Chain Drive (Closed Permanently)

Don't Expect Much

I travel quite a lot in Texas and make it to Austin every couple of months or so. The Chain Drive has changed every time and not for the better. The days of Leather Men are gone in Austin...and so is the concept of being polite. The last time I was there (August 2005), the bar could only be described as RUDE!! The bartender at the front would not even speak but just glared at me when I tried to order (probably because I took him away from talking to his friends). The people there were very cliquish and would not even speak. One guy even stepped on my boot and didn't even apologize. The only saving grace was the manager, Dave, who was working at the back bar. He smiled, talked when I ordered drinks and was just a nice guy. Shame that the bar has just gone down hill fast. Get ready for a cross-section of the population. From twinks to cowboys but if you are looking for leather, then keep looking for another bar.

I love this bar

It is a place togo, and have a relaxing time... Like your friendly neiborhood bar, every body is welcome, everybody is wanted...

Not quite what I was expecting.

I live in Houston and am more familiar with the Leather scene here. To call this bar a leather bar is a misgiving. A dark bar with loud music and a hint of leather doesn't make it a Leather Bar. "You don't have to wear leather, to be leather." Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my time there, but it was definately not what I was expecting. The place is quite large on the outside, with two patios, one small and one large, but it's a waste of space that can be better utilized for something else, like expansion/modernization. They have a small dance floor, but someone must have never revealed, that real leather men don't dance. Get rid of it. The Friday night drink specials were great - $1.00 Domestic, $1.00 Well, with a $3.00 cover - which if anyone complains about that, they shouldn't go. The crowd was a nice mix of people, but hardly the leather/leather bear crowd I was expecting. I would say it's more "Leather Drag" than Leather Men. All in all, I had a good time while there, but it won't be my first stop on my next trip to Austin.

slow down fall

The only thing this reviewer can say is Chain Drive used to be a lot better! Gone are the days of Men wanting to socialize, pumping disco, Sunday afternoon happy hours, etc.. It's hard to imagine what could have happend. It's even harder to figure out how it stays open.