The first thing i thought when i walked into the Cinch was.... WHERE IS THE BATHROOM. I had to pee so bad that i had to cork my pee hole to prevent leakage. TMI?? I get to the bathroom area and there are 2 doors. Which do I take? The normal door that looks like it goes to a closet or the refridgerator door that looks like some janky ass storage room. I prefered the tame safe bathroom, so i try to open the door. LOCKED. Oh well the refridgerator door it is. I walk in and i see a trough, slanted mirrors, and a sink. What if i had to take a crap?? Well, I'd have to wait for the tame door to open but i had to pee so this would have to do. While doing my business i took a look in the slanted mirrors and realized... you have no where to hide your junk... its a free for all in there. Luckily, no one was in there while i peed. I can't let people take free glimpses. People have to pay for that. The bar is large and relatively clean. The bartender as blah as he looked, knew how to make a stiff jack n coke. Clever bartender! After a few jack n cokes, he goes from a blah to an alright i can work with that. Actually no, he was still blah. They have pretty good music, pool tables, an outside area which i never ventured to, and video games specially there to entertain the asians. Sadly, i'm not the typical asian so i didn't indulge in the video games but i was somewhat tempted. Good Times! read more

Hey all you drunk bachelorettes, this place is NOT for you. If you are straight and looking for another place to sex-in-the-city-ify another bar, please realize, this is a GAY bar. If you are going to be offended by this like the Stephanie T's of the world, you have hundreds of bars you can go to in this city. Across the street and down the block. We don't need your "slumming-it" dollar! It is not cute, and you are not welcome. This bar is amazing. Tonight I signed up with yelp to make it clear how amazing it is. Tonight, there was a march in response to what has been happening on Polk Street in reaction to how marginalized gays have become here... one of the streets that is one of the origins of the gay rights movements. The Cinch is the last bar on Polk Street that welcomes gay people. After the show, I was standing near the bar, and there was a tussle coming from the back of the bar. I looked, and the hostess of the bar, Anna Conda was being knocked down by some angry drunk straight girl, and while I was trying to figure out what happened, I saw this girl pull the DJ down too. Now the point of a bar is the selling of alcohol... I understand that. But when a straight white girl comes in with the intention of getting so drunk that she attacks not only the regular clientele, but also the hostess and the DJ, something is wrong. I told these people they had to leave--clearly they were too drunk to decide for themselves--and they kept fighting back. Eventually they had attacked the hostess, the DJ, regular patrons, and then they came at the manager of the bar. I poured my beer on the boyfriend's head, hoping he would calm his woman down who at this point was throwing her fists in all directions. He did, and took her out of the bar. Unfortunately, they came back, and he tried to attack another drag queen. Another friend of mine was choked by the guy, and then he tried to attack another queen as he came back in. They finally left, but only after so many people were jostled and upset. Why were they trying to spoil so many people's good time? They were lucky we did not call the police. read more

Maybe my ego is so fragile that being chatted up by decrepit old men does make me feel special. It sure beats the eye rolls one often encounters when walking into other gay bars around town. The vibe here is really chill. There's a lot of old winos sitting at the bar, and every once in a while one of them has something interesting to say. If you're gonna chat one of them up, the trick is to make your get away before they request a hug. It's the hug you gotta watch out for because it always leads to a weird back rub. By the time they start rubbing your back, you are already locked in their embrace, and then you have to make scene in order to get away. So my best advice for drinking in this bar is to drink to the point that the wino sitting next to you becomes somewhat interesting and also to avoid letting creeping old men give you hugs. Yes. This review IS based on one specific incident. read more

Nice bar, okay drinks, decent crowd...but the old gray fat bartender was the rudest most inappropriate I have ever encountered - I will never go back nor will I ever recommend anyone endure that kind of treatment when there are so many other decent places to drink in the city. read more

Such a cute place, wasn't able to get drink because some group members left their ids however the ambiance and set up was very nice, will be returning read more

Great dive bar on Polk St, which was the original San Francisco gay district before Castro took over. Stiff drinks and laid back attitude. Gay erotica on the walls, a pool table, and patrons that actually aren't afraid to start a conversation - rather than just staring at Grindr on their phones. I'd come back. read more

if you're still up and need a drink at 6am... the Cinch is just that... pool tables, outdoor garden for smoking and a stiff drink... if i've seen you here, you're in big trouble and I LIKE YOU, A LOT!! read more

the big foot lounge was full as usual, so we ended up trying out the random bar that we found across the street. it wasn't till all of us were inside and waiting for our drinks that we realized that it was a gay bar. oh well, no big deal right? so we get our beverages and take a look around while we drink them. it was only then that we noticed the painting. there's a painting up on the wall of... a lion having sex with a man. yes, you heard that right... there is a painting of a man laying down w/ a lion mounting him doggystyle (lionstyle?). now, anything that two men (or lions) do together in the privacy of their own home is fine by me, but i gotta say that a painting featuring cross-species intercourse is pretty bizarre. (my resolution this year is to visit 50 new bars in SF. read about it at: http://fiftybars.thisisvlad.com) read more

I was there for Gay Jeopardy last night, it was pretty fantastic. The drinks were big and strong, the staff charming, the decor amazing with interesting touches (find the giant gummy bears), the music well mixed, and the patio big and relaxing. The clientelle was assorted, not just some cliquey group of old queens or abercrombe&bitches or whatever. I was with a varied group of friends and all of them felt comfortable/welcomed. the one star deduction is for lack of a dancefloor to go with the music, because shimmying between pool tables isnt cute. AND because in the mens room, the urinal is a trough with a large angled mirror tilted just right so that your business is viewable by the masses. hmph. otherwise marvelous and i will definitely be back. read more

Came here after drinking heavily at Parilla to carry on the fun times. There's a pool table, outdoor patio seating (in the back), lots of seats and benches inside...friendly bartenders that serve you up fast and right... bathroom was a little sketch but hey as long as the door locks right? read more

stumbled across this place while we were heading back to our car. my friends were drawn in because of the pretty lights and someone on the mike talking about everyone having a sheet. so i was like, trivia at 1am? kinda fun. but it turned out to be a cross-dresser doing an old snl skit on a fake keyboard. and the sheets were for singing along. sure it was funny. and then i looked around some more and i said, this is a gay bar ... and my friends said nahhhh. and then they looked around and said ohhhhh. still fun times all around. large back patio area for smoking, which i'm personally not fond of, but it was entertaining to see my guy friend shimmy for a cigarette. read more

This bar is a relic from the 1970s during gay liberation. Okay, we are all liberated. Time to mop up the stale beer, take down the raunchy posters and renovate it into something more modern and hip. The crowd in the back patio can be quite obnoxious with their yelling, screaming and singing military songs at 1:30 AM. Not very considerate to neighbors who are right next to the bar. Understand the bar was there first, but the property owners also pay property taxes and have rights to peace during certain hours. read more

Went for the first time on Friday night. Loved it. Much more queer than gay. If you don't know what I mean by that please just don't go, stay in the 'stro with your abercrombie and cargo shorts. Long live this Polk Street gem! Great outdoor patio, drag, friendly staff and patrons. loves it. read more

What a nice place! Everyone was so friendly here! I was very impressed by the crowd and the bartenders! Such friendly men! I would definitely come back here again for the service! They didn't seem to care much for my girlfriend and her girlfriend either. Wonder why... Hmmmm... read more

Western-themed upper-Polk get-your-fuck-up-on local bar. Pool tables are usually open, and the Long Island Ice Teas always make everybody look better. Little outdoor patio for smokers, and ample decor for jokers. read more

Love this place, though it's dangerous on a weeknight if you're a regular like I am, because you won't make it out the door without being stumbling blind drunk. Michael and Oscar are awesome barkeeps! read more

Thank you Mikey, Eddie, Leslie, David, Eric, for making my life better one Jameson shot at a time. Love you boys! Been coming to this little gem for almost ten years and I'm so proud to call The Cinch my Cheers!! Nostrovia Mutha Fxxxrs!!!! read more

Dude, one time I got hit on by a drag queen here. That was a first time experience for me. And then it got me thinking because I thought drag queens liked guys. Anyway, this bar is pretty fun. I came with all my hot girlfriends and you can dance or play pool or go on the patio in the back and smoke or get a drink at the bar or hang out with men dressed like women. read more

The view from the outside is really inviting - soft colors and paper lanterns. I have been wanting to check it out. If it wasn't NYE and really busy, I might have stayed beyond one drink. read more

My Gays got me drunk Saturday morningish. Love the Mimosa's, loved the bloody Mary and LOVED the decorations!

Great environment. Nice bar with pool tables in the back. People are friendly and drinks are cheap.

any bar with porn on the tv's and service as prompt as this and as polite as this, deserves without discrimination (maybe i should italicize that....) at least four stars. so after perhaps less and mediocre sushi, my brother and i stumbled into this place. there was, at first, a (approximately) 6'5" drag queen standing outside that was now perhaps 6'9" in her heels... certainly not something that would scare me off, and the place was fairly empty, so we could definitely get seats at the bar. walking in, there was this fairly attractive brunette that made me forget my thoughts that we were walking into a gay bar. then, seconds afterwards, it hit me again...like, holy shit, from the outside, this place looks mexican, and from the inside, this place looks like...well...a gay bar, re pleat with 1 drag queen for every 1 man dressed as such. it was definitely cool though. so says my brother and my best friend: "this is your scene if you like mister clean to look at your ween while you're pee'in'." (evidently, the bathroom was kind of creepy; a trough with four mirrors cocked down so everybody could see everybody's...cauuuuu... penis...glad i didn't have to deal with it.) read more

Amazing bar and staff! Visiting San Francisco for the first time and my friends told me to check out Cinch. We've been here every night of our stay! Friendly, down to earth staff. I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to feel welcome, appreciated, and relaxed. read more

The Cinch is one of those neighborhood bars, replete with strong drinks and strange characters, that are rapidly disappearing in the wake of the gentrification of Polk Street. Ostensibly "western," people will probably be surprised by the great jukebox (and DJs on select evenings), back patio, pool tables, and extra friendly bartenders. I noticed that at least one review commented on the lack of women, to which I have two responses: (1) this is a gay bar; and (2) there are often women there. Granted, they tend to be of the "strange character" regular patron variety.....(just kidding). Any weekend night you're bound to see a few straight, fun loving gals! And the bar is a friendly place to all kinds. read more

This place is some split between a local bar and a dive bar. Bartenders were really friendly.

I heart Cinch 4ever. I can't really remember my first experience here, or really my last for that matter, they are all a vodka-soda, laughing, dancing blurrrrrr. I was brought here by 2 very special men in my life, neither of them my fiance, he did tag along though. They said I had to come on a Friday to see the "show". Not knowing what on earth to expect, I went, and brought my straight boy with me. He was nervous; I was excited. We went on "Madonna night" - Hello "Madonna night?!" I don't know what night could have been better (expect for possibly Whitney night and Mariyah night -both of which I am lucky enough to say I've been to and are fab!). What an incredily fun, funny, whitty, tongue n cheek, almost sexy show. We were dancing, singing and laughing along to every dramatic word. The next part made my boy nervous at first, then very proud of himself. For once, i was not getting hit on or having to ignore the boys around my guy, he had allll the attention and after a few drinks, lived it up lol. We got plenty of free drinks from the sweeties behind the bar due to my sweeties adorable dimples. The drinks are stiff, and the cups are big so beeeee careful! I've brought many a girlfriend here on Friday's only to have them falling off their stools or trying to get up on the stage with the girls to be part of the show. Many of them vow never to go back, either out of humiliation or they still get sick at the thought of that night and the hangover they had the next day. But trust me, the bar is good, the company fun, the shows well run. Ya gotta pay them a visit next time you're looking for something to do on a Friday night. read more

COME TO CHARLIE HORSE. It's a drag show that happens at midnight on Fridays. It's always lots of fun and it's completely FREE! Beside that, it's just a great little bar with a stage and a back patio for smoking. The prices are low, the staff is nice and the DJ is above. What's not to love? read more

Quiet evening in there but just what we needed. Dave (LaLa) was very sweet and took time to answer any questions we had about SF. Thanks, Dave. read more

Went last night on a first date here. It was totally chill yet upbeat. Wonderful service from Eric the bartender. They have a patio although I didn't get to check it out. Pool tables to be played and a great easy time for you and your date or friends, without the fast paced Castro vibe to be had. read more

Nice atmosphere and great drinks, except the crows it isn't for everyone. To those, fashion trendy boys from NY city or Paris, the city of Fashion, this place isn't for you. It's mellow, and welcoming atmosphere here. Nice place to hang out with groups of friends or u can just be here to look for a nice meal. You'll likely get it if u r young and cute because most people here at 40s or 50s, lots of 60s during week days. Lol... peace read more

True dive bar. Got 2 beers and whisky for $14. Friendly staff, cool patrons. Awesome and friendly bar for all, however if you are homophobic..... Not for you. Got a giant Seymour plant from little shop and f horrors in the back. Def suggest the bar any night of the week. Went on a Sunday and Monday read more

yeah im a fan crazy bartenders.. good drinks two pool tables... nice layout boisterous and yet quaint. read more

Super chill. Shared our Miller's fries with the bartender. Too bad the Giants lost :(

Oh, the life of a fruit fly has led me to strange and wonderful places, and the Cinch is one of them. The last time I was there they had a drag tribute to the ladies of country music. Rolicking good fun! (for the whole family!!!) Nothing like knocking back a cold one in the company of a 6-ft. Loretta Lynn with 5 o'clcok shadow. Very very strong cocktails. And they sneak up on ya. read more

In town for work, my expectations for Tuesday night nightlife were set insanely low - and in all honesty, The Cinch was pretty dead. That said, the bartender, Eric, was amazing - friendly, informative, and gave me the best head I've had in a long time on a Guinness. I'll assuredly be back. read more

Absolutely a great place. First time here and the bartender was so nice and professional. He make sure I was taken care of. And treated every customer welcomed. A mustttt go place and drinks are freakin good. I went to the lush lounge earlier and staff was horrible and can care less about you and it was so packed that you can barely move and over priced. read more

First and foremost this is a local neighborhood bar. It's also the oldest gay bar in the city, and always great fun. Check out Free pool on Wednesday nights, or a Sunday afternoon beer bust! read more

The Cinch is a great neighborhood dive bar with just enough to please almost everyone. Just enough gay guys, just enough older guys, just enough faghags/fruitflies, just enough games. Drag and sometimes a semblance of a dance floor (to rock, however!) on Charlie Horse Fridays, always a great time. Strong drinks, friendly people. Not the place if you want to boogie or be strung out. But if you want mellow laidback atmosphere with friendly people, The Cinch is worth a try. (And remember it's a gay bar.) read more

I love this type of bar. No attitude. No frillls. Nice bartenders. Pool tables, pinball, beer, and close to home.

If you're interested in admiring a drawing of a lion having sex with a man, visit The Cinch! The decor is very interesting.