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Even among the (theoretically) more liberated gay crowd, Ramrod's reputation often precedes it. As the largest and most prominent establishment catering to the gay leather/fetish crowd, it's become the de facto reference point (some might say the target) for people to vent their opinions on the lore of leatherdom. This gives Ramrod some dubious preeminence, to be sure, but as a result, they are frequently overlooked as a viable alternative to more "traditional" gay-friendly hotspots. Frankly, Ramrod has it all: the bartenders are skilled and sociable, the ambience is cruisy but unpretentious, and the music (their secret weapon) is unfathomably great. Resident duo Freespace plays the most eclectic, funky, and well-versed range of underground house and techno of any LGBT-oriented venue in the city. And while the back bar—with its strict leather/no shirts admittance policy –can be a little "scenic" for the uninitiated, it's advisable to check your self-consciousness and do as the Romans do. Squeamish souls may prefer the downstairs lounge (with pool tables, a video bar, and even pinball), which doubles as a throughway to the 'Rod's clubgoer-friendly weekend alter ego, Machine.
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