I live in the SF Bay Area. I've been to Steamworks in Berkeley a number of times. The environment is pure sex and it gets the job done, but I would never expect to find a love connection there. From my encounters, the Steamworks experience can get a little raw. In particular, the dark areas in the back (maze, etc) are a haven for unsafe behavior. For instance, I've witnessed a bottom guy bent over a bench accepting all loads - completely unaware and unconcerned about who will be topping him next. Management ensures that the place is clean and that condoms are plentiful, but the behavior of individuals is not-so-easily governed. Because of things like that, I'm always nervous about visiting Steamworks and the concern about diseases is never far from my thoughts while I'm there. Steamworks recently completed a year-long renovation, so everything is nice and new.
Berkeley - Steamworks Baths
By contrast, just down the road in San Jose is the Watergarden bath house. The environment is lighter than Steamworks (literally, lots of windows). The Watergarden actually feels like visiting a spa. There is a nice outdoor pool, hot tub, and sun deck. There is still plenty of naked fun to be had, but the approach is not so raw and animalistic as Steamworks (whether you consider that better or worse is perhaps personal taste). Sex is prohibited in most of the public areas like the TV lounge, hot tub, and pool. You'll encounter sucking in the steam room and porno lounge, but most fucking happens behind close doors in private rooms. I have had some really great encounters there, and a couple have turned into connections outside the bath house. In some ways, I wish I didn't like the Watergarden environment so much (so I wouldn't be tempted to visit as often).
Gay and Bisexual Men’s Club & Baths » The WaterGarden
There are also a couple of places in San Franscisco (Eros, 442) but these are more of sex clubs than bathhouse. Eros is run down and dirty. 442 is open only a few nights during the week. It seems strange that a gay Mecca like San Francisco doesn't have a decent bathhouse, but that is due to city laws dating back to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Bath house clientele can be hit-or-miss. Be prepared for plenty of older gents (especially on weekdays). Weekend nights attract a distinctly different (and younger) crowd - especially after the bars and clubs close. Regardless of the day/time, a few desirable guys can be found and I'm always flattered when my big dick attracts their attention (it doesn't always happen, but complete strikeouts are rare for me). Guys are generally respectful if you say 'no', but expect to be watched and even groped when having sex in open areas like a steam room. If you find that objectionable, then take it to a private room.
I think the SF Bay Area is lucky to have two high-quality bathhouses. The few bathhouses I have visited in other cities were dirty, run-down, deserted, and just plain creepy - never tempted to return. Your experience may vary.
