RIPCORD

I’ve seen some negative reviews about this bar, but honestly, if someone was refused entry or asked to leave, there was likely a valid reason. The security team here is professional and doesn’t act without cause. This place has been my go-to spot since 2017. It’s laid-back, the service is consistently great, and the overall vibe is fun and welcoming. One of my favorite things to do is people-watch—this bar is perfect for that. You’ll see folks from all walks of life, dressed in every style imaginable, which makes for a really interesting and entertaining night out.

Ripcord is one of my favorite gay bars in Montrose. I am always greeted at the door with a hug from Dustin. The best doorman in the biz! He keeps everything organized at the door, especially when it is busy. The bartenders are all fantastic, and the patio is one of the nicest in Montrose.

Houston’s final leather bar. Best drinks & best staff. Quickly being invaded by suburban straight women dressed for the country night club. I beg you to please enact a leather/shirtless dress code for the patio at the very least. Please preserve our space. Adding a Photo Booth isn’t an interest of men that want to enjoy a leather bar environment.

So I was sitting at a table talking and laughing with my sister who I have not seen since Memorial Day weekend. And the security came outside to us mid conversation and we told us we had to leave. We were not drunk. In fact, we had just 2 drinks. We were just gays having fun. And we were kicked out of the establishment . Never will I ever spend a dime in this place again

Didn’t even make it inside. The door guy with a ponytail had a serious attitude for no reason—rude and unprofessional from the start. If this is how they treat potential customers, I’ll take my business elsewhere. Plenty of better places around with staff who don’t act like they’re doing you a favor by letting you in.

We were just laughing sitting outside at a table and they told us we were too intoxicated and asked us to leave. We only had 2 Margheritas. We were just friends having a good time and they called us drunk which NONE of us were. Such an embarrassing moment for this establishment thanks to the pony tail guy at the door we felt targeted and harassessd

Joe is always! On top of it! He already knows my drinks from the get go! He knows how to make his customers feel great! And also engages with everyone! Definitely come to Joe! He’s top notch!

Its a leather gay bar, the bar tenders are amazing, the atmosphere is what it is, you know what you you're getting into. The sex shop is an added bonus. Food trucks on site.

I moved to Houston in 2022 and since living here Ripcord has been my go to bar. I've never had a bad night here. I've had the pleasure to get to know most of the bartenders. David, Joe, Sam, and Rito are the bartenders I've had the most interactions with and they are some of the best bartenders in Houston. All the bartenders are great here are great. One of my favorite parts about Ripcord are their drag shows. They host a wide variety throughout the week. However my favorite has to be Basura, every Monday night hosted by Luna of the Lilles and Annalee Naylor. Ripcord is classified as a leather gay bar but honestly it's so much more than that. While leather might be the first thing that it's known for, it's so much more that. It's also a place for alternative drag queens on Mondays to do some of the most out of the pocket weird, interesting, funny and unique shows I've ever seen. Latin, Asian, Black, male, female, anyone and everyone else you can find on the stage here spotlighted. Overall this bar is so great. A must for anyone and everyone looking for a good time.

Oh, Ripcord. I will miss you. Ripcord has been my go-to bar since moving to Houston. I've loved it, and come to love the ambiance, the crowd, the bartenders, the shows. Ripcord has it all. As a leather enthusiast, you also come to realize that there is so little leather love in other cities, so seeing a bar dedicated to the community is warm and welcoming. Ripcord has the best drinks in Montrose. Easily. Bartenders are heavy handed and sweet as hell. I'll be looking forward to coming back when I visit.

I am pretty disappointed. To start, the bartender DAVID F. who was taking our order was very rude to me. When me and my two friends arrived at Ripcord the ambiance and vibes were great. We each ordered a round of drinks, as I ordered the second round, DAVID did not add a lime to my drink which isn't the issue. As DAVID seemed a bit busy and I couldn't get his attention I took initiative to grab a lime, NOT with my bare fingers but with a NAPKIN. Tell me why a few seconds letter this bartender DAVID, decides to put lime in a shot glass and SLAMS the glass right in front of my face and yells "Don't ever grab anything from my bar, ask next time" myself and others around me were in shock as to why he was way to aggressive. Mind you I am a woman and for him to even slam the glass in my face was definitely disrespectful. I was in complete shock, all I said was "I am sorry, you were busy and I grabbed the lime with a napkin, the limes are literally in front of me", he continued to yell and I just ignored him. Lol To continue, previously he hadn't charged me, my friend, or the guests next to me for some water. When I was about to leave, he ended up charging me $3 for the water. He definitely had it out for me! Lol I just want to say I feel discriminated by this man and maybe Ripcord should look into training their bartenders or checking their attitude before hiring. DAVID could have hurt me or even broken the glass how hard he slammed it on the counter and could have potentially cut me. I understand it can be a sanitary issue when it comes to grabbing limes, cherries, whatever the case is but the way you speak to your customers is also just as important let alone slamming glass in their face.

I never visit bars in the daytime, but I came to ripcord today while Paul was bartending, and let me tell you. I will 100% start frequenting this place!! Paul was super personable / fun to talk to and the patrons were also really fun!

Came here on a weekday afternoon while giving my LGQTB friend (from the east coast) a tour of Montrose. This was stop number 3 of our "pride" bar hop route. The bartender was extremely kind and shared extensive knowledge of the area. The place is fairly large and is decorated with fun/quirky signage. Seems like they host live entertainment often. Can't beat cheap drinks and a show! Best part is I got to enjoy my drinks without being hit-on because there were only pairs of male couples booed-up!

Wednesdays are my favorite days at Ripcord. The atmosphere is always welcoming and the bartenders are the absolute best. Paul always takes care of us and even provides snacks for his customers. Definitely would recommend everyone to not only come on Wednesdays but any day of the week.

Music, drinks and over all atmosphere is great! Always my fav bar to checkout when In montrose. I went for pride weekend and they turned it out with the decorations! Shoutout to Victor behind the bar for talking care of my friends and I all weekend!

I went early so I cant say how the atmosphere os during late hours but service was excellent

The bartender was so sweet! Went to go play pool not knowing it wasn't open on weekends cause there wasn't a sign anywhere. One bar back comes up to us to let us know, said we could play one game since we already put our money in and then some bald tall skinny man comes up and has THE worst attitude about it being closed so we left cause he was a dick, avoid him. ‍‍‍

Such a cool spot! Very easy going bar for being a leather bar. Very open to all LGBTQ! Richard is the best bartender, he's always smiling and mixing up the best drinks of the night. DIFinitley a fun spot.

Love this place! Music is different and fun every day of the week. They have a great mix of local and established DJs. Trivia night, drag queens, leather and fetish events. People are pretty friendly. Haven't had an issue with anyone here. Everyone having a good time and enjoying atmosphere. The bartenders are great, Piero and Richard are amazing! All of the bartenders have been great too.

Great place! Good drinks, nice people, chill atmosphere. Better than surrounding bars.

This is a leather bar with such a fresh kick to it. The recent new additions have made it a GO-TO spot to have a drink and relax in their leather kinky Atmosphere. Make sure to stop by their annual Halloween and Gay Pride Parties they are always fun. The Main Bald Bartender Piero is very fast with drinks. Highly Recommend!

Fav Bar in Houston for sure. The people are there, nothing fancy for the drinks but they aren't hella expensive.

Visited the Ripcord this past Saturday. Not a good experience. The music was awful and way too loud. And honestly, it didnt look like a leather bar to me. looked more like a loud circuit party bar. I got bored and annoyed and left after having 1 drink. the houston gay bars sure were disappointing.

Came here for the first time to meet my Grindr date, he never showed up, left home with 5 new friends instead! Great place to socialize and meet new people!

Ugh. This place is dirty and not in a good way. Clean the deck. Air the place out.

Ask for rich. He's an awesome bartender. Very down to earth and just a great go to for drinks. Dj Mel spins here on certain days and she keeps the crowd hype. I hadn't came in this bar because I had heard through the community they weren't "lesbian friendly" I can say that is a lie. Everyone was super nice and accommodating. Maybe that was the case in the past but I can honestly say I was very welcomed and if anything treated special. Come thru. Get a drink. Hang out. Good times.

This place is magical and so is the entire staff, Piero is the best and also a slut pig.

I've been coming to this place for awhile I come for the bartenders all the time and to show support I love it here nice and chill vibes!!!! Don't forget to check them out! Especially on Monday trivia night and when Adriana larue performs!

I've been going here many years, it's a typical gay bar with semi-decent music and a patio. More of an older crowd, it's pretty boring if you're under 30. The one reason I don't go anymore is the bartenders have gotten incredibly rude and arrogant. Almost always you'll be greeted with a horrible attitude.

I *heart* @RIPCORDbar - my favorite out-of-ordinary bar in the Montrose gayborhood. I'm here mostly for special events. My favorite annual attraction is Bearacudda. As silly as it sounds, the event attracts bears from all over. There are many interpretations about bears, mainly means larger sized hairy men. What I love about this event is the out-of-town deejay playing super-duper dance music. Since there is no designated dance floor, people move to the music wherever they can. That's a lot of fun watching them. I recently got interested with the annual LUEY weekend in February. LUEY means "Let Us Entertain You" and formed by few prestigious gay bars. RIPCORD usually has no cover charge, except for nights with special events. The staff is very friendly. Again, I don't drink, so I can't tell you which bartender is better. Now, stop staring. Pay attention to where you're going and look out for the uneven floor in the pool hall.

love it here. toms of fun! great drink! nice staff and good music! 10 out of 10 would recommend

Here from outta town for work. Not busy but it was a rainy tues night-mid month Still had fun! Nice place

Pretty awesome atmosphere. Drinks on point! Went during the day chilled on the patio. Friendliest leather bar I've been to!

Favorite bar in montrose. Friendly staff. Hot bartenders! Best drink prices in town. Always have a great time no matter when i go....daytime or night!

If you want good-kink company look no further! I love everything about RIPCORD - especially the shop. Houston doesn't have a true artisan BDSM supplies shop but the forge is close. I will say that the drinks are expensive BUT I think the company more than makes up for it! Good "club" music and their hardpoint is beautiful. I look very vanilla when I go out so I don't look like I fit in but I feel very comfortable and everyone has always been very kind. DISCLAIMER: Don't go here if you are not wanting to see bears in chaps and twinks in speedos. This is a very gay, kink-friendly, minimal clothes and minimal judgment bar.

Ripcord has great music, delicious drinks/shots, a very good looking staff and everyone is welcome. It truly is always a good time when visiting ripcord, you can even purchase your leather gear while having a drink

Best gay leather bar in Montrose! Always feel welcomed! All the bartenders are great!

Best leather gay bar in Montrose. Drink prices are some of the best in Houston, and the bar atmosphere is fun and welcoming to everyone. DJs, a leather shop inside the bar, shows, and friendly staff throughout the week keep Ripcord fresh and fun!

Always feel welcome here. Wide age range and types of guys. Reasonable prices for beer, whiskey and other drinks

At first I wasn't a big fan but now I'm loving the bar more and more, especially since I have become heavily into leather this place makes me feel comfortable when wearing my leathers. And People are more talkative and friendly much better then any other bar in the gayberhood.

Ripcord is one of the more relaxed bars in the neighborhood, and it's always been a favorite of mine whenever I've been in the area and barhopping was on the agenda. My first visit here was back in 2004, right before I moved from Los Angeles to Houston. Ripcord has a similar vibe to Faultine in Hollywood and The Detour in Silverlake, but Ripcord is more of a low key, no pressure, super casual joint. Jeans, t-shirt, leather, or whatever you happen to be wearing is acceptable. Other nearby bars seem to come and go, but Ripcord has stood the test of time and hasn't changed much over the years. Men and women frequent Ripcord, but it's more of a guy's place to hang out. It's a fun place to cruise, if you're up for that, and there's always plenty of great music playing in the background, just loud enough to still carry on a conversation without having to shout back and forth. There are a couple of pool tables, lots of bar stool seating, one main bar and a second bar located near the back part of the club, near the patio entrance. The patio, one of Ripcord's most prominent features, is often times where the fun is to be found. It's a big patio that wraps around the entire back side of the club, and whether or not it's packed with a crowd, the patio can be much more than just a comfortable place to have a smoke.

I'm proud and very comfortable being a patron of this bar and play ground. Drinks are great, staff we have found to be receptive and friendly. We have always felt comfortable and have been received honorably by other patrons as well as the staff no matter what kink we have on. Great place!

Very welcoming! Drinks were good. Bartenders were nice. I only had a drink and shots here but I can't wait to come back and visit this place on a busier night.

Good bar with great bartenders. I seem to always find myself there late Sunday's and some Saturday late nights.

It is on of my favorite bars in monstrosity and Adam is a awesome bartender personal and fun enjoy going there when he is working

Awesome vibe, trivia on Wednesdays, cheap drinks.. Pool table and dart board.. Great patio.. Happy hump day.

Ripcord is one of my favorite bars in Montrose. Not pretentious, friendly staff and usually an eclectic crowd. Although it has a reputation for being one of the "seedier" bars in the area, they have done so much in the past few years to make it a really nice bar. I have never had a negative interaction with any of the staff there and would definitely recommend. If you are in to leather - this is the bar to go to... not Eagle

Good drinks, atmospheric, a music selection I enjoy... I'm not much into the leather lifestyle(maybe a little bit...), but recently I've enjoyed coming here with my boyfriend. It has absolutely none of the pretension, drama, or BS that some of the more popular bars have and I think the overall rating should be an indication. Give it a try! If it's not your thing, it's not your thing, but this is a great place to go for a relaxed night of drinking while still being social and making friends.

Check in offer is a scam and not honored. Went there with a friend. Drinks were good and reasonable, staff was nice, but I hate being scammed. I doubt I would go back just because of that.

Ripcord is a great bar. Nice, chill atmosphere. The bartenders are great, if you get a chance, check out Christopher Barry, he's the best. They're always having events from guest djs, rewind to the 70s-00s, to leather, and they even host geeks who drink on Wednesday's at 830 pm. They also host an art gallery which you can purchase. Over the years this bar has vastly improved with awesome friendly staff and the upkeep. Definitely worth checking out if you're into the leather scene and need a place to catch a few drinks.

Ripcord has been kicking butt lately. Show tunes on Sundays and Trivia last Wednesday was really awesome. Making me feel like we have a great neighborhood bar in Montrose that we can still get dirty at on a Friday and Saturday. Kudos for real.

Amazing bartenders and fabulous drinks! Angry orchard on draught! A lot of fun to just chill and be yourself...come grab a beer and check out the store in the back :)

Ripcord has the friendliest staff in Montrose! They serve Back Pew on tap which is my favorite local craft beer! The prices on drinks are great!

Ask for James or Marion. This is a fun neighborhood bar. Good music on the jukebox. When there is a DJ it can get a little loud. There are big crowds Friday and Saturday. Slower pace during the week.

I love the atmosphere, and the people. They have an awesome club events and true make it feel like everyone is part of the community.

This is a great neighborhood bar. Awesome bartenders and the best drink prices. Sunday $1.00 Vodkas!! Love this bar. The hottest leather men in town.

A Classic Gay Leather Bar. Ripcords is on the fringes of the Montrose Gayborhood. Within walking distance of other establishments this place is a place for leather daddies and boys alike. The clientèle skews older and freakier but it adds to the whole ambiance of the place. The drinks are alright and during the weekends a sex shop is open in a hidden alcove on the side. There are video games in the back as well as a smoking patio.There are two pool tables as well for $.50 a game. The best/worst thing about this place is a rack in the back for leather demonstrations and whipping demonstrations. I love watching these as you're not going to find this in a regular gay bar. Other then the ambiance this place is flabbergastingly normal. The patrons are nice and I found this the most welcoming gay bar in the area. Just don't be too intimidated by the daddies.