Explore the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District, the throbing heart of SF’s Leather & LGBTQ community.
Neighborhood Highlights
Ringold Leather History Walk — A block-long tribute to the people, places and institutions that made the South Of Market Area of San Francisco (“SOMA”) historically important, culturally fascinating, and notorious!
Eagle Plaza — The World’s First and Only Leather-Themed Public Plaza
Mr. S Leather — an iconic leather & fetish store, serving our community since 1979
Leather Etc. — leather & fetish gear and fashion
The Stud — San Francisco’s oldest queer bar, now in a new home at 1123 Folsom Street
Folsom Street Community Center — Community education and arts programming, a year round resource for dozens of organizations, groups, and clubs. Also houses the Center for Sex and Culture Library and Archive!
Oasis — Internationally acclaimed drag show nightclub / cabaret, and home to Baloney, the all-male revue, in a converted former bathhouse that once had a swimming pool
SOMArts Cultural Center — Affordable and accessible art exhibitions and events
Leather Bars
Powerhouse — dirty, no attitude, South of Market fun
SF Eagle — a cultural landmark, honoring leather subculture traditions; the Sunday Beer Bust is an SF institution
Lone Star Saloon — Infamous bear bar
Hole in the Wall Saloon — biker themed gay bar catering to an eclectic crowd.
Plus
Yesterday’s Leather Bars, Bathhouses and Sex Clubs — Let our tour guide share some of our history with you. Or use our online map and explore on your own, to visit the locations of the Slot, the Barracks, FeBe’s, Blow Buddies, the Ambush, and dozens of other gone-but-not-forgotten leather hangouts. Other online resources include the Bare Chest Men History Project’s Leather History of San Francisco guide, and a Walking Tour of South of Market in the 1970s.
The 11th Street Entertainment District — These nightlife venues (including the famous DNA Lounge) mostly cater to non-LGBTQ folks.
Bars, restaurants and cafes — Azúcar Lounge, the Willows, and Cat Club are among the kinkier of the many other drinking and dining options available in Western SOMA. Other favorites: Decant, Driftwood, District Six, AK Subs, V Cafe, DNA Pizza, Rocco’s Cafe, Beyond Cafe, Bay of Burma, Vaulins Taproom, HK Lounge Bistro , the EndUp. the Nosh Box, Les Deux Amis Cafe, and Basil Canteen. For coffee, try Cafe Suspiro, Sextant, or Sightglass.
The Murals of the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District — Formal murals, casual street art, and even billboards help enliven the District. Check out our informative mural map.
The back streets and alleys of SOMA — The blocks between the big blocks are filled with interesting architecture and amazing history.
Resources for queer and kinky folks — Many important organizations – including social clubs, fetish organizations, and progressive institutions – call our neighborhood home. Get informed; get involved!
And much more. You might also check out the maps on our postcard or our (somewhat older) brochure, and explore on your own.
Have fun!