I've been here 3 times now and each time has been amazing. The crowd is so good and it's been busy each time which makes the atmosphere fantastic. I was served fast and the drinks are well priced. Now, the outside patio... I love it!! Slightly cramped during particularly busy periods but people tend to move so no worries. I will visit Powerhouse on every trip to San Francisco! Very happy Brit!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
David Patrickson
Powerhouse is a West SoMa staple when it comes to nightlife of the neighborhood. There is both regular theme nights and new events and parties. I highly recommend Thursday nights as well as the week of Pride to be here.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Zachary Farley
Great old school gay gay bar. Tom of Finland paintings on the wall
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
John Reinman
Great gay leather bar
Atmosphere: 5
Mike Anderson
Gay bar , good atmosphere and friendly
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
Lune Windstriker
Random cover cost
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
M Chen
Powerhouse SF, located in the SoMa/Folsom district, is a leather bar that fully embraces its niche. For first-timers and enthusiasts alike, it’s a must-visit destination for its lively and inclusive vibe.
Ambience: Fun, bold, and unapologetically leather-centric. The crowd is friendly and diverse, making it an open space for everyone.
Decor: Dark, industrial, and perfectly on-brand for a leather bar.
Crowd: Incredibly packed, but the camaraderie shines through. Despite the tight quarters, everyone feels comfortable and included.
Drinks: Well-made and reasonably priced. The bartenders are approachable and efficient.
Entertainment: A flex competition was in full swing during my visit, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Music: High-energy tracks that keep the vibe electric all night.
Pro Tips: - Use the coat check service ($1 per item) to keep your belongings safe. - Embrace the dress code—harnesses, chaps, and minimal clothing will earn you attention and brownie points. - Use long socks to store valuables if you’re wearing minimal attire.
Overall: Powerhouse SF is an inclusive and exciting spot for anyone looking to experience the leather scene. The vibrant energy, welcoming crowd, and entertaining events make it a top pick for a night out in SoMa.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Sterling James De Rave
Tonight was just not my night, I guess. First of all, the ATM machine at Powerhouse was malfunctioning, so the doorman told me to go next door to Hole in the Wall, "then come back here....." to pay my $5 cover charge for admission on a Sunday night. Hmmmm..... I did exactly as he told me, but I should have stayed next door. What pissed me off the most was that my second drink was taken away by the bar back despite the fact that I was sitting right there at the bar! He did it when I was staring at the porn slideshow on the monitor. When I complained, the bar back replaced it with his own version of a Cape Cod. But, it sucked. Not surprisingly.... he's not the bartender. When I complained to the usual bartender, to whom I'm always in the habit of tipping well, he told me "he's young" and "he's only doing his job", and then gave me an iced water as a consolation! Yikes! What happened tonight at Powerhouse?! I continued ordering drinks until closing because the DJ was great, but bar service tonight sucked!!! I have no enthusiasm about returning to this place.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Derek
Of course I'm going to give it 5 stars. Why wouldn't you? 😁
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Martin Mayr
Fun place to dance and play. It is a must-visit place.
This place can be fun on a busy night, but beware: they charge a cover every night early. It might be a blast at 1 am, but they will get $10 out of you at 9 pm and you’ll stand around waiting for the hot guys to show up. Drink up elsewhere, arrive late, and you’ll get your money’s worth.
I've been here 3 times now and each time has been amazing. The crowd is so good and it's been busy each time which makes the atmosphere fantastic. I was served fast and the drinks are well priced. Now, the outside patio... I love it!! Slightly cramped during particularly busy periods but people tend to move so no worries. I will visit Powerhouse on every trip to San Francisco! Very happy Brit!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Powerhouse is a West SoMa staple when it comes to nightlife of the neighborhood. There is both regular theme nights and new events and parties. I highly recommend Thursday nights as well as the week of Pride to be here.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Great old school gay gay bar. Tom of Finland paintings on the wall
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Great gay leather bar
Atmosphere: 5
Gay bar , good atmosphere and friendly
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
Random cover cost
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Powerhouse SF, located in the SoMa/Folsom district, is a leather bar that fully embraces its niche. For first-timers and enthusiasts alike, it’s a must-visit destination for its lively and inclusive vibe.
Ambience: Fun, bold, and unapologetically leather-centric. The crowd is friendly and diverse, making it an open space for everyone.
Decor: Dark, industrial, and perfectly on-brand for a leather bar.
Crowd: Incredibly packed, but the camaraderie shines through. Despite the tight quarters, everyone feels comfortable and included.
Drinks: Well-made and reasonably priced. The bartenders are approachable and efficient.
Entertainment: A flex competition was in full swing during my visit, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Music: High-energy tracks that keep the vibe electric all night.
Pro Tips:
- Use the coat check service ($1 per item) to keep your belongings safe.
- Embrace the dress code—harnesses, chaps, and minimal clothing will earn you attention and brownie points.
- Use long socks to store valuables if you’re wearing minimal attire.
Overall: Powerhouse SF is an inclusive and exciting spot for anyone looking to experience the leather scene. The vibrant energy, welcoming crowd, and entertaining events make it a top pick for a night out in SoMa.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Tonight was just not my night, I guess. First of all, the ATM machine at Powerhouse was malfunctioning, so the doorman told me to go next door to Hole in the Wall, "then come back here....." to pay my $5 cover charge for admission on a Sunday night. Hmmmm..... I did exactly as he told me, but I should have stayed next door. What pissed me off the most was that my second drink was taken away by the bar back despite the fact that I was sitting right there at the bar! He did it when I was staring at the porn slideshow on the monitor. When I complained, the bar back replaced it with his own version of a Cape Cod. But, it sucked. Not surprisingly.... he's not the bartender. When I complained to the usual bartender, to whom I'm always in the habit of tipping well, he told me "he's young" and "he's only doing his job", and then gave me an iced water as a consolation! Yikes! What happened tonight at Powerhouse?! I continued ordering drinks until closing because the DJ was great, but bar service tonight sucked!!! I have no enthusiasm about returning to this place.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Of course I'm going to give it 5 stars. Why wouldn't you? 😁
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fun place to dance and play. It is a must-visit place.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Kid-friendliness: Not for kids
Good place to meet good
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
This is my favorite leather bar in all San
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
This place can be fun on a busy night, but beware: they charge a cover every night early. It might be a blast at 1 am, but they will get $10 out of you at 9 pm and you’ll stand around waiting for the hot guys to show up. Drink up elsewhere, arrive late, and you’ll get your money’s worth.
The Cruise bar of SF~
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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