Powerhouse

I understand that you guys have to deal with fire marshals, but the degree of aggression that you demonstrate at close is inexcusable. Violent frankly. It undermines any sense of community that you are trying to foster and sends people off from a good night with a terrible taste. If people need to be out of the door right at 2, maybe 10 minutes before tell people to start booking cars and wind things down. Barking at people like a drill sergeant so abruptly as people are actively trying to exit is so distasteful and rude. Be better.

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.

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 :)

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!

Always a fun time and a very diverse crowd including young and old gay and straight, men and women, and all possible races. This is by far my favorite gay bar ever

My husband and I visited Power House on Saturday and, as always, had a fantastic experience. From the moment we arrive, everyone is incredibly friendly and...

I've been to PH twice once was after a Horsemarketsf event and during Rubber Weekend in April 2025. Had a great time, love that the SF bars still allow so...

This gay bar is an anything goes place although you can't do what you can in a European bar on the bar stools so go to the back of the bar for that. If this...