RIPCORD

I love this bar they always play the best music and are always in theme, BUT the security guard on 08/14/2024 is very rude! Pushing people out when they are trying to support the shows that their friends invited them too! Overall great bar and will go every time!

Been here many times when living in Houston, came home to visit and went with friends only to be denied entry for being “too drunk” when I was the only sober one out of the entire friend group. Bouncers clearly need a reality check, or training on how to assess intoxicated customers. Disappointed because we love coming here, but won’t be coming back again.

Bouncers are extremely rude, and so are the bartenders. This one bouncer refused to let my friend in because he claimed my friend was “too intoxicated” when he was walking just fine showing ZERO signs of even being buzzed. Unfortunately, I did not get this bouncer’s name to report him to management, for discrimination. If you ask me, this bouncer simply did not like my friend for whatever reason despite never having met him, and used “he’s too intoxicated” as an excuse not to let him in. Bartenders are rude as well and will make fun of you even if you ask them to stop, which is something that happened to me on a separate occasion. I have autism and I’m very awkward, so I found this to be very degrading and I felt like I was being bullied by the bartender. I don’t know if I want to come back here until they get better people who work here.

Ripcord is a great. lomg time neighborhood bar. Been coming for years mainly during day. The current daytime staff Paul and Thomas are always attentive and represent the bar well. Attitudes go elsewhere.

Me and my friend were the only girls at the bar and literally none of the 4 bartenders acknowledged us once. i spoke to this vertically challenged man multiple times and he ignored me and rolled his eyes at me. definitely recommend a better bartending crew because they were the only people in the entire place that made me feel unwelcomed to be there.

I love this bar. Great service and great vibe. Love the art on the walls the best. ♡

Great location for a drink and just to hang out during the week. It does get busy on weekends. Its well laid out, with a nice big patio for relaxing. Great music and friendly staff make this one of the best bars in Montrose.

Review By Brian The Realtor: Whether you’re into the leather scene or just looking for a friendly spot to enjoy a drink, RIPCORD is a must visit!!

Well, as is usually said in most Gay bars I’ve frequented, “Thank Goddess these walls (or the infamous patio) can’t talk. A leather establishment by choice, it’s also a fun place to drop in for an early afternoon cocktail hour (2pm) as most of the bars in the area don’t open until 4pm. Weekends are usually when all the action takes place (and I was rather lucky to meet a delicious piece of yum who was in town from NYC, and actually lives two blocks from my old apartment on 57th St. Kismet. My favorite K word.) Stop in and give it a try sometime. 🍺🍸🥃🍸🍺

This bar is really cool. It’s pretty much for everyone. They have a great leather scene, drag scene, and they host some fun events. Definitely worth coming in if you’re local or just visiting.

First time back in Houston in a while and went to a few bars before this that were not so good until we got here! The music, atmosphere, and bartenders made it a great experience! Would definitely go back! Wish where I lived now had someplace like Ripcord! It really will be one of a kind!!!

A great bar, where everyone is free to be who they are! (Leather and kinks are more then welcomed😝) Weekends are awesome and don’t miss a Sunday Funday! Also, plenty of great Drag shows to keep you entertained during a week night visits!

Ripcord is one of the best LGBT bar options. No dumb covers, Lots of space for dancing and sitting areas inside and out as well with great ventilation or fans. Musically it’s diverse and caters to most. There’s rap, dance, Latin-reggaeton, and pop girls. The bartenders are ALL nice guys and don’t act like you’re a bother. Piero and Joe in particular are great and make you feel welcome. I always stop by when I’m in Houston.

This wasn’t our first time here tonight but tonight the bartender was VERY rude and had an attitude since we got here from the time we placed our first drink order! We told him what we wanted and was giving an attitude plus gave no time to unlock our card when we was trying to talk to him and tell him when he walked off as we was talking to him ….NOT TO MENTION WAS OVER CHARGED FOR OPENING A TAB! Literally our last time coming in here because that was uncalled for and unacceptable! I really hope someone can reach out to me and talk to me because I work club life and this is definitely bad for business!

Great bar to meet up with friends.

Everyone is very nice and welcoming! Im still a newbie, but i hope to become a regular. Even being a genderfluid afab, I feel right at home. Drinks are great and reasonably priced! Plus, super cute bartenders~

Just the right vibe for a low key bar to hang out with friends and listen to good music. There is a diverse programming of entertainment from weeknight drag shows, charity events and weekend dance parties with DJs. Service is always super quick and every bartender seems friendly. Definitely worth a stop while out in Montrose bc it’s central!

Door man hassled me and refused service cause I “looked sketchy” but I think it’s because he just got his feelings all hurt after I chuckled as he was examining my ID for a whole two minutes and eyeing me up like I was a felon. Had no other issue at any other bar, I love this place but the new door man seriously needs an attitude adjustment

Terrible Service … Ordered a Corona with lime and salt at the back outside bar the beer was over flowing from?? Bar tender could careless about it saying it was normal.. Not so left with under half a bottle of beer after the eruption.. not Replaced… got my second beer at the bar inside, the same way, No problems this time…..

Fun, great drinks, atmosphere, music is always great.

Love the atmosphere! Love the staff! This place is definitely my go to and all-time favorite. These guys put up with a lot! Remember to tip well!

Ripcord is such a nice leather gay bar! I enjoy having a drink there almost everyday weekend, the stuff and doormen guys are the best! They’re quick and friendly! The best in montrose tbh. Highly recommended

We love the ripcord!! ... We are regularly at this bar during the day. Theres a different crowd that comes in there in the evening but either way this is a great bar to go to if you want a few drinks and socialize. Bartenders are awesome and always friendly....

I always have a great time at my Fave Leather Gay bar - Ripcord. I love how they have an open back patio with another bar out there. Im super excited to be entering Spring time in Houston to go out and enjoy it more. Brandon the bartender is always so friendly and welcoming. His shots and drinks are the best in Montrose hands down. They also have a really fun trivia night, I love it!

The atmosphere, the vibe is fantastic, theres a variety in terms of customer ages, body types that Ive yet to see anywhere else.Will definitely come back!

Has the best drag shows! Reign’s shows are the best and the LaRue takeover shows are amazing. All bartenders and staff are so kind and welcoming. Definitely a no judge zone.

Went here for the first time and had a blast! They were having a big charity fund raising event(so cool they give back to the community), the musics was on point, and it was just amazing. Everyone was welcoming, and the bartender Donald was especially amazing and made me feel so at home. 6 out of 5 stars for this bar and for the bartender Donald. I will for sure come back the next time I’m in town.

Its a cool place, nice atmosphere. Just be careful and keep your receipts. I got 2 drinks and it came up to $13 including tip. The next day my bank account showed 2 separate charges the one for $13 and another one for $50 from Ripcord. I guess the bar tender wanted a bigger tip or something.

Love this place. Very fun and inviting atmosphere. Just make sure to respect others and the community, and you’ll be just fine.

Great chill bar in Montrose. Crowd is super relaxed, great music. Patio is huge which is a plus. Preferred bartender is Pierro he’s quick and remembers every drink I order even on a busy day. A must visit every weekend with friends.

Ripcord is a great bar. Nice, chill atmosphere. The bartenders are great, if you get a chance, check out Christopher Barry, hes the best. Theyre always having events from guest djs, rewind to the 70s-00s, to leather, and they even host geeks who drink on Wednesdays 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 youre into the leather scene and need a place to catch a few drinks.

Such a friendly bar! Bar staff are all super sweet and helpful. Drinks are priced very well. It’s a great bar for every night of the week. Check out their themed nights on social media. A Montrose staple

I would have to say that Rip Cord is one of my favorite bars in the area. There is a pretty interesting crowd especially on the weekends. The patio is gorgeous. Everyone is friendly and the drinks are cheap.

By far my favorite bar in the Gayborhood. they seem to really understand being a pillar for the community, and deliver a true sense of authenticity. they also really outdid themselves this year for Pride. can’t wait for next year! also, bonus points for always having Topo Chico.

Great place super friendly staff . Piero is the best ever ! Richard is daddy for days! Ezekiel is so sweet you want to eat him up. And David has a great personality. Thomas is super sexy 😝. Oh and B is great 👍🏼

Tried to enjoy the atmosphere here. Was with a group of friends and we were asked to leave by officers and we were just minding our business enjoying the time.

I frequent this bar quite often, tonight the second bouncer that was out there was so disrespectful and rude. I walked out to follow my friend and see if he made it to his car ok, when I came back the bouncer said he couldn’t let me back in “because he saw me walk out.” I said why? He said I don’t need to give you no explanation. I’ve been coming to this bar since I lived here in 2015 this bouncer either has to get trained or let go because an excuse as to “I saw you walk out.” Is ridiculous.

Very dark inside and can get rowdy but bartender Paul is awesome!

Its still considered home bar to me after all these years. Quite a few changes throughout the years and still so much fun. Drinks are reasonably priced and strong. Staff is very nice and a great new leather shop opened inside the bar.

My friends invited me for a night out at the gayborhood. Needless to say I had such a stupendous time. I definitely cannot wait to go back and get a michelada & Mexican candy shot! Anyone can make those, but not everyone can make them SO delicious!!! I believe the bartenders name was Brandon.

Ripcord or the rip, how cool people call it is the best gay leather bar in Houston. Brandon makes the delicious drinks and shots. If you’re looking for a good time, great vibes, and good music ripcord is the place to be.

Great custom service! Always a great time!

Been coming here since I moved to Houston the good bartenders and great atmosphere with shows/performers.

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!

I will never go to Ripcord again, I am mortified that the manager would allow this female door gereeter to treat us as if we are strangers to the bar- I’m am forever tainted by the treatment received- I world expect the bartender Piero to stand up and treat me as the loyal customer that we are- I will never go to this place of business again- the way the employees treated us was Horrific - I am appalled by your service- to have an employee walk us out is appalling. I will never attend any events at your establishment. I we have spent a lot time, money and tipped well, this treatment is horrific- there are other bars in the neighborhood that treat the customers with respect and are much cleaner. After all these years I’m am truly disappointed.

I liked the bar, but the hot dog stand outside cheated me for 20 bucks on a 5 dollar hot dog. I always leave at LEAST 25% tip but I didnt even get my food. My only complaint was the guys outside with the hot dog stand. All I can say is be careful and watch anything you say cause they will take FULL advantage of whatever they CAN.

Great place to hang out with friends,  good drinks and friendly staff. Its a late start, if you dont like crowds go early, or go late for the crowd. People of all kinds go there, they welcome everyone.

Mike is what he said his name was but literally did not let me finish my sentence and cut me off and hung up on my face…. Extremely rude I love family oriented and chill places this is not it

Came for the drag queen trivia night, stayed for the storied history. Amazing cross-section of society; staff were kind and attentive.

Ily but stop tipping yourself $3 for a water. so disrespectful . also new door man keeps doubting my ID for some reason. u don’t need to study it u freak

My very 1st time in Houston and stepped into the ripcord, I kinda figured it was a leather bar, but didnt bother me at all, the dj played 80S and 90s music it wasnt that loud for this older guy, Ive been to clubs with louder music than this, the bartenders were semi friendly, I guess cuz I was a visitor fr SA the beer was cool not cold like they should be but all in all, it was a good experience. I would visit this bar again.

Ive been coming to the rip since I was 21 (29 now). Cheap drinks and they actually have a bar staff that you can chit chat with and get to know. Laid back atmosphere with just a little bit of raunchy.Great patio and a lot of activities during LUEY. Check them out on Mondays, free pool!

I was actually on a layover at a hotel north of the city and heard great things, I was going to Uber there and back so I could check it out but when I called to see if they were open in the early afternoon before I came down, the bartender answered the phone pretty obnoxiously and when I asked if they were open he mumbled something and hung up.If youre not even friendly if Im asking whether or not I can come spend my money there, why would I want to go?Not cool.Update: turns out the bartender was pretty bitter and not there anymore. I gave the bar a chance several months later and was impressed. All of the bartenders are kind except for one who was pretty inconsiderate but the people who patronized the bar made it a great experience. Id definitely go back after giving it a second chance.

Best gay bar in Houston! Shout out to Pierro for the best customer service and the great drinks!

This bar has the friendliest staff in Montrose! They have Back Pew beer on tap, one of my favorite local beers. I don’t come down to Montrose often, but always make a point to stop here for great prices on drinks.

This is my go to bar in Montrose! All the bartenders are nice, fun and offer a great and welcoming atmosphere!

So Ive been coming to this bar for years. RIPCORD has made some great improvements over the last few months, including drink specials, staff and decor. Its a a far cry from the RIPCORD of the past, but still a great place to meet old friends, new friends and the occasional play thing. You can always find what you are looking for. Great cruising bar...Yummm!Has a great patio, events like 80s night on Fridays and strip pool on Mondays. The bartenders Rock and are sometimes Rock Hard!

Always a good time with solid drinks. Bartenders are quick to know your name and get your drink. Great patio, good vibes, and always welcoming.

Great Drinks and Great Men and Great Bar. They love it when I show them on the patio how I used to swing a bat and play catcher when I played baseball. You will love this place and wear a leather vest when you come here.

Ripcord is THE Leather bar for Houston, period. I spent years there, getting to know Brad & his employees. When I was girl of Montrose, this is where I held my fundraisers & it was my home away from home. Theres a big sense of Family there & I cant wait to go back while Im in town on 2/15!~Kittykim

Never had issues until 2/14/23 @ 12:30am I came out for a bit for the show for some fresh air and he mentioned he saw me leave so he wouldn’t let me in even though I was the DD so I didn’t even argue but his intuition was terrible

Nice vibe, love the bartenders, great drinks, and I guess this still speaks on the bartenders. But excellent service.

Best bar in Houston! The guys are hot and the drinks are cold; a perfect combination. The Ripcord is our go to bar when visiting Houston. If you dont stop in for a drink and a fix of sweet eye candy, why are you in Houston? One final word....WOOF.

The Ripcord has always been a favorite of ours to meet friends, meet new friends, socialize and to attend events. Thanks for all the hard work yall put into everything you do and we will continue to attend. No place like the Rip.

Bartenders are hot drinks are strong and Piero made me make this review🥰

I love Ripcord! Welcoming environment, geared towards guys with gear (leather) and bears, but obvious that anyone is welcome. Their bartenders are hard workers and really kind!

James is the the best bartender. He always remember my drink and is incredibly friendly and personable. I love him and the Ripcord.

I travel from San Antonio to see Brandon at ripcord. Happy hour is the best in montrose. Their frozen sweettart is my favorite

One of my favorite bars in the gayborhood. F*#% what you heard! No homophobia here … just people vibing and having a great time

Cool setting came on a holiday it was a laid back crowd and the dj played all urban the music. So if u like hip hop i would slide through to check out the crowd bc im not sure of the weekly events.

Went with a friend. We were removed for absolutely no reason at all. Won’t be returning.

Always have a great time here! Ive been coming here since the 90s and it just keeps getting better, bartenders are awesome and friendly and very accommodating

Great drinks for a good price, the best and sexiest bartenders and very friendly atmosphere. Always a good time at Ripcord.

I liked it. They charged my phone, which was very nice. I do prefer bars with a more open space.

This used to be a gay bear /leather bar. But to be a gay bar, usual the majority of your clientele must be gay. Thats not case any more.Also there are just as many effeminate twinks as there are bears.It all changed about 2.5/3 years ago. Now its a waste of my time.

Love coming here and having a great time! Great staff and performances!

Best music around, and the crowds are very friendly.

The place is great, and the staff are friendly with the exception of a bitchy queen named Eddie. Hes utterly biased, and selective about how he treats customers. I go at times to avoid interacting with him.

Love this bar especially for happy hour $4 fireball

Just moved to Houston and was curious about the underwear night and strip pool. Do they still have these? I went last Wednesday for the trivia game, but didnt see anything about the underwear gathering

Love the vibe, but most expensive and smallest drinks Ive ever seen in Montrose.

Chill place to hangout after work. The bartenders are always attentive.

One of my favorite bars in Montrose!

One of the best bars in that area. Definitely the most unpretentious, low key and down to earth vibe than the others. My go to spot.

Great crowd, strong drinks and sexy bartenders. Leather-ish scene where you could wear some gear and fit in. Way bigger on the inside than you think itll be.

Ripcord is THE leather bar in Houston. The bartenders are smoking hot and the drinks are strong. The crowd is the best in Houston.

Would’ve been 5 stars, but there was a gay Republican inside.

Great drinks and music. Always a blast on the patio. Perfect spot post-brunch.

Amazing place. I hope this bar never closes -- its full of character and history. Support this bar with your money and patronage!

What a great neighbourhood bar. Thanks Paul. Great cocktails.

This is your HOME away from HOME...This is the place where you can find Light, when everything else is Dark...Thank You Ripcord/Ryan/Staff for All that you do for the community.

It’s a great vide, chill place, cool cowards, amazing drag shows and leather events!

Fun bar, good ambiance, fun vibe, and great service!

Quick stop for a beer. It was cold, bar tender was nice, place was clean thats all I ask. Great easy location.

Nice place! We have stopped in here on visits to Houston a number of times. Its always been friendly and welcoming.

Great time here on my 21st birthday. Guys here really friendly, and so are the men wiring the bar.

The best bar in Houston! We love the happy hour!

The best place to have a great time with great people!

It could be better. But its ok if you have in mind a beer in a gay place. Nice on spring and Autum.

Not very crowded on a Saturday night, but it was fun to be back after 20 years.

This place has always been a great bar with great atmosphere and patrons as well great staff.

Been coming to Ripcord since 1998. Great service, fun atmosphere, hot men. Oink.

Ok bar in midtown its popular but not my favorite

A little overwhelming but I loved the energy and the warm sense of community

This is my favorite spot when I’m off from work.

Loved it! The atmosphere and customer service was awesome!

Love their happy hour specials!

Piero is hands down the reason to keep coming back.

Great spot. My husband and I just loved it

First time here and its a nice laid back enviroment where i can be myself. I like it here definitely.

We just loved it. New fav place for sure 💜

One of my all time favorites. Incredible bartenders. Houston institution.

Its home for me and many of us in the community. There is a lot of history that has happened within and out side this bar.

$17 for a double shot margarita

My favorite bar...quite most afternoons and my favorite bartenders in Houston

Got kicked out for no reason at all.

Cool vibe, great staff and you can earn points how cool is that for more drinking

Good club. A hundred times better than the Eagle.

Ppl steal from customers there be careful and only use cash there

I like this place because the staff is very friendly and makes you feel welcome.

Great place to stay safe and be gay 😈🤭

Fun and interesting crowd always makes for a great time.

Not my type of place but the store inside is awesome. . . Kinda was scared the first time I ever went in

Ripcord is amazing Gay bar!!

Ripcord is THE leather bar in Houston - accept no imitations!

Thank you Matt for the great service and conversation! Well be back soon!

Good music, not for older folks with sensitive ears!

Ryan and Morris you are the absolute worst. You have lost a customer.

It is a hot bar my first bar when I came to Houston in 1985👬👮🏻

Love this place. Always the best time!

Its awesome here. Very played back and fun.

Friendly bar with good buzz

The staff is always friendly and courteous the patrons are friendly and hoy

Wonderful gay bar; iconic

Good prices. Good bartenders. Good times.

Fun fun fun cannot wait to go back

Really hot men and a really good bar

What a dump! I mean the staff is dumbfounded.

This a great place in good location ,one of favorite place on Houston

Fantastic staff and great atmosphere.

Friendly bartender. Nice patrons

The crowd at Ripcord are ridonk friendly.

A Gay Establishment in Montrose; Houston, Texas

Best leather bar in Houston

POS management

Impossible not to have a good time here

Good.

Wear closed-toe shoes. :)

Friendly and more space

Fun, fun , fun bar❤️❤️❤️

Fun!

Nice to hangout

Lots of fun!!!!!

Nice place! Woof!

I love this place!

Love

Nice place to drink

Longtime Neighborhood Bar.

Fun place!

A living relic.

When in Rome!

Like the crowd

Hello gay.

(Italian language)I visited this Club on a Thursday in the second half of September 2018.REACHABILITY:The venue is located in the Montrose area, an area particularly famous for LGBT nightlife, where MOST of the gay clubs are located: an area of ​​Houston that is more than reachable, both by car and by public transport. public of the METRO company.STAFF:From a physical point of view, the staff is varied: I was able to see a bear, a skinny man and a daddy. The entire staff is made up of friendly and competent people. Plus, the cocktails I drank were delicious.DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY:The place is a HUGE bar. It is NOT a cruising bar (therefore, NO dressing rooms or darkrooms!) and you only pay for what you consume. It is divided into different areas and also has a huge patio, as they call it, which is an outdoor space, with comfortable tables, on which you can enjoy your drinks. In one of the rooms, there is a display case, inside which there are photos of people who were great, especially for Houstons gay fetish/BDSM nightlife and there is also much more. Inside the Club, there is a very small fetish/BDSM (more fetish than BDSM) shop which is well stocked: you can find harnesses, leather and PVC(?) clothing, floggers, bandanas and even poppers. The bar mainly sells alcohol.In that place they organize parties, including the election of Mr. Bear, Mr. Puppy and, undoubtedly, many others.The evening I came, NO sexual activities of any kind took place and this is because, as they explained to me, they dont take place on weekdays. The sexual activities take place - they explained to me - during Saturdays and, above all, during the various parties, but, they explained to me, these are very SOFT activities.