All Visitor Reviews for Powerhouse (15 reviews)

Not being 30 and hunky, I appreciate that Powerhouse attracts all kinds of guys. I go there every time I visit the City and have yet to encounter a rude bartender or patron (a few drunks, yes). "Back room" is really a mis-nomer as it is the smoking area and can get very crowded...and festive.

Great friendly crowd, nice sized bar with a nice patio area and good decent-priced drinks. Not much leather unless some convention is going on, but definitely cruisy and entertaining; if you are into guys who are patrons there.

I had heard some good things about Powerhouse and in all my travels to SF had never been there. Unfortunately, my friend and I both thought we were oversold. The place is pretty grungy which isn't really a bad thing, the bartenders were friendly but some of the clientle were just downright rude, I don't think they like tourists coming into their space. A couple of guys did everything they could to bump into us, get in our face, get between my friend and I while we were sitting at the bar having a beer...it got to be obvious they didn't approve of our being there, so after 2 beers we went down the street to the Eagle where we were felt more welcome.

I was looking forward to a hot bar, but this sure ain't it. Cheap drinks, which is nice, and the bartender hit on me, but there was not one hot guy in the place, and this was Sunday around 8pm. The "back room" is a joke, as glaringly lit as a Hollywood movie set, with a few really ugly dudes suckin' even uglier dudes dicks. About as sexy as lunch at your mom's. And the back room is full of smoke, so it stinks to high hell and so will you when you leave. No decent hot leather bars seem to exist in SF anymore. Maybe because I'm from LA I'm spoiled, but ia was pretty pathetic. DID seem some hot men in The Castro though.

The Powerhouse is more like an installation than a real cruise bar. It has hanging Crisco lanterns, video porn and a great big "Danger" sign on the back wall. Fortunately, I have encountered a few friendly docents to take me through the exhibits. You can definitely have a smirky fun time here even with the surly bar staff. I think they are just playing their part as cast members.

The Bad: Some bartenders are self-obsessed and can be very rude. There is an actor working there who is really into himself and not much more. It's also packed on the weekends, which can be bad if you don't like getting jammed in. The Good: It's an old-style leather bar kind of place. People are friendly on the slow nights, and some bartenders and barbacks go out of their way to be friendly. It's also a great place to meet new visitors to town, and to learn about the history of the scene from the oldtimers. Ages are mixed from 21 to 70s, and people all seem to get along. They have some of the most ridiculous contests (wet underwear, etc) and theme nights ($1 off on Tuesdays if you have a tattoo or a piercing). This can be good depending on your fetish. All in all I give the place an A- because I like it during the off-times and the drinks are good.

I was in the Powerhous bar last night, out on the Patio. It was very crowded as it often is. I was shoved forward from behind and to regain my balance I had to lean backwards. I heard a voice say "push me and I will mash your head with this bucked. When I saw move, move." I turned around to see a Powerhous employee with a bucket. (a red headed guy) I believe this kind of conduct and statement is unacceptable. I visit SF several times a year. I will not be coming back to your bar. I am sure this kind of action and comment it acceptable and condoned by the Powerhouse management.

Do you go to a place like this looking to dance? It's like getting off the bus on another planet, one with sex in the air and you either do or don't float with it. Not all sex is between pretty Aberzombies you know.

Went here on a Friday night and the place was full of guys. Drinks weren't so great, but the outdoor patio was full of people. There was one guy getting a BJ, but nothing else really. If you're going for the Dark Room, it's the outdoor patio and it's well lit. So, put on a good show as EVERYONE can see you. It was ok for what is was: Cheap drinks, some eye candy, decent music but I wouldn't go just for the action on the back patio.

Wednesday's filled with old geezers? Hmmm- where do you go on a Wed night in SOMA not like that?

Georgeous MEN, not queens. They love to get off.

And the bartender who was behind the bar kept on flapping his chops about being some actor in some low budget movie. (As if!) Anyway, he was VERY RUDE and provided BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE! You should skip this rat trap and instead go to the "MY PLACE" club. That's were the party's at! :)

11:00PM on a Wednesday and the place is dead. A few paunchy old men and fat pool players was all that haunted the place. Bartenders unfriendly to this out-of-towner.

I love this place ,i am a Cigar smoker and i like the back patio to be able to smoke & Have a drink, i am into levis, & Leather & cigars this is a very hot bar ,try it out you will love it

Not much is left of what used to be the "Miracle Mile" on Folsom Street, but the Powerhouse survives.