A Taste of Leather – San Francisco (1972–1990s) Opening in 1972, A Taste of Leather was more than a shop—it was a cornerstone of San Francisco’s leather scene. Located in the South of Market neighborhood, it outfitted generations of men in harnesses, chaps, and gear that became symbols of both sexuality and identity. Known for its handcrafted quality and unapologetic style, the store thrived through the height of SOMA’s leather era before closing in the 1990s.