You might say that the famous Steamworks franchise was born and bred in Berkeley, California! Because it’s true! Rick Stokes and his partner founded the legendary Bay Area bathhouse in 1976. Stokes, married to a woman and the father of a couple of children, was an openly bisexual man (though his kids didn’t find this out until after he died!) who was a smart-as-a-whip attorney and businessman. His goal: to create a comfortable, safe place where men could gather and fuck (and fuck and FUCK).
Stokes built the Steamworks brand into a mini-empire of sex clubs in such cities as Chicago, Seattle, Vancouver, Sacramento (now gone) and Toronto. But what makes Rick Stokes and Steamworks such a legend is Stokes advocacy for the rights and men to have sex with each other and not be prosecuted for it. Every time Stokes defended men against charges of “indecency” (public/tea room sex) he WON.
I could go on and on about Rick Stokes and his legacy of activism, so maybe I’ll leave that for a future “Founding Fathers” entry! Let’s get you into the Berkeley Steamworks!
Not only is Steamworks Berkeley a sex club, the joint boasts a fully-equipped gym where you can build your muscle and sweat (mmmm, sweat). I’ve heard some guys say that they go there “just to work out…” Suuuure, buddy! Once your muscles are tight and sore, you can hit the steam room or huge hot tub to loosen them up again.
Just so you now, the Berkely Steamworks is a big favorite of TIM models and staff alike. The guy who packs your orders? He and his hub frequent the club.
(And pssst…our newest director Monty likes to go to Steamworks on Saturday nights, where he picks up random hunks to fuck him senseless!)
This iconic fixture in the Fourth Street neighborhood of one of America’s most beautiful cities is more than a place to suck cock, get your ass eaten, or breed a rando. Steamworks has always been a haven for men – gay, bi, str8-acting, trans – where then congregate, let louse and relax. Lots of guys chill in the public lounges that feature big couches and huge TVs (showing TIM porn, of course!), and the snack bar is the place for you to re-energize.
In Steamworks team’s own words: “It’s a place where you can find respite from the outside world and embrace your sexuality without fear. Even for men who don’t identify as gay or queer, Steamworks is a no judgment zone or exploration as welcome and new identities can be formed.”
This place has something for everyone. (Why do I suddenly feel like Bill Hader of SNL?) Whether you’re into bears or twinks, dom daddies, bookworms or gymrats, the crew has designed monthly events that will flip your switch.
The next time you enter the world of Steamworks in Berkeley, tell ’em Rowan of Treasure Island Media sent you.
Steamworks is located at 2107 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. The club is ALWAYS OPEN.
