RIPCORD

"As the oldest leather bar in Texas, Ripcord knows what you need to have a good time. Mostly that’s harnessed-up bare-chested bartenders who serve the strongest drinks possible and wild local drag events, like the resident Monday night Basura show (think Miss Piggie and an inappropriately-endowed Kermit The Frog puppet). Like most good dive bars, Ripcord has a scuffy pool table, a small patio with wooden benches, and someone dancing to themselves in the corner. Also if you don’t already own a full leather fetish-fit when you walk into Ripcord, you can buy one at the shop inside (seriously). No into leather? No problem. Ripcord is both fetish-friendly and friendly in general, so it’s always a welcoming spot for a shot or two. " - chelsea thomas, gianni greene

"The self-described oldest leather bar in Texas, Ripcord has been a fixture of Houston’s gay bar scene since 1982. Whether or not you’re part of the local leather community, take in Ripcord’s beautiful murals while enjoying a few vodka-flavored drinks at a spacious bar, and be sure to grab a bite from local weekend taco trucks conveniently located a few steps away. Check out its website or Instagram for a rundown of its Pride festivities, which include kink demos, drag shows, DJ sets, scheduled speakers, and more." - Lane Gillespie, Eater Staff

"This decades-old gay bar has a variety of drag shows throughout the week. Tuesdays have Snatch’d, a late-night show hosted bi-monthly at 10:30 p.m. for guests 21 and up, as well as a LaRue Takeover full of drag performances every third Tuesday of the month at 11 p.m. Other regular drag events include kink-themed Adriana’s Dungeon and the irreverent Basura show. The best part — this bar is come-as-you-are, with no cover charge or dress code." - Lane Gillespie, Eater Staff

"As the oldest leather bar in Texas, Ripcord knows what you need to have a good time. Mostly that’s harnessed-up bare-chested bartenders who serve the strongest drinks possible and wild local drag events, like the resident Monday night Basura show (think Miss Piggie and an inappropriately-endowed Kermit The Frog puppet). Like most good dive bars, Ripcord has a scuffy pool table, a small patio with wooden tables, and someone dancing to themselves in the corner. Also if you don’t already own a full leather fetish-fit when you walk into Ripcord, you can buy one at the shop inside (seriously). No into leather? No problem. Ripcord is both fetish-friendly and friendly in general, so it’s always a welcoming spot for a shot or two." - Chelsea Thomas