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Chain Drive

504 Willow St
Austin, TX 78701-4220
Phone: (512) 480-9017
Surprisingly great music for such a dive
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

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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

  • Bars
  • Clubs
  • Gay & Lesbian

Parking

  • Lot

Hours

  • Daily 4pm-2am

Payment Types

  • American Express
  • MasterCard
  • Visa

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