You've probably heard the name whispered in San Diego bars or seen it pop up as a cryptic "must-visit" suggestion on local subreddits. Honestly, most people think it’s a long-running urban legend or a weird inside joke. It isn't. Thad's San Diego CA USA is a very real, very beige house sitting right next to the I-15 freeway in the Mount Hope neighborhood.
But it’s not just a house. It’s a landmark of the Southern California "lifestyle" scene that has survived decades of legal battles, neighborhood protests, and changing social norms.
If you drive past 3517 E Street, you might notice the chain-link fence or the slightly weathered exterior. You’d never guess that inside lies a sprawling complex featuring a boxing-glove-shaped swimming pool once owned by a world-champion fighter. This isn't your typical nightclub. It’s a space where the rules of the "vanilla" world are left at the door, quite literally, along with most of your clothes.
The Boxing Legend and the "Sausage-Fest" Rumors
The history of the property is actually kind of wild. Before it was a sex club, it was the home of Archie Moore, the legendary light heavyweight boxing champion. Moore built the house in the early 1950s after facing housing discrimination in more "exclusive" San Diego neighborhoods like La Jolla. He famously built the pool in the shape of a boxing glove so people could see it from the freeway and know he had made it.
After Moore passed away, the property eventually ended up in the hands of Thad Poppell. Poppell was a retired butcher who had been running various "social clubs" since the 70s. He knew how to navigate the city's zoning laws like a pro. By the time he moved operations to E Street in the early 90s, he had basically grandfathered the club into existence, making it nearly impossible for the city to shut down.
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Kinda crazy, right? A historic home for a civil rights icon turned into a world-famous swingers' club.
One thing you'll hear constantly is that it's a total "sausage-fest." While the club has strict ratios and often requires men to be accompanied by a female partner, Saturday nights can still feel crowded. You’ll see a mix of everything: curious couples, single "playas," and regulars who have been coming since the Clinton administration.
What Actually Goes Down Inside Thad's San Diego CA USA?
Walking into Thad's is a bit of a surreal experience. First off, it’s BYOB. You bring your own drinks, your own towels, and definitely your own condoms. There is a locker room where everyone changes.
The dress code is pretty specific.
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- Men: Usually required to be fully nude (except for maybe a towel).
- Women: Lingerie, heels, or something "sexy." No street clothes allowed.
The layout is spread across the main house and a large pool house. There are "themed" rooms, a dance floor with poles, and more private areas upstairs. The upstairs is strictly for couples; single guys aren't allowed to loiter there.
There's a famous "glory hole" that gets mentioned in almost every review, though regulars say it doesn't see as much action as you'd think. The real social hub is the backyard fire pit and that boxing-glove pool. On a warm San Diego night, it basically feels like a very intense, very naked house party.
Is It Safe?
Safety is a huge topic for newcomers. The club employs security (you might meet "Mike," a frequent name in local reviews) who are notoriously strict. If a guy is being "pushy" or "tailgating" women without consent, they get tossed.
It’s a "consent-first" environment, even if it looks chaotic to an outsider. Most people are there to watch or "voyeur," and many couples spend the whole night just talking to people by the pool without ever actually doing anything "extra."
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Why It Still Matters in 2026
You’d think in the age of Feeld and Tinder, a physical club like Thad's San Diego CA USA would have gone the way of the dinosaur. But it persists. There's a certain level of anonymity you get in a place where phones are banned and everyone uses an alias.
The club has faced its share of drama. It was put up for sale a few years back for a cool $1.6 million, leading many to think it was closing for good. Yet, as of early 2026, it continues to operate under its unique "social club" status.
It's not the Ritz. Some reviewers call it "seedy" or "run-down," and honestly, it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for a high-end, "bougie" lifestyle resort, this isn't it. It’s gritty, it’s historic, and it’s unapologetically San Diego.
Things to Know Before You Go
If you're actually planning to check it out, don't just show up. You have to call for an "invitation" during specific hours (usually 4 PM to 8 PM, Wednesday through Saturday).
- Call ahead: 619-237-8849. Don't email; they won't answer.
- Bring your own everything: Towels, drinks, protection.
- Bring a date: If you're a single man, your chances of getting in on a busy night are slim to none without a female partner.
- ID is mandatory: You must be 21+. No exceptions.
Ultimately, Thad's is a piece of San Diego subculture that refuses to die. Whether you view it as a den of iniquity or a bastion of sexual freedom, it remains one of the most talked-about spots in the city.
Actionable Next Steps:
If you're curious but nervous, start by lurking in the r/sandiego or r/swingers subreddits to get the most recent "vibe check." The atmosphere changes depending on the night—Thursdays are typically "Ladies Night" and more BDSM-focused, while Saturdays are the main event. Always confirm the current cover charge and theme over the phone before making the drive to Mt. Hope.