Hey what's up with YELP taking down my partner's review unless he's logged in, in which case it shows up--for him only?!? His words stand for mine. There are accusation, now widely published, that Yelp is taking down negative reviews, part of the service that merchants get for "supporting Yelp". If you don't see a review by Bob M., it's because Yelp has taken it down. My partner and I went to Bears Baths & Beyond, admittedly late, at midnight. We didn't find many bears, but the bears that were ambling around seemed to get in the way of some very impatient "speedy" lean machines trying to get around them. The vibe was a bit weird in that way, but oh well. The porn in the rooms left something to be desired--no bears/chubs, but some really gross vagina close-ups of women getting gang banged on one of the channels. Gynecological displays aside, our room had not been cleaned, but we were immediately assigned a different one when we brought this to the attention of the swamped front desk. Our locker under the bed was jammed so we couldn't completely lock our valuables, no matter how much we jiggled it, which is fine, because all we'd brought that was valuable were poppers, and my lover was greedily hogging those anyway. :-/ Later on in the evening some staff members erupted into a very loud argument, in Spanish, screaming at each other down the hallways. It was quite funny actually. Ahh staff drama, happens everywhere... I guess. One of the water fountains just dribbled out water, so people had to line up for the one that worked. A couple of the soap dispensers were empty and never filled the whole time we were there. There was so much chlorine in the hot tub that my eyes burned. The porn on the big public display over the hot tub area had nothing to do with the main theme of the evening--Bears. Guess skinny boys getting spanked is in the "beyond" category. The steamroom stunk of a fetid odor each time I tried it, over the three hours we were there, which is a shame because I really like relaxing in the heat. The temp was often tepid until someone would go out and return to splash cold water on the sensor to get the steam billowing. If the YMCA I go to in downtown Berkeley can keep their steamroom super clean and steamy, then I'd assume the Steamworks could hose theirs down a bit more often and adjust the tech. Hell, clean it every couple of hours if needed. That was really disappointing to me. But hey... we got laid! In the back, a hot three way, our feet sticking to something which was probably someone else's cum. My partner's a little piggy, so that kind of turned him on. And then, we got laid again, separately. So all in all, two stars, because we go our rocks off, but the service leaves something to be desired. You put enough gay men together in a closed environment and they're bound to get off. read more

First time at a men's so-called bathhouse. Was there on a recent Thu. and Fri. night between 9:00 and 11:30. Wearing sandals is a *very* good idea. The Thu. night lights out thing makes the place especially dark and a bit disorienting and a little unsafe at times. There was a line out onto the sidewalk to get in Fri. night. Steamworks generally lacks spots to sit and people watch. You can do it from the small pool but you're in 106 degree water the whole time and that is hot to stay in too long. If in the pool and facing the walkway, there's a large screen overhead showing explicit gay porn. There's a TV area in front to cool off in but it is right next to the entrance so kind of cold and uninviting. On the Fri. visit, there were a lot of guys there and the demographics were: About 50% Asian. About 25% White guys in their mid-60s or older. About 25% White guys in their 50s or under. The first two really aren't my cup of tea so strike out on that. Also, I was stalked by a guy who just wouldn't take a hint that I wasn't interested. Some people just won't take "No." for an answer and that helped to make my visit relatively brief. The back area is divided into two parts: On the left, a collection of very narrow passageways with stalls for two (they're tiny), two benches for guys to get it on, and a raised area for oral. It was consistently a weird and fairly smelly area with not that much going on. On the right is a raised area for oral. Fairly wide open and used less than the other side. I'm puzzled: Do people get rooms so that they can invite others in for fun? Is that what this place is really about? I'm guessing because some people just seemed to disappear. On the other hand, I cannot imagine getting a room because the blaring music and relentless beat (same thing over and over and over and over) would be like having a room next to a demolition site. Overall, I was underwhelmed. People generally seemed unfriendly. If you stay long enough and depending on what time of night you're there, you'll eventually probably come across people having sex. Unfortunately, I found many of the patrons to be overweight, generally unattractive, not my type, or unfriendly, or stalker types. Also, I'm not really into getting it on with guys who I can barely see. It seems like this place is really just for anonymous action for those who don't care who they are doing it with. So, thumbs down. I did give it two tries and blew $46 over two nights. One upside: Andre at the front desk. I dealt with him both nights and he was nice and professional...I appreciated that. read more

Alright somebody has got to admit to having been here in the middle of the night (or a Sunday afternoon for that matter), in or out of an act of desperation. Where I am from it is not a big taboo to go to a men's sauna or sex club, or at least in some countries. One might even go with his boyfriend and enjoy a yank or two. But Steamworks I believe is the only such place in the East Bay and it does tend to draw about 40% cumbucket, 40% trollie, and 20% young dumb horny twats like me and whoever else wanders over from the university. There was one time I went where 15 or so boys cornered each other in a downright cuddle orgy (but of more gruesome nature) all centered around this one lad I swear I have seen in a video somewhere. I got lost in the mix and I had to swat away plenty a hand from my bum but others I placed them on. But other times one feels like a right zombie dragging oneself on the walk of death past the open rooms of bums in the air or slings and greasy members and one must assume the right pose or have the door slammed. There is a maze in the back in a honeycomb structure and one without lights but plenty of holes at lip level. Of course there are plenty of chaps cruising about the railtracks outside, weather depending. And one can sit in the wet sauna or hot tub for a while before retreating to one's private room with an assortment of adult channels at the fingertip. For a hefty sum, one may even rent the large room with the sling, and there is a chalkboard for notes and enticements in the restroom. Perhaps I one day will become jaded and bitter and no longer feel completely depressed that my current lack of a bedmate would bring me to such a place, but then I can also chalk it up to curiosity or the spirit of seeking a shag or two, or three, a tiny echo of the sexual revolution of the '60s and '70s. I don't want to slag anyone who is keen on visiting, but be warned that you might want to examine your head before and after the visit, maybe bring a friend and write a journal entry or two. Piece of advice: do bring footwear that will go with your overall look whilst naked -- you don't want to slip or catch a fungus through your calloused heels. read more

Not a fan!!!! This place is Terrible! The employees are extremely rude. I don't think they realize who pays their wages. They do check your bag as you enter which is fine, but the employees could be a little nicer about it. They say they have a "pool", when they do not it is a hot tub (lie). Do not let them put you in this area of the building unless you want people hovering around outside your room and leaning on your door. The standard video rooms are very small and the TVs in the room have no sound. The entire building smells of feces. The flier left on the bed says that the club has been cleaned to the highest standards (lie). If you are a smoker it is not allowed in the club and they DO NOT have an outdoors area. You are allowed to get dressed in your street clothing and go outdoors 1 time for 15 minutes during your stay. They do not mention anything about the no smoking rule on their website. The first bathhouse that I have ever been to that does not have paper towels in the restrooms (gross). Parking is a mess as there really isn't any and if you do find a spot it is on the street. The club is located in an scary neighborhood so either way parking is a disaster. I am one for giving good feedback where I felt it is needed and bad feedback when I feel others need warned. I would avoid this bathhouse at all costs. Even the crowd was mostly disgusting older men with bad body odor. I was at the Watergarden in San Jose last night and it was fabulous. The rooms were great with ample porn, large flat screen TVs in each room, super soft towels and immaculate facilities. The crowd was much better too for being a weeknight. I highly recommend driving to San Jose and avoiding The Steamworks. read more

Steamworks Berkley is very filthy. Its unhygienic conditions persist there. Despite occasional cleaning efforts by staff members, the actions that take place at the premises render them futile, and the overall state of cleanliness remains unsatisfactory. Regrettably, this business is known to be a breeding ground for sexually transmitted infections, with the potential for HIV transmission even for those who take preventive medication. Additionally, the facility appears to be frequented by homeless individuals who are permitted to stay on-site and engage in inappropriate activities. Furthermore, staff members tend to behave intrusively, and personal data may be shared with unauthorized parties, including local law enforcement and third-party vendors. The current manager, who goes by the nickname "Zose," is inaccessible, and his contact information is unresponsive. Moreover, the owner's responses to reviews on Google suggest that there is a consistent issue of uncleanliness and associated health risks. I have observed members may have their access denied by a clerk without any explanation provided. Instead, the clerk would state that there is an issue with the membership and offer a card with the manager's name and contact information. However, attempts to contact the manager via phone or email have been unsuccessful. This has led me to question the legitimacy of the establishment's practices and raises concerns about potential fraudulent activity. I have also witnessed similar occurrences happening to multiple individuals during my visits. read more

It is evident that there is a discriminatory issue at hand at Steamworks Baths Berkeley. It appears that the official Doing Business As (DBA) name of the establishment is registered as Great Works, Inc according to the California registry. Notably, there is no business recorded under the name "Steamworks Baths Berkeley" in California. However, there is an LLC named "Steamworks LLC" that seems to be affiliated. Given the questionable nature of their business practices, it is not surprising that the owner may seek to conceal their identity. As a 22-year-old black individual, I attempted to take advantage of the free locker offer on a Tuesday night, but was refused despite providing my driving license as identification. The establishment cited the need for a local driving license, despite the fact that I was in Oregon, not California. Consequently, I was compelled to pay full price to enter. Regrettably, my experience was far from satisfactory. Within four days of visiting the establishment, I tested positive for Chlamydia (one bad STD). Although I have initiated the prescribed treatment course, my physician has advised me that I may continue to test positive for the rest of my life. This has had a significant impact on my life, and I am deeply regretful for having visited Steamworks Berkley. Now my life changed forever. read more

Steamworks is a welcome option in this era of Grindr hook-ups that generally leave a lot to be desired...frankly I'd rather take my chances walking around here than going through the trouble of responding to someones less-than-honest pic on a smartphone app...and I have several times ;) At this place it's definitely WYSIWYG--everyone's walking around with just a towel wrapped around their waist! What I like most about Steamworks is you can regulate your level of "involvement"--there's a back area (similar to a Blow Buddies environment) where things can get, let's say, very "touchy-feely"and intense, and the front area with private rooms--(the place is huge)--where you can cruise guys who are more conservative. Also, if you don't see someone immediately you can relax in the jacuzzi or steam room--both very clean--and then pursue your interests if you see someone you like later. I've been to Blow Buddies and the sex there is more raw and direct; here the experience is generally much more relaxed, if you choose. Steamworks definitely has more of a "club" feel. Ultimately I'm glad Steamworks exists; it presents an alternative to the Grindr game or the bar scene, and I consider it one of the perks of living in the progressive culture of the Bay Area. read more

There isn't enough reviews on here so I'm going to share my experience. First off, the location is a bit sketchy to me but when I saw a few dudes coming in and out It it eased my tension and I headed in. The guy working(black fella) was rather nice and helpful, even attractive I must say. He set me up with a locker, even gave me 2 towels and in I went. The steam room was nice, clean, and working perfectly. There was even an attractive young twink who was mighty hung :p! The hot tub was available most of the time to just hang around and watch some porn in. The rooms they have available to people are rather small but it gets the job done. Some men hang out their room looking for their type, other just pleasure themselves with their door open. The gym is small but all the equipment you need is in there so no worries about that. There are also some glory holes and such in the very back for those who are interested. If you're looking for fun, a workout, just to walk around nude or to talk with some guys.....this is the right place. I went for fun and left very satisfied for my experience. Just wished I had gone on Friday, sat or Sunday night and not on a Tuesday night from 2-4:30am cause I'm sure there would have been WAY more guys. read more

Regrettably, my visit to Steamworks Berkley was a singular and deeply unfortunate experience. To my dismay, I contracted a sexually transmitted disease during my visit. I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of foolishness for putting myself in such a vulnerable position. The cleanliness of the establishment left much to be desired, and it was evident that many of the patrons were regular visitors. The atmosphere was undeniably addictive, but little did I know that the risk of contracting an STD on my very first visit was an astonishing 100%. It is disheartening to realize that the employees and owner of this establishment seemingly operate it akin to a drug cartel, disregarding the well-being of their patrons. In my naivety, I had paid for a six-month membership, but I can unequivocally say that I will never set foot in such a repulsive place again. What was once a genuine desire to explore and experience something new has now transformed into an eternal regret. The consequences of that one ill-fated visit will haunt me for the rest of my days. read more

Fantastic -- this is probably the best bathhouse in the United States. I've been going there since they began in 1977. It's always clean and safe. Throughout the day they are constantly cleaning everywhere and everything, and that's great because that is why it is always so clean. On the weekends, they have some really friendly volunteers from the City of Berkeley's Health Department there to answer questions, give recommendations on safe sex, and provide free health tests -- they really care about your health. There's a schedule of events and times to come for whatever you might be interested in. Their staff are very friendly and also very caring. Once, when I was there, I wasn't feeing good (something I eat earlier before I arrived) and I told staff. They told me to rest and that they would come periodically to see how I was doing, and if they can help in anyway. And they did. I got better an hour later, and I was grateful that they cared that much for me. If you are looking for the best, then please go there. read more

I used to go to the steamworks years ago when there were a lot of black guy like myself and not many run after white men. Now the black who go there think white is god; gift and the white walk around as if the are waiting on the black guys to approach them just for the opportunity to turn them down. I am one of the not so many black guys who have lots of self esteem and self love for my brothers, who do not seem to have love for me. Some of the white try to sneak mourned and hit on me but I am not interested. They just do not have anything on the sexiness of a black guy who knows who he is and that is not many. I was visiting back East and did not have any problems meeting sexy, hot black guys. The Bay area is pathetic when it comes to gay blacks who are not just a slave to the white man; fetish. Shame . I do have a few white friends so this is not a racist thing just an observation. Even the old ugly white men thing black men should be falling all over themselves to get with them. LOL, LOL, read more

Listen up, folks! Steamworks is the ultimate fantasyland where you can go and do everything your heart desires! It's so addictive, you'll lose track of time and space. But let's be real, this place is for the studly studs out there. If you're not careful, you might leave with a couple of unwanted souvenirs - like STDs! Yikes! And the management? They don't give a flying fig about your health or well-being. They just want you to keep coming back for more, like a bunch of junkies. They'll treat you with the same care and attention as they would a piece of gum on the bottom of their shoe. If you keep going to Steamworks, you might as well call yourself an addict. And if you're under 25 and show up on Free Tuesday, well, you might as well be saying, "Hello, STDs, come and get me!" I've been there a couple of times, and let me tell you, it's like being sucked into a black hole of addiction. It's like a drug cartel, but instead of cocaine, it's filled with...well, use your imagination. read more

The worst experience ever..... (Had to give 1 star as giving no star was not in the option) because they don't deserve any star at all. i was there for the first time on Jan 1st 2019 to try this place...the front staff are so RUDE...they think they are immigration or police officers... pointing and commanding to you to go outside the door or come inside the door while they process your ID... Management need to tell their stuff how to serve costumers.... if they can't...than don't do reception job.. Simple...the place was stinking...all over.. Steam and dry sauna was dirty...Spa...was smelling of chlorine....what to enjoy.??? I recommend never to visit this place...no wonder people from SF come to Water-garden in SJ... I read reviews of this place before...which was not good and my experience was same.... Go elsewhere and not waste your time and money on this place... PATHETIC STAFF ATTITUDE AND DIRTY PLACE... read more

Updating my previous post, but I am NOT taking back anything I said before. This is only to say that STEAMWORKS IS OPEN! They require you to bring proof of vaccination the first time you come back (either your card, or an image of it on your cell phone). After that, you're good. Also, PRAISE THE LORD! THEY SEEM TO HAVE LOST ALL OF THEIR PREVIOUS EMPLOYEES! I assume they've all gotten jobs at AT&T Customer Service, where their surly and rude personalities will be tolerated? Now, we wait. As I said before, new employees are usually chipper, nice, and professional. But, after a few months, they all (ALL!) turn into jerks. Of course, now that they're starting from scratch, maybe that will change? Perhaps the pickle barrel won't sour our sweet little cucumbers this time? We'll see! read more

theres a very rude tall white boy that works the front desk he should be fired or just work the bathrooms he shouldnt be allowed to talk to paying customers he rolls his eyes, never smiles, and says sarcastic comments when you just ask a simple question like"may i please have a locker in the back wall"his reply.. any other special request for you princess as he mugs me... sir i dont need to explain anything to u i even tipped u even tho u always give attitude and i see u rolling your eyes.. i always look forward to coming here but if i have to deal with this rude white boy at the front desk every-time it makes me not want to come anymore. i wish i knew his name bc not everyone that works the front desk is rude just him! do better steamworks! white privileged at its best!! read more

I have visited the location on multiple occasions and found the experience to be highly compelling. The allure of the environment is strong and can be difficult to resist. With repeated exposure, one can easily become addicted to the experience. Regrettably, I contracted a sexually transmitted infection during my initial visit despite practicing safe sex. It is my belief that many individuals who have visited this location have also acquired one or more STDs, with some cases even resulting in HIV transmission. I witnessed an individual who appeared to be under the influence of drugs participating in activities with others, which was concerning. This should be shut down and not be allowed as "Health Club"!! It is the opposite of health. I stopped going. read more

In a word, and the only reason I ever came to this depressing hole: desperation. And rest assured you will find the many and varied manifestations of the word embodied in the regular trolls that frequent this smelly, dank den of zombies. Granted, you will find the occasional hottie, but he will likely be run off by the cast of creeps walking around like extras from Night of the Living Dead. If you go there, expect to be greeted by at least a few tragically addicted boys with, "do you party?" For despite a so-called zero tolerance for drugs, meth is the drug of choice at Steamworks as it is in the gay community at large. My humble advice? Save your money & your soul--find a nice boyfriend or fuck buddy. read more

OK I have been around the block and the world too but I can tell you what a f*cking fantastic time I had at Steamworks Lights Off or Out party last night. I have been to bathhouses in almost every country that has bathhouses but this place is the cream of the crop. The place was jumping with very hot and eager men and I could not get enough (neither could they!). The music was great and the place was clean and had a very upbeat feeling. Incredible play areas and my large room was completely pimped out for whatever I wanted to do. Kudos to this club and what they provide for men who are looking for real men without the trappings of a bar and booze scene. read more

I have been a regular at the Berkeley Steamworks for years and am shocked at the near total darkness the new manager has mandated! They used to have one day a week advertised as Lights Out - and now it is every day. Why? Darkness prevents exhibitionism, voyeurism, and simple evaluation of a partner's condition. The club is markedly less sexy and downright dangerous if there should ever be an emergency requiring orderly exit! And in the time of health crisis - coronavirus and std's - who wants to stumble around in the dark having sex with mystery men? Adjust the lights to create a mood and flatter the patrons; don't turn them out! read more