 2am (4 on weekends), for boys who need to clean their pipes before they go home after a night of drinking. I use the term "boy" very loosely. But by the time you get here, your standards have dropped sufficiently that it doesn't matter. Quicker and cheaper than Man's Country, with less of a chance of getting rolled.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 05.08.08 John B.

  • Report