You’re driving around Los Santos. Maybe you’ve got the cops on your tail, or maybe you’re just bored of the same old heist setups. You start looking for that specific neon glow. Finding the GTA 5 stripes club on map is usually one of the first things players do when they get some freedom in the game. But here’s the thing: everyone calls it "the stripes club" because of the icon, but its real name is the Vanilla Unicorn. Or, if you’re hanging out in the desert, it’s the Yellow Jack Inn, though that’s more of a dive bar than what most people are actually looking for.
It’s iconic. It’s also kinda weird how the game handles it.
The map icon looks like a high-heeled shoe or a little "stripes" symbol depending on your resolution and how much you’ve zoomed out. That’s why the search term exists. People don't search for "gentlemen's clubs" in GTA; they search for the icon they see blinking on the pause menu.
Where Exactly Is the GTA 5 Stripes Club on Map?
If you’re looking for the main one, the Vanilla Unicorn, you need to head over to Strawberry. It’s located right off Elgin Avenue. If you’re playing as Franklin, it’s basically in his backyard during the early parts of the game. Just look for the pink high-heel icon.
But wait.
Things change as the story progresses. This is where Rockstar’s attention to detail gets a bit messy for players who aren't paying attention. Trevor Philips eventually "takes over" the management of the Vanilla Unicorn. He doesn't do it with a business merger. He does it with... well, Trevor-style violence. After the mission "Hang Ten," the club becomes a safehouse.
This is huge.
It means the GTA 5 stripes club on map icon actually doubles as a save point for Trevor. You can walk into the back office, change your clothes, and save the game. It’s the only business in the game that functions as both a commercial enterprise and a primary residence for a protagonist.
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The Other Spot: Bahama Mamas West
A lot of people get frustrated because they see Bahama Mamas West in Del Perro and think they can go in. You can't. Not in the base game, anyway. It’s a "fake" interior unless you’re using mods on PC or playing a very specific mission. If you’re looking for the functional GTA 5 stripes club on map, stick to the Unicorn.
There's also the Hen House up in Paleto Bay. You can buy it as a property. It’s cheap, like $80,000, but it doesn't offer the same "services" as the one in the city. It’s more of a passive income stream for your endgame portfolio.
Why the Strawberry Location Matters So Much
The Vanilla Unicorn isn't just a place to lose money. From a tactical standpoint, its location in Strawberry is perfect for escaping a 3-star wanted level. There are narrow alleys behind the club and the nearby Olympic Freeway underpasses. Honestly, if you’re being chased, ducking into the Strawberry area is a pro move.
The club interior is a "neutral" zone.
Once you walk through those doors, the AI pathfinding for the LSPD usually breaks. They’ll sit outside, but they rarely storm the interior unless you’ve already fired shots inside the building. It’s a literal sanctuary.
Managing the Club as Trevor
Once Trevor takes over, the vibe shifts. You’ll see his associates hanging out. The guards won’t bother you. It feels like you own the place because, technically, you do. This is one of those narrative beats that makes the world feel alive. Most games would just give you a menu option to "buy" the club. GTA 5 makes you kill the previous owner and move into the back room.
Understanding the Map Icons
If you can’t see the GTA 5 stripes club on map, you might have your map filters turned off. Open the map, look at the legend on the right side. You can toggle icons for "Activities." If it’s hidden, you probably accidentally filtered out everything but "Missions."
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- Open Map.
- Scroll to Legend.
- Find the "High Heel" icon.
- Ensure it’s set to "Show."
In GTA Online, it’s even simpler. The icon is always there, but it’s often crowded by other player-owned businesses like Nightclubs or Arcade icons. Don't confuse the Vanilla Unicorn with your own Nightclub business. Your Nightclub (the one you buy from Maze Bank Foreclosures) is a legit business for cargo and DJ sets. The Unicorn is just... the Unicorn.
Surprising Details Most Players Miss
Ever noticed the radio? The music inside the club is scripted differently than the car radios. It’s meant to feel immersive. If you stand near the stage, the bass is heavy. Move toward the bar, and the high-end frequencies of the track become clearer. It’s a small audio engineering trick that Rockstar used to make the space feel 3D.
Also, the NPCs aren't just loops.
They have specific schedules. If you hang around long enough, you'll see shift changes. Some patrons will get kicked out by the bouncer. It’s a microcosm of the Los Angeles (Los Santos) nightlife.
The "Secret" Back Entrances
Most people walk in the front door. Don't do that if you're trying to avoid a fight. There’s a side entrance near the parking lot that leads directly toward the dressing rooms and Trevor’s office. If you’re using the GTA 5 stripes club on map as a shortcut to save your game, use the back door. It saves you about 10 seconds of walking through the crowd.
Technical Glitches and "The Disappearing Icon"
Sometimes, the icon just vanishes. This usually happens during the "Big Score" setup or other late-game missions where the characters are "in hiding." If the icon is gone, check your character. If you’re playing as Michael and he’s currently barred from the city because of Martin Madrazo, you won't be visiting the club anytime soon.
In GTA Online, the icon might disappear if you’re in a "Passive Mode" or if you’re currently registered as a CEO and have certain "Work" active. The game tries to prevent you from entering interiors that aren't relevant to the mission at hand.
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PC vs. Console Map Differences
On PC, if you’re running at 4K, the icon is crisp. On older consoles (PS3/Xbox 360), it’s a blurry mess of pixels that looks more like a stripe or a smudge. That’s why the term "stripes club" became so popular in the early days of the game—the hardware literally couldn't render the high-heel shape clearly.
Maximizing Your Time at the Vanilla Unicorn
If you’re trying to 100% the game, you have to interact with the club. It’s part of the "Hobbies and Pastimes" checklist. You need to spend a certain amount of money and "socialize" enough to get a contact in your phone.
Is it necessary for the plot? Mostly, no.
Is it a staple of the GTA experience? Absolutely.
The GTA 5 stripes club on map represents the peak of Rockstar’s "satire of American culture" era. It’s loud, it’s neon, and it’s strategically placed in a neighborhood that’s struggling. It tells a story without saying a word.
Actionable Steps for Players
To get the most out of this location, follow these specific steps:
- Switch to Trevor: If you want to see the "owned" version of the club, you must play as Trevor after the mid-game missions.
- Check the Back Room: Use the office as a free save point and weapon-free zone.
- Invest in the Hen House: If you want the "Strip Club" vibe but in a quieter location, Paleto Bay is your spot, though it's less interactive.
- Use the Map Legend: If you lose the icon, use the "Interact" menu or the Map Legend to re-highlight it.
- Escape the Cops: Remember that the interior is a safe zone where the police AI struggles to follow.
The Strawberry location remains the heart of the action. Whether you call it the Vanilla Unicorn, the stripes club, or just "that place near Franklin’s old house," it’s a landmark you can’t miss once you know where to look. Use the GPS waypoint on the "High Heel" icon and you'll find it every time.
If you're looking for more hidden spots, keep an eye on the icons near the docks; there are several "non-marked" bars that have similar interiors but don't show up with a specific icon unless you're standing right in front of them. Explore the map manually—Rockstar hides the best stuff off the main roads.