Powerhouse
Dive Bars · San Francisco, CA
About
Powerhouse is darker and more cruise-y than most Folsom bars. This musky dive pulls a leather and fetish crowd, with go-go boys and occasional drag shows. The outdoor backroom area is where things happen, a known pickup spot.
Drinks are strong and the bartenders friendly. Regulars include bearded men in their 30s and 40s. The backyard gets crowded and smoky; you might see more than just smoking. It's open from 4pm until 2am most nights, earlier close on Mondays.
Located in San Francisco's SOMA neighborhood, on Folsom Street near other gay bars and clubs.
Features
- ✓Outdoor backroom known as a pickup spot
- ✓Go-go boys and drag shows on event nights
- ✓Leather and fetish focused crowd
- ✓Strong drinks, friendly bartenders
- ✓Opens at 4pm daily
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 133 reviews. 665 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“When size matters!”
You've definitely been there for a beer and stepped into the backyard for a smoke! Inside, there's good music and cool beers, but outside the atmosphere is hot. The yard gets pretty packed, and you might catch some action: occasional blowjobs and fucking. If you're into that, don't bother trying to socialize! If you're a top, head to the yard, drop your pants, and show off what you've got!
A visitor · Over a year ago
Over a year ago. This is my go-to bar. I absolutely adore this grungy little leather bar! - attractive bartenders - don't bring your mom - lively crowd - excellent happy hour - potent drinks - chill atmosphere
A guest · Over a year ago
“frisky and cruisy”
Come on weekends or for special events when it's busy. Skip weekdays because it's usually dead.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Mixed Feelings But Sexy PLace”
I love bars with active patios or back rooms. This one has an outdoor area that gets crowded and messy with smokers. Things definitely happen, but it's not as easy to navigate as you'd hope. Best approach is to meet someone inside and take him out to put on a show. Sometimes guys are too shy for their own good, and I like to get things going by being playfully sleazy.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Leather and the Badboy”
If you're feeling a bit... let's say revved up... and you're into leather and the sweatier side of life, definitely check this place out. It's full of attractive hairy guys, both younger and older, often shirtless, and there's even a backroom that's actually an outdoor area. It's great for hookups. Enough said. The drinks are strong and the bartenders are friendly, and they have all kinds of events and nights that get guys to take their shirts off! And I almost forgot about the go-go boys! My favorite is a hairy, furry little muscle bear with a great smile and a winning personality — always fun to tip him!
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Powerhouse have a dress code? +
No specific dress code, but leather and fetish gear are common. Casual wear is fine.
Is food served? +
Powerhouse does not serve food. It's primarily a bar with strong drinks.
What is the crowd like? +
Men in their 30s and 40s, mostly leather and fetish oriented. It's a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd but leans male.
More Bars in San Francisco
Bourbon & Branch
4.1
Bars · $$$ · 0.9 mi
Thirsty Bear Brewing Co
3.3
Bars · $$ · 1.1 mi
Trick Dog
4.1
Bars · $$ · 1.0 mi
Charmaine's Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Bars · $$$ · 0.5 mi