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Chain Drive

504 Willow St
Austin, TX 78701-4220
Phone: (512) 480-9017

Ratings & Reviews Summary for Chain Drive

What Users are Saying:

  • Crowded
  • Good for after work
  • Good social scene
  • Good happy hour
5 Star Rating
 
(3 reviews)
4 Star Rating
 
(2 reviews)
3 Star Rating
 
(0 reviews)
2 Star Rating
 
(0 reviews)
1 Star Rating
 
(0 reviews)

User Reviews for Chain Drive

4 Star Rating: Recommended

09/25/2007 Posted by wbohrer

I love this dump; I will miss it if it ever gets put out of business by the corporate machine chewing up downtown Austin. The rumor of its imminent death has been going for at least 10 years now so I won't believe CD is closed till the building is bulldozed. Chain Drive is a seriously dank dive that purports to be a leather bar in name only. I have on occasion seen leather in there on a Friday or Saturday night but even then, that was not the norm. Its a friendly place where non-twinks, bears, chubs, punks, old guys, guys who like all of the above, and anyone else who doesn't feel comfortable in "mainstream" gay culture goes. The restrooms are nasty, no privacy - I don't know if that's supposed to cut down on cruising, or the owner is just too cheap to spring for doors and stalls. The patio furniture is all broken, and the place is more or less dead when there's not an event, but the drink specials are insanely cheap and the staff is friendly.

Pros: Cheap drinks, Great music, friendly patrons and staff

Cons: Seriously run down dive

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/22/2006 Posted by ejgoyle

When I first got there, it was dark, but definately not scary. The bartenders are great, the music is good and the drink prices are the best around. The atmosphere is very casual, and everyone seems to just gel when they get there. So what ever you want to do, Cruise, chill, or hang out with some down to earth bears, this is the place to go. You can smoke out in the back yard, or if you're not a smoker then there is a yard for you too. Pool tables, trivia machines, music and not a bit of attitude attached.

Pros: Hot men, PLENTY of FREE PARKING (behind ihop), exellent prices

Cons: Wednesday night live bands - the bars too small for that and the music is VERY LOUD

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/15/2006 Posted by bertgunner

This is the only gay biker, leather, bear, cruise bar in Austin but "typical Joe" type of men go there as well. Drinks are cheap especially Friday and Saturday all day long with $1.00 domestic beer and well drinks. Cover charge after 9 p.m. Fri-Sat is $3.00 but still worth it with the cheap drinks and lot's of friendly men. The staff is also very friendly and there's always a wide variety of music playing especially during happy hour. The main bar is sort of dark while the side bar with pool tables is brighter. There's also a roomy back yard and patio.

Pros: Cheap Drinks, Friendly Patrons, Friendly Staff

Cons: Dark, Smoking outside only, Cover after 9 fri-sat

4 Star Rating: Recommended

03/21/2003 Posted by wolkie

Hit this place on Friday for the cheap cover and cheaper drinks...you think you won't like it...but you will!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/08/2002 Posted by leandertxcwby

A nice mix of music, pool playing area and courtyards which facilitate talking and making friends.

Pros: Good Bartenders, Nice Courtyards, Leather atmosphere

Cons: Not enough parking

Editor's Review

Popular Austin gay, leather bar with a preferred "Levi's, leather or Latex" dress code.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

Expect to see a lot of furry men bellying up to the bar: This is the home base for the Heart of Texas Bears, a social group for "masculine, bearded, and/or hairy gay men and their admirers."

More Insider Tips

Bar/Club Information

Atmospheres

  • Clubs
  • Bars
  • Gay & Lesbian

Parking

  • Lot

Hours

  • Daily 4pm-2am

Payment Types

  • American Express
  • MasterCard
  • Visa

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