Now, this is the place! Walked in, Jocelyn behind the bar, great music coming from the juke, and it's 10am! Haven't been to this bar for awhile but it's still a welcoming oasis on Polk St. Good vibes, fun conversations, and even a couple of pool tables to satisfy the "Hustler" in ya, so ahead and walk in through the swinging western style doors and Belly up to the bar boys (and gals) it's a nice ride at the Cinch! read more

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Wish there were more gay bars like the cinch in SF. Always feels very welcoming, the bartenders are personable, people are social. I live on opposite side of town but I try to come hang when I can. read more

Pretty fun using the bar app to play music AMI jukebox...billiards is fun $2 and trying pinball machines $1..as well as seeing the ephemera on the wall..the app has a list of different bars you may have not visited or heard of...it's different with the AMI jukebox app..Polk St...1970s. read more

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The Cinch is a good old school gay bar on Polk Street. Shotgun long bar with pool tables, and a jukebox. The bar has tons of history and kitsch... Bartenders were nice, as well as the patrons here. It's a place you can have a good drink and actually carry on a conversation. read more

The Cinch - Classic dive bar restroom... - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

You make me feel mighty real You make me feel mighty real Oh you make me feel mighty real You make me feel mighty real It's hard to envision nowadays, but Polk Street was the city's gay mecca back in the '70's. The Castro gradually took the title, and there's nothing left of the gay culture on Polk. Except this one bar which has miraculously survived and is now the city's second oldest gay bar (next to the glass coffin, Twin Peaks Tavern). I had not been in ages but stopped by to see if it changed. Nope, it looked pretty much the same. Still looked like a saloon decorated during the Watergate era with rainbow draperies slung over the ceiling. You still open the vintage fridge door to use the urinal trough. The back patio and pool tables were still here. Plenty of room at the long bar late in the afternoon as the regulars were all huddled close to the front door. No frozen drinks served here. This was no tiki bar. Never was. Not quite a dive though. Too much character and frankly too welcoming for that moniker. All cocktails were $10. Music to my ears. Also Tina Turner on the jukebox. She's simply the best. The Mai Tai was pretty good, too, not too tart (photo: https://bit.ly/44mWJjo). So was the Makers Mark & Ginger (photo: https://bit.ly/44o2rkS). For the good times DRINKS - 4...can't beat ten bucks, and their Mai Tai was pretty good AMBIANCE - 4 stars...vintage and kinda cliquish SERVICE - 3.5 stars...some bartenders were nicer than others TOTAL - 4 stars...needs to stick around to keep the Polk Street gay legacy alive RELATED - Exploring Nob Hill? Here's a collection of places I've visited reviewed: https://bit.ly/2IfTVOB read more

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What can I say.... So much. So much. I love this spot. From the gay bar in the front, to the Star Wars pool area, to the fairy bar in the back. I love this bar. read more

The Cinch - Natalie my bestie - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is the place to be after pride. Every other place is just a bit too packed in. As this was highly rated K bar, I visited in 2023 and had a great time. Drinks for $10. Noticed there is toilet paper above the bathroom just outside the entrance in case they run out and they will a couple times per night. There's a men's room that only has a urinal and then another room that is all genders. That has a normal toilet. The other side area is a refreshing zone although a little smoky from my personal preference. The bartenders were wicked busy being that it was a Post pride party, but they did manage to get a couple drinks in my face. Really enjoyed laughing and goofing off with them.. One gentleman had a Stonewall shirt that he got while he visited the village in New York, which is where that bar that was rated in 1969 actually resides . read more

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gay dive bar with 2 pool tables, secret star wars themed back area. worth checking out! no food, strong drinks read more

The Cinch - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I don't know what is wrong with this place. I used to be available to pay with credit card but now I'm forced to pay with cash , I asked the bartender why he never gave me a straight answer. I asked for a shot of tequila and I have to ask for lime and salt. What the fuck are you guys fucking doing? I am a professional mixologist, I will be more than happy to give you a training for free so you can be a professional bartending because you have no skills no manners is ABC or bartender, sweetie read more

Randy is so personaeble and lovely I'd go just for his stories and vibes. Drinks were good.

One of the oldest gay bars in SF so I had to check it out. The back of the bar is like entering a scene in Star Wars. The design was a lot like Oga's Cantina in Disneyland. The drinks were cheap and the vibe was chill. Meet some nice people. The issue for me was the smell and the bartenders not washing their hands. It strongly smells like urine in the back. I saw the bartender leaving the urinal multiple times without washing his hands and that's disgusting. read more

The Cinch - The Cinch. - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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A place where you get nothing for your money. Bartenders gaslight you into thinking the jukebox is on, meanwhile you paying money and nothing comes on because its cut off. You have to do a backfill to get a drink around here and they most likely don't have what you want. Pretty awful smell. Bathroom is beyond disgusting. Holes in the actual floor...can we say lawsuit waiting to happen. MUST be new management because its horrid. read more

Strongest Moscow Mule I've ever had. Cool vibe, just the right amount of people for a Saturday night, not too crowded or too empty at 8:30pm. Rated down a star cuz it sucks they only take cash right now. Otherwise 5 stars. read more

Happy to see this place is still going strong! Tuesday happy hour was pretty packed! Haven't been in, in a very long time. Used to come here all the time back when I lived in the neighborhood. Now that my office is only a 15 min walk away, I plan to come back much more often. The bartenders were super nice and attentive. Very respectable pour and prices. Diverse crowd. Love it! read more

Great bar, great service. Affordable prices and great ambiance. I enjoyed this bar a lot, we went on a Sunday and it was not busy at all but it was to be expected for a Sunday. read more

They are extremely and unnecessarily rude and aggressive when closing for the evening.

This is probably the worst bar in the history of San Francisco. One of the bartenders was extremely rude to us ( I understand it is a gay bar) and maybe women are not invited here but he wrongfully accused us of throwing up in the bar when NONE of us threw up in the bar or even got the chance to go the bathroom because it was flooded! I felt like it was wrong of the bar to accuse random people of throwing up in the bathroom when we didn't even get the chance to pee because it was broken. I will never be coming back here again unless it is a lawsuit and I can not stand this one particular bartender there. read more

Cute little tavern with a hometown feel! Didn't want to go to Castro today to find a watering hole so came here after a play this afternoon. Was in the mood for wine and their house wine for 5 bucks did not disappoint! Both bartenders I had were very friendly and so nice! Will definitely be back when I visit again. read more

Nice little gay men's-themed bar on Polk Street, reminiscent of when this part of Polk Street used to be the gay neighborhood before the Castro took over. The bartenders are friendly, but they're there to have a good time too. They can sometimes get so chatty with people they know that they forget to work the rest of the bar. There can be a long wait time, even if you're the only one waiting. Make note that this gay-themed bar is open to everyone, and straight women will typically outnumber men. My husband and I have sat at the bar often, only to look around and see nothing but straight couples around us. The Cinch is also known as the "Stinch." It often has an odor that one would describe as a dirty urinal. It can be overwhelming at times and unnoticeable at other times. Nonetheless, I'm at the Cinch frequently as I live in the area, and I'm glad to have a gay bar nearby. read more

Visiting from Portland. Have been to quite a few bars here. But this is by far the best bar to get some drinks and chill. Fun atmosphere and strong drinks. The bartender Eric was so nice. Will come back here for sure read more

Strong drinks, great music, pool table, and a really cute patio to smoke. Run, don't walk here the bartenders are also so sweet.

I met some friends at The Cinch one evening and had a great time! Quite divey with a lot of character, tons of quirky and highly expressive decor as well as a TV with rotating images clips of gay pornography. The drinks are strong! I would suggest keeping to simple cocktails or bottled/canned drinks. I enjoyed our evening here, The Cinch is a great place! PS - the bathroom is great for selfies. read more

I only recently discovered The Cinch this year, and omg, it's amazing. The decor, the vibes, the back patio, and the staff are all amazing. I went last night for my birthday with a group of friends, and the bartender who helped us, David, was unbelievably kind and thoughtful and made us all birthday shots. And then when we were leaving and I was thanking him, he told me how nice our group was and was just overall incredibly kind and welcoming. Trust me, my entire group could not have higher praise for this bar, we had such a great time and we'll definitely be back!! Thank you!! read more

Best place. Best guinness poor. Best lemon drops. :). Haven't had a bad time in 8 years read more

The Cinch - This place is great. Good locals, good strangers. Best Guinness pour on Polk! - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

People, drinks, pool, ambiance including very lovely backyard which closes earlier than the inside out of respect for the neighborhood

We stopped into this friendly spot after a long day of sight seeing and walking. The cute and friendly bartender served us immediately. We just stayed for a little bit but were able to observe their interaction with many customers - each of whom was treated with a big smile and lovely welcome. When I returned to my hotel I realized I forgot the postcards I had just written out / when I called the bar ? They offered to mail them for me across the street. Kindness matters ! I highly recommend the Cinch ! Thank you read more

Went there the other night with some friends I got into the bar and stood at the bar well waiting to order a drink, the filipino bartender walked over to the register not once acknowledging us after about 4 minutes he turned to us and said I'm trying to get out of here you'll have to go to the other side for help, would have like to known that like 4 minutes ago, so I go over to the other side stand there for a minute turn my head and the other bartender was helping someone else. I walked over and asked if my money wasn't good enough. He totally ignored me. He is rude and has the worst customer service. Me and my friends will never ever go back. read more

My boyfriend and I had a great time at this establishment and after we left I realized I had left my phone behind.. my bf offered to go back and grab it. While he was in the building finding my phone one of the bartenders (Pablo) grabbed his 'front and back'. I am all for a fun gay bar but that is going to far considering he knew that my bf and I are together and he was going back alone to grab my phone.. repulsive.... read more

Service and chat bar ambiance was perfect! The fun decor and excellent bartenders made my day three times!

Dropped in here randomly with a friend for a drink. The bartender was amazing. Made us an amazing Lemon drop martini and a French 75. Heavy pours here!!! Drink, sing with the music, play pool or make out with a stranger! It's a good time! read more

So I'm basing this review upon one visit on a Sunday night. I've walked by The Cinch many times, but never actually went in. I legit forgot there was even a gay bar in the neighborhood. Like most gays, I'm drawn to the queer/gay bars in the more southern parts of town. But I'm really glad my friend and I checked this spot out. We just had drinks at a nearby cocktail bar, but then we wanted to shake it up and go gay. (Okay, he's gay too so clearly that was gonna happen.) It wasn't very busy, but there were definitely patrons and I presume a handful of regulars based on how they occupied the space. They have pool tables, a dart board, and a patio out back. The music was eclectic -- in a very good way. There was Ariana playing and then suddenly, some Gloria Gaynor -- INTO IT. I ordered a couple rounds of gin and tonic for my friend and me -- and they were kinda stiff, but nicely made. No frills and allll good for me! The bartender was also super friendly and made a couple of jokes on our way out. It's clearly a neighborhood bar and I appreciate that. It's certainly a change from the usual. I honestly would go back here with a couple friends on a Tuesday just for the hell of it. In fact, I just might... hmm... read more

Only gay bar in the area. Do elsewhere unless you are stuck over here lol. They are nice guys and good bartenders, but they are just doing it for the hour and not for the profession. Get it in in the Castro baby read more

The Cinch - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Serving drinks with Mexican restaurant next door -- the Cinch is open for outside service with food order!

I absolutely love going to the cinch, friendly bartenders, stiff drinks, amazing ambiance, great vibes, Jordan is effing amazing Saturday and Sunday mornings. read more

Fun , love all the gays here. Great people and really cheap drinks.. always have a great time.

Cute little gay bar and pub. Very quiet the night I went - a Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I'm sure it's more fun on the weekends

Really fun dive bar with darts! Pretty standard gay bar cocktails but will absolutely be back for the overall ambiance. Originally from the NY gay scene where bars like this are all over the east village, I've found it challenging to find similar in SF, so I would highly recommend checking it out! read more

Color. Lots of color. Charm. Lots of charm. Free Miss PacMan. Joystick competition. Pool table. Outdoor Patio area. Popcorn. A tranny Sophia Loren/Jane Fonda-lookalike drink server. Japanese game-shows on TV. Uh. Genuis. Sassy, friendly bartender. Free shot. Big "bang for your buck" sorority-girl-sweet drinks. Madonna. Beyonce. Hipster Cute. Gruff Cute. Skinny cute. Thick cute. Smiles. Laughs. Sighs. My new Trax. read more

:-) I rolled into town... and my friends took me here? What happened to Polk Street? It's all straight and flashy instead of gay and trashy! I guess that's what happens when you move away.... :-( But yes, I VERY MUCH enjoyed myself at this bar.... and WHO KNEW it was this big?! (obviously a grower) ..... the bar goes WAAAAAAY back to two pool tables and video games at the far end.. I'll bet on a nice night, the back patio is open too! Drinks are well done here, and you can get your groove on judging by the music playing... EVERYONE welcome, ladies AND gentlemen of all orientations.. (but sssshhhh, lets not let the B&T crowd find out) I highly recommend.. A good time was had by all... And on my particular night (Friday Night) we got to see locals enter a strip contest, hosted by one of the cities drag queens.... I'd buy more drinks just to give "JOAQUIN" more tickets.... he did a special dance just for me. *blushes* I took pictures.... (okay.. I was a little drunk.) Good drinks, FRIENDLY bar, entertainment abounds, attitude checked at the door... I had FUUUUUUUUUUUUHN! And so will YOU! 5 woofs... woo hooo "OH Joaquin!" read more

The Cinch - this after 1 White Russian. - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Here during the World Cup for the USA game. Lines out the door at every neighborhood (straight) bar. We asked to turn the sound on for the TV playing the game--which everyone in the bar was watching. (We also asked everyone in the area if they were supportive of sound. Unanimous.) Response? "We're not doing that unless it's the Super Bowl or the World Series. There's always 2 ppl who don't like it. We need the jukebox revenue." Truly pathetic! Jukebox makes $20/hr (their number)--we'd have been happy to pay that for some sound. This bar must be benefitting from some grandfather effect with licensing. Won't come back here. Also, we ordered food from a menu of the Jewish deli that shares common ownership--they keep it behind the bar. When we tried to place an order: "This is a bar. Not a restaurant." Bottom line: I have been in SF's 30+ different gay bars. This is hands down the bitchiest shithole of them all. I'm shocked it's open. NEXT! read more

The Cinch - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California