Now Open: Penthouse Club and Steakhouse

With all the pomp and circumstance that would be expected, Penthouse has opened the doors to its latest venture, the Penthouse Club and Steakhouse in North Beach.

Replacing Showgirls on Broadway, the club is a first of its kind in San Francisco, offering adult entertainment and a first class, four star meal at the same time.

The space is very modern and beautifully designed following a multi-million dollar renovation. There are two stories: the first floor is where the main stage sits (two-story stripper pole included) and has seating in the area surrounding the stage. There is also an open kitchen with counter seating. This is where eventually, Chef Michael Ellis hopes to do a unique tasting menu. There is another platform for dancers in front of the bar area and a separate “lap dance spot.”

The upstairs is for diners who make reservations. It is a bit more private with curtained tables (although the curtains are rather sheer) set away from the main action. There is also a second bar area upstairs and a plexiglass “stage” or dance area where those sitting on the first level can see “a unique angle” of the action above them.

Chef Ellis is using mainly local producers and farms for his meats and produce and his menu has a bevy of options, mainly American fare. He definitely has the chops to make it in San Francisco and in such a unique setting as he is in.

Even after talking to the Penthouse team before the opening, I remained a bit skeptical about the viability of combining adult entertainment with a first class meal. But after seeing the restaurant and club firsthand, it really is what they described: two entities that are melded together to offer a first class experience for each and every visitor.

The Penthouse Club and Steakhouse is located 412 Broadway Avenue.  Club hours are seven days a week from 11:30 am-2 am Mon-Fri, 5:00 pm-2 am Sat & Sun.  Lunch hours Mon-Fri from 11:30-2:00, dinner hours daily from 5:00 pm-Midnight.