For the first time in this column, I am going to delve into something I’ve not yet written about. Some may say it’s “taboo,” because there’s a stigma attached to the type of club I’m going to write about. This veers a bit from the bar and club scene I typically write about, but it’s just as relevant because after 2 a.m. on a Saturday night out, I see a whole lot of you stumbling into Club San Diego.

So, there it is. This week’s topic: the bathhouse. First, let me say I am not a bathhouse regular. In fact, I had never even been to a bathhouse until recently. My good friend (somehow) talked me into it. He offered to pay the $22 cover charge, and after some serious coaxing, I was sold. I’ve said for years, “I have never been to a bathhouse and I will never go to one” – so much for that!

I parked in the CVS parking lot across the street. I figured if my car was spotted, someone would assume I was picking up some late-night sundries. We stood on Fourth Avenue across the street from the bathhouse, which we affectionately termed the “BH” as code. It was 2 a.m. and the streets were fairly empty, but I waited until there wasn’t a single car traveling down Fourth Avenue. I didn’t want to be seen going into this dark, scary world.

We started the night with drinks at Martinis Above Fourth, and from the patio, the front door of Club San Diego beckons. As we watched men discreetly go in and out, my friend mentioned we should go in. He had been twice before and told me how exciting it was. I couldn’t even fathom the idea, so we moved on to Rich’s for Voltage. He talked about Club San Diego throughout the night, and somehow we ended up back in that CVS parking lot on Fourth Avenue at 2 a.m.

We ran across the street, I held my hand up against the side of my face so “I wouldn’t be seen” and walked in the door. We paid our $22, were given a fresh towel (although I’m sure that towel has seen plenty), a key to a locker and a condom. We found our lockers, got naked and into our white towels. And then I had a revelation.

Club San Diego is another late-night hot spot. With a lack of after-hours clubs in town, the bathhouse is certainly an alternative to getting fat eating carne asada fries at La Fuente. We recognized so many faces that had been at Rich’s just an hour earlier. I suppose all those who didn’t pick someone up at the club go to Club San Diego to see what they can get … and it’s not difficult to pick someone up at the BH. Other guys I talked to said they usually walk over to the BH from surrounding night clubs to sober up before they drive home. I’m sure they are able to sober up in more ways than one!

For those who haven’t ever been to Club San Diego, it’s really not as bad as it’s made out to be. The techno music blares as men cruise around the club. Older men follow young twinks around, and the crack-heads are out in full force. It’s really not much different than a night club, except the men are all wearing towels. There is a comfortable lounge where you can grab a snack, or sit on a couch and watch late-night TV. There is a maze of private rooms (with men laying on their beds ass up), a Jacuzzi, a shower room, dry sauna, steam room (where I couldn’t breathe and started choking – quite embarrassing), and there’s also an upstairs! There are a number of televisions, black lights, couches, and of course, plenty of sex. The decor is 1994-chic, and the crowd ranges from hot to not.

To Club San Diego’s credit, everyone was very friendly and people were not aggressive and respected our boundaries (our boundaries: basically no one touches us). While I certainly haven’t decided if I will go back, I just wanted to share with you another option for after hours. There’s always Brian’s Eatery, La Fuente, house parties, a hook-up, or Club San Diego. Just give it a chance!

Of course, when it comes to sex, make sure it is safe. Don’t be stupid – use a condom!

October is here and all sorts of exciting events are coming up, including the ultimate gay holiday: Halloween! Stay tuned for all of the upcoming fun!