Best Gay Bar: Ripcord

In this Montrose staple, everyone is welcome. There's no pretentious aura from the patrons, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the bartenders are...shall we say...easy on the eyes. Located in the heart of the gayborhood, it is easily walkable from most other gay bars, and there's never a cover, so there's no excuse not to pop in if you're in The 'Trose.

Long known as a leather bar, most would be surprised to learn that Ripcord also attracts people from all walks of life. Drag shows on Monday and Tuesdays (and the occasional Wednesday) are an enjoyable spectacle all their own. At the same time, the weekend DJ's spin some of the best thumpa-thumpa beats in the neighborhood that draws an eclectic crowd of youngsters to young at heart. And true to its origins, Ripcord retains a little bit of its leather heritage in its store, which sells harnesses and fun accouterments to do...well...to do whatever your adventurous mind comes up with!

If the dance floor gets a little crowded for your pleasure, the back patio is spacious enough to catch some fresh air and converse with buddies before ordering another round at the deck's convenient patio bar.

Ripcord is also a must-see location for the LGBTQ high holy days: Halloween and Pride Weekend. The Halloween costumes show off-the-charts creativity (and sometimes a lot of skin), while Pride weekend is filled with a nearly palpable sense of community unique to this special celebration.

Pro tip: Bring some cash for the food truck located just outside Ripcord's doors. The hot dogs are out of this world and satiate any hunger after a night of dancing and revelry.