Best bar for drag!!! Drinks are strong the people are fun. Monday night Moster show is the SO MUCH FUN. we love Mary Vice
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
mini aspirin
Extremely loud at night and has no regard for nearby residents. Tone it down.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Diego Gómez (Design Nurd)
One of the best bars in San Francisco and one of the only queer bars that you can actually barhop! Hole in the wall is on the same block - best of both worlds. Oh and I painted a mural on their backdoor on Dore Alley :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Vogt
I never write reviews, but I had such an uncomfortable experience with a bartender at the Powerhouse cash bar at Folsom earlier today that it’s been eating at me all evening—and after telling the story to friends and hearing their reactions, I feel like I need to share.
My partner and I had one beer at the festival, which we bought here. Near closing, we went back for a second. After waiting in line, the bartender’s very first words to us were: “I can only serve you water.”
I asked if they were out of alcohol, and he smirked and laughed: “No, but I’m only going to serve you water.” When I pressed him on what was going on, he just repeated the same thing while chuckling.
We were confused and asked if we had offended him somehow, or if this was supposed to be some kind of prank. His response was: “I won’t serve alcohol to people under the influence.” This was said to two sober people who had patiently waited in line—while others around us were visibly drunk and stumbling. For context, no one at this bar was being ID-checked either.
At that point, it was obvious this young bartender had some personal issue with us, and instead of being upfront, he decided to mock us and waste our time. It came across as petty at best and prejudiced at worst.
To put it lightly: whoever this bartender was, he was rude and unprofessional. The whole encounter left us frustrated and soured the rest of our night. We won’t be going back, and I honestly just want to know what was really going through his head, because it was such a bizarre and unnecessary way to treat customers.
Service: 1
Luciano Quintana
This is by far the worst place in San Francisco. The staff are rude and act like they don’t even want to be here. It’s not worth spending your money at this place.
Naudia Martinez
I'm Cuban transgender it's really not designed for us just gay YT men.qq
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Wayne Kinder
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
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? 😁
Best bar for drag!!! Drinks are strong the people are fun. Monday night Moster show is the SO MUCH FUN. we love Mary Vice
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Extremely loud at night and has no regard for nearby residents. Tone it down.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
One of the best bars in San Francisco and one of the only queer bars that you can actually barhop! Hole in the wall is on the same block - best of both worlds. Oh and I painted a mural on their backdoor on Dore Alley :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I never write reviews, but I had such an uncomfortable experience with a bartender at the Powerhouse cash bar at Folsom earlier today that it’s been eating at me all evening—and after telling the story to friends and hearing their reactions, I feel like I need to share.
My partner and I had one beer at the festival, which we bought here. Near closing, we went back for a second. After waiting in line, the bartender’s very first words to us were: “I can only serve you water.”
I asked if they were out of alcohol, and he smirked and laughed: “No, but I’m only going to serve you water.” When I pressed him on what was going on, he just repeated the same thing while chuckling.
We were confused and asked if we had offended him somehow, or if this was supposed to be some kind of prank. His response was: “I won’t serve alcohol to people under the influence.” This was said to two sober people who had patiently waited in line—while others around us were visibly drunk and stumbling. For context, no one at this bar was being ID-checked either.
At that point, it was obvious this young bartender had some personal issue with us, and instead of being upfront, he decided to mock us and waste our time. It came across as petty at best and prejudiced at worst.
To put it lightly: whoever this bartender was, he was rude and unprofessional. The whole encounter left us frustrated and soured the rest of our night. We won’t be going back, and I honestly just want to know what was really going through his head, because it was such a bizarre and unnecessary way to treat customers.
Service: 1
This is by far the worst place in San Francisco. The staff are rude and act like they don’t even want to be here. It’s not worth spending your money at this place.
I'm Cuban transgender it's really not designed for us just gay YT men.qq
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
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
Restaurantji Recommends
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
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