RIPCORD

Cruising · Dive Bars · Houston, TX

4.3 (106 · Yelp ) ·$ · · LGBTQ-owned

About

Don't expect a polished leather bar here. RIPCORD is a divey, men-only spot in Montrose where the kink shop and the bar share the same roof.

The crowd skews 30s to 40s, with lots of bears and locals. A pool table and patio give you options beyond the dark corners. Hours are consistent: open daily from noon or 1pm until 2am.

Located in Houston's Montrose neighborhood, the historic center of the city's LGBTQ+ nightlife.

Features

  • On-site kink shop attached to the bar
  • Pool table and outdoor patio
  • Leather and denim preferred dress code
  • Open daily until 2am

Good for

LeatherOutdoor SeatingPool TableMen OnlyThemedCasualFetishLivelyAdults Only30 Somethings40 SomethingsBearsLocalsCruisingDive Bars

Practical

LGBTQ Owned
4.3

What people say

Rated from 106 reviews. 244 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp

From the community

“Seriously?”

Wow, where to even begin! This place leans more bear bar than leather bar. If you want a combination of very large, big-chested shirtless bears, mullet-wearing guys with small to medium penises, naked older men with saggy butts, and flamboyant drunk Mexican bottoms, you've hit the jackpot! Houston may be the fourth largest city in the US, but it's like the world's biggest trailer park. This bar was unlike any other leather bar; it felt more like watching sad acts of desperation. It's the best afterhours spot because one bar is a drug den and then there's this one. Houston's gay nightlife is on life support, and someone should do the humane thing and trip over the cord. I spent a week here before moving to London, and it seems official that gay Houston is a border town overrun with drunk, very feminine Mexican bottoms doing almost anything for a drink. Seriously? I better understand the older white guys with Latin lovers? Sometimes I felt I was in a gay retirement community. This was the most bored I've ever been. Oh, and the bartenders? Tired! Couldn't get an order right, too busy chatting with friends and cruising guys; way too much effort for a tip.

A visitor · Over a year ago

The Rip Cord is a long-standing iconic leather bar in the heart of the famous gay center of Montrose in Houston. It always has familiar and fresh faces and bodies for your enjoyment. A spacious patio offers privacy for a quick encounter or a break if you like. The handsome bartenders are generous and will calm your nerves while keeping a friendly eye on your sobriety; they are truly your good friend. Leather or denim is the preferred dress code, but come as you are and they'll take care of you in the Rip Cord way. A long-time patron shared: awesome music, cute bartenders, don't bring Mom, easy parking, fun crowd, great happy hour, strong drinks.

A guest · Over a year ago

Over a year ago. This place is unpretentious like most leather bars, and the staff is very friendly. Parking is a nightmare because Ripcord doesn't have its own lot, but other than that, it's a great, friendly spot. Cute bartenders, total dive.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

“Awesome Bar”

This is one of my favorites. It's a very lively place. I'm never disappointed.

A local visitor · Over a year ago

“Oh Boy Says this country boy!!!!”

I loved the beer and the attention I got. I became the center of attention on the patio. I'll be a regular here whenever I can come out.

A visitor · Over a year ago

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dress code? +

Leather and denim are preferred, but the bar is unpretentious. You can come as you are.

Is the bar 21+? +

Yes, RIPCORD is men-only and adults-only.

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