If you're into divey spots this one won't disappoint... Crowd was a mix of younger and older people...loud music with a pool table... The overall staff wasn't particularly friendly and the vibe was a bit annoying so I didn't think too highly of this place...too many people who don't know how to control themselves when they have just a bit of alcohol. read more

This has to be one of my favorite places to come to! I've been coming here for years with my friends. The staff is great! They are open for in door again but with limited hours. I'm so happy this place survived the pandemic! read more

Friend 1: "hey this place is kind of dead Friend 2: "did you notice that it's all dudes here?" Friend 3: "I think we have the only females in this bar from our group" Friend 4: "so did you notice the flag outside?" Friend 5: " ok im going over to Bigfoot" me: "haha, you are all so confused, yet you live in SF?" read more

Walked in on a whim just to have a drink and a shot. Everyone is friendly and openly inviting. The bartenders are all smiles and the bright and happy decor adds to the appeals of this awesome bar. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will return on our next visit. read more

Walked in looking for to have a drink, not realizing it was a gay bar. Not that that matters, but it's always interesting to be sitting in a bar and then starting to look at your surroundings more and realizing where you really are. It was a good time, had a good drink, will definitely be back. read more

Great dive bar, drinks, people. Lot of locals. 2 pool tables, electronic dart board, juke box, patio in the back. Cant tell from the front but it will hold lots of peps. I don't like the shared bathrooms, but it's becoming more of the norm. We came here after a Christmas celebration at the Conservatory of Flowers. I'll be back! read more

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

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I love The Cinch! It's my go-to pregame spot before hitting the dance clubs on Polk. The drinks are strong and inexpensive. The bartender staff is very friendly and the people are too. We met two people and ended up hanging out with them for an hour. Overall it's a pretty cool dive bar type place, but very clean inside. Highly recommend. read more

Wow, Friday nights at the Cinch are kinda amazing! Juanita Fajita is running the joint and she is as friendly as she is fabulous. Loved that she made an effort to hit up every little group of people in the bar and to greet all the regulars. She also was a great MC for the chicken strip show, which was amateur strip night. Only four contestants, and even if two of them are known for taking it off on a weekly basis, the only two were pretty easy on the eyes. Sad that the pinball machine ate one of my quarters, burped, and then insisted on another one, but the bar is a ton o' fun. Wished the patio were actually non-smoking, but it's an improvement over the old when I would walk out with my jacket nicely smoked for a few days. read more

Nice friendly neighborhood bar. The bartender was very nice and informative on thing/places to stay. I will most definitely come back next time I'm in town read more

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

This is one of those bars that you just can't help but love going to. Super heavy pours which are always nice and a decent collection of alcohol. Friendly staff, patrons and their is a patio in back (open to 10p.m.) where you can take your drink and smoke a cig. No more downing my drink just so I can go out for a smoke for me. Lastly, I can honestly say that there has never been a night where I leave without meeting someone that I could honestly say I would like to meet up and have another drink together with. read more

Pretty cool spot. There's plenty to look at - that's for sure. The art on the walls will for sure get the blood moving. Plus, it's dark - even during the day - which is always a good sign for a gay bar. I'm a fan for sure. The drinks are stiff and well priced. You add to that the friendly bartenders, the long bar area, and the cozy back patio, and you've got an sweet little spot. I really enjoy the music, the pool tables, and the laid back feel of this bar. It's a fun place for sure. While I haven't seen it overflowing with patrons, those who do hang out here are friendly booze hounds who are great when it comes to striking up a conversation. It's exactly what one could expect from a San Francisco bar without the attitude. read more

Went here twice, two days back to back, having just went there for the first time, a day prior. Definitely in my top 3 for bars I'm considering calling "home", since I moved here a little bit ago read more

This is a sweetheart of a place. Why haven't you ever brought me here is all my date had to say about it. It's an historic neighborhood and place and thick with fun loving nostalgia and pool hall tom foolery. Friendly service and clientele from all walks of life. read more

A drunk man who was falling over just harassed my girlfriends and told them to leave because they weren't men and therefore were not the right type of queer. The bartenders went over to him and said they sympathized. Unbelievable. Don't know if he eventually got kicked out because we left. Very disappointing. read more

This is probably my favorite bar I've gone too... my vacations are almost coming to an end! But I'm def having a great chill time.. drinking my tequila and my dark beer with some chips.. perfect music.. Erick... omg such a great bartender and anfitrion Def coming back before I go back to my MEXICO LINDO Y QUERIDO‍!!! read more

5 stars for the bar wench working the Jane Fonda in Klute look (circa 1971). So I says to her "you look hot" and she says "you should see it in the morning, it's just a wrinkled old lady with a dick" I say "sounds hot" she snorts "you're twisted". What would you have said, really? No doubt I had equally intelligent discourse with fellow Yelpers at the "Fourth And A Halfsies Annual Them Chickens Is Ash And I'm Lotion Pomegranate & Persimmons DYGay". If I called you a slut or a loser, hello, that's a term of endearment. The Cinch is cool. It has been on Polk Street over 30 years, long enough to remember when Halloween was celebrated on Polk (edgier crowd) AND Castro (clone-ish crowd with flannel shirts and bar-handled mustaches) and you could buy young human flesh or a quaalude for about the same price. Another 5 stars for longevity. Thanks for letting DYGay invade your space. Sorry we took up so much room in the pool area. Hopefully we spent enough to help you stay open another 30 years, and I want to be there in 2038 to see the same wench working that Klute look. Here's the useful part-weekly at The Cinch: Monday-All night Happy Hour! Tuesday-Pool League Night Wednesday-Free Pool after 8pm Friday-Charlie Horse-A Rock 'n Roll Drag Explosion More useful info: Drinks are cheap and strong. Also featuring free wireless, smoking patio, video games, pinball machines and internet jukebox. read more

Liza Minnelli held me down while Cher violated me and Cher's twin sister egged them both on. Bitches. If only I could turn back time... PS: On exiting this establishment when inebriated, please be aware of the plastic cactus to the right of door, thankyou. [Bar #5, 10 pints down] read more

Great neighborhood gay bar that doesn't have the pretentiousness of some of the other bars. Staff is really nice and my friends and I have a blast coming here. read more

Okay, this is a gay bar, so this review is useful for people who want to know what sort of gay bar it is. If you are a straight woman the following scenarios do not apply. You will only walk away drunk and horny and confused, though at least your ego will be stroked..cause those gay boys know how to make a gal feel special, even if they dont ever make us feel "special" (if ya know what I mean *wink* *wink*). If you want a pretty young man who spends more time each day working out and getting ready than I probably have collectively this year (dear God, did I just admit this?) then haul your ass down to the Castro. If you like a little leather and some rough play then SOMA might be for you. Ggrrrrrr!!!!!! Want a man who is a little more "mature" (mature meaning old and most likely pervy)? There are a few places in the TL that will do nicely. Want a non-pretentious bar where everyone can feel comfortable and accepted, even if they are men who like women, women who like women, women who like men, men who like men, old men who like young men who are still a bit confused and highlight their hair to match the ball gag their butch lesbian sister gave them for Christmas? Well, then this is your spot. Though I feel that this place transcends categorizing I suppose you could describe it as a slightly older gay crowd with a sprinkling of others to keep the conversation interesting. You will also find strong drinks, a pool table, a super kick ass patio and a place that will get you liquored up at 6 in the morning.....no matter who you are. read more

The guy was rude af and didn't let our party in and said only 6 people and say bye.... and yelled at us

I am sitting next to Lisa G who has her adorable pup on her lap and some delicious spicy rum concoction chatting up the ADORABLE manager and we are LOVING IT! They have an excellent outdoor patio (you can bring your dogs!), super cool/funky decor, and this drink is OUTTA CONTROL DELICIOUS! Also, just learned from the super friendly owner that Polk Gulch got its name from the fact that all of the stores on the street had a western facade. The Cinch is the only place left with the original western look and because of that, it's AWESOME! this is a great bar for anyone regardless of their sexual orientation. Plus, did I mention that the manager is hot? Well, he is. Pool tables and good music, too. And hello...ladies of country and madonna tributes? I AM IN LOVE! As Lisa G so eloquently put it, "I love bars." This place makes you love bars. I have no idea if this review makes sense. carry on. read more

Just a SoCal girl visiting for a week, half vacay, half business, so finally had enough time in Frisco to try and see what the locals do...I believe it was a Monday...found parking...and sat there in the car, almost didnt go in because I didnt see anyone going in or out...ahhh darn this Monday, forget it, I'll just go in...I read they have stiff drinks which was needed...I walk in and see that there was indeed a good amount of people in the joint...I instantly got the feeling like this is a bar they should have back home...which they do, but we can use this one too haha....stiff drinks for sure! At such a great price! (Think it was $5-$6) jukebox, pool table, interesting slideshow on display (oh my), patio...just go just go. Thanks again, will definitely visit again, Cheers! read more

Some may call me an entitled and classist brat. Specifically in reference to my critiques of gay bars. I will let you all decide the veracity of this. I was out in Russian Hill and stumbled upon Cinch. Like a moth drawn to the flame, I couldn't resist the rainbow flag's come hither stare. In my friend and I went. Lo and behold, my favorite beer, Shock Top, was on tap. I instantly became excited. Let me tell you though, this bar is a tad divey. Which if you know anything about me, you know I like a solid bar that's humble and keeps the drinks strong and cheap. Throw in an overhead ceiling pattern of rainbow colored Asian paper designs and I am in alcohol heaven. And the best part is the general friendliness of the bartender. Can I comment on the clientele? Just regular ol' gays of every size, shape and color. Now this is what a gay Cheers should look like. read more

We were walking and my wife's feet started hurting so we figured lets stop in to this rustic cowboy looking saloon and grab a quick drink. At first it seems like a dive bar where people pass out at like 3pm... but then you sit down and order a drink from the bartender and all of a sudden you realize oh, this is a gay bar... then you look around and you see all the hard cocked pictures and you realize this is REALLY gay bar. The bartenders are super sweet and the pours are as stiff as the cock pictures on the wall. They had a sign for $1 wieners but that was probably a joke. It was a fun place for a drink and I would for sure go again. read more

I had come to The Cinch to celebrate one of my good friends birthdays. I had never heard of this place so I decided to go on yelp and find out. I was excited to see so many good reviews and I was looking forward to a good night. When we had got to the bar I asked my boyfriend if he wanted a drink. He told me a Coors light. So I went up to the bar and upon ordering the Coors light I was snapped by at by the bartender saying "Honey, this is a gay bar. We don't have Coors light." I did not know that this was an unspoken rule. I was at a loss of words and so I said "ok what type of beer do you have?" he in return snapped back at me and said "Do you want to memorize all of them so you can repeat it back to whoever wants to know?" and quickly turned around and walked away from me before I could answer. A moment later he came back with a menu and said "Here, take that to him." and walked away again. A very different and rude welcome than I was expecting. Because of the bartenders snappy remarks that was the last drink I ordered at the bar. I hope people have a better experience than I did. After reading some of the one and two star reviews they all mention the same bartender than I believe to have run into. A man about 5'8" 5'10" (maybe taller..he was behind a bar) with white facial hair. read more

strong drinks patio in the back Charley Horse drag shows next to Quickly sweet bartenders ( | ) read more

San Franciscans are spoiled by gay bars...plain and simple! This is a classic example of a bar I wish we had in Sacramento (or something like it). What can I say that hasn't been said? I only got a taste of the bar while I downed a couple quick ones, but my spidey bar sense told me it was a good place to get plowed and rowdy. A gay bar with a drag show, football on Sunday, pool tables and swinging doors! Just a cornholeacopia of fun! read more

I am sitting at the bar at Cinch with Laura B totally LOVIN this place! We liked it the minute we walked in the door and it is getting better every minute (no, we are not tipsy, we have drank down maybe an inch of our first drinks). It is spacious (nice patio!) and has a comfortable vibe - plus I love the western thing and the crowd is great. I hear they have drag Madonna lip sync contest and other cool events. Laura and I are already planning our costumes for the "Best Dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl" contest on May 6th!! read more

You haven't lived until you've seen a saucy drag queen lip-sync the ferocious line "Why'd you spit on my snatch??" This was the other night at The Cinch during a tribute to the great Marianne Faithfull. Having spent a good chunk of time boozing in the Castro these past few months, I experienced the Cinch as a welcome departure from that same old tired scene. They have TVs, pinball machines, drag shows, occasional jell-o shots, a great patio and a conveniently angled mirror at waist-level just above the trough-style urinal. My only complaint is that mirror right above the urinal. I can't fathom why they put it there of all places--I mean, it's such a bitch to hunch over a trough of piss to fix your hair and make-up! read more

As I arrived to the Cinch on a recent Friday night, a flamboyant gay male and his female accompaniment snagged the cab I was getting out of. He asked me, "Where is the scene?" Not really sure what he meant by that, I asked the clarifying question, "Well, what do you want?" He replied, probably with a snap-in-the-air, "Coke and dancing!!" I quickly directed him and his cab-driver to take them to the Castro. The relevance of this story to my review of the Cinch? It's because I would never have recommended the Cinch to this guy. In fact, The Cinch is a place that I wouldn't take a lot of people, including a lot of my friends. That's because the Cinch and its environment does not allow any sort of drama, especially of the gay kind. If you imagine your typical Castro hotspots, i.e. The Cafe, Badlands and Qbar, the clientele and atmosphere at the Cinch is pretty much the polar opposite. It's a hard thing to describe, in all honesty. All I know, is that in my mind, when I want to go to the Cinch, my list of potential invites is very selective. The best night to the Cinch is Friday, for Charlie Horse. There are drink specials in the earlier part of the evening, and free popcorn. Even in the later part of the night, drinks continue to be strong and well-priced. The drag show that is Charlie Horse begins at midnight. Host Anna Conda and the variety of drag personalities that perform weekly provide outrageous, fantastic and gritty performances-- a far cry from your traditional, more "pretty" lip-synching drag shows. It's a spectacle, and the entire crowd is cheering on, even if a particular drag queen has pulled down her panties and spread her legs for everyone to see. ... hmm, maybe that's why I don't bring anyone and everyone here... read more

Ok, so if you told me I would be a regular at a bar at the age of 23... I would have laughed in your face... no really. So this bar defied ALL expectations with me. At first glance it is a dive... and there are drag queens... and an older crowed... and no disco ball... BUT there is a great charm that is unexplainable. My friend and I go constantly because we feel like we can enjoy ourselves there. Nowhere in the castro can I walk in and hear all the bartenders say my name and know what I drink... ok well maybe badlands... but sleeping with the bartenders doesn't count... does it??? Just kidding... kinda. The drag shows on fridays are so fun to watch, and on saturdays they usually have fun stuff going on. Plus the drinks are super strong and the staff is just fun. Ohh cinch... you stole my heart. This is for everyone who is slightly tired of the castro. Don't get me wrong, I love me some Cafe and Badlands.... but this is for the more relaxed night out. read more

Mostly an older gay man's bar. Not too old, but not kids who just turned 21 either. I am not a gay man, but I do really like this bar. I'm a lesbian, but they don't hate on us there. Cool patrons and cool bartenders. Patrons seem horny and bartenders are befriended easily and before you know it you are getting free drinks. Now and then I like to go to the Cinch. A good place to get very drunk. Wide variety of ages of customers, which is nice. Smoking patio out back. One straight girl I know likes to hang out at this bar. One time I went with her and she said, "Oh shit, there she is! Hide me!" And I asked her who. Then she told me when she was super drunk the nght before she made out with a butch lesbian. With a name like The Cinch I thought they would have more of a country feeling going on at this bar, but it didn't seem even the slightest bit country. Which is good for me because I don't like country. read more

I have lived here for over 11 years now and I had never been to the Cinch. Wow, was I missing out! As mentioned in countless other reviews, very friendly staff, great amenities and I must point out the tragically bad (read: excellent) drag show that was happening the night I was there. Lots to see and the bar seems to attract a wide variety of people. Strong drinks and the patio was great as well. The highlight of the evening was when I walked into the bathroom and saw 3 drag queens with dresses hiked up to pee who all turned and in unison yelled (in their most manly voices) "Hey buddy - get the hell out of here! This is the Ladies room godammit!" I think I'm in love. read more

The trannies are friendly and there's tons of fun to be had at Cinch. Seriously...what place uses a fridge door for a restroom entrance? You gotta love that. Although I'm not a smoker, there is enough room in the patio so you don't get completely suffocated when accompanying a good friend to watch them get their smoke on?! Overall, the space is pretty roomy. The dance floor is pretty large with a fairly big stage considering it is a bar. The decor is, well, colorful. Hee hee. Cinch is lots of fun if you're open minded so don't take your Mom and Dad here who are visiting from some rural town if they desire a drink or two or three...then again, after three, it wouldn't really matter, huh?! If you're up for a fun and entertaining evening, visit Cinch. read more

It was one of the dirtiest bars I have been in (and noticed) in years. Unfortunately this was AFTER we had already ordered a round of shots. The lemon wedge with it tasted nasty....like it was stewing in something rotting. I love taking pictures. So I'm often looking up when we're in new places "with character". The skylight was casting a gorgeous glow on the dive bar..... and that's when I noticed the Great Dust Bowl of SF! Floating in the air I was breathing. A nice breeze was coming through the open front door. The flags overhead we're waving their soot-covered-selves tauntingly. It was all I could do not to vomit as we threw cash on the bar and practically RAN to the nearest exit After the great food next-door, super disappointing. And disgusting. Mr.Taffer, I have your next Bar Rescue ready for invasion!!! read more

This place is the best bar in SF! The Friendliest bartenders (especially Eddie) that make drinks unto which, Gods themselves could enjoy. Pool tables, friends, back patio, and shows to keep us entertained. I miss Charlie Horse though....is it time for their come back yet? read more

ORIGNINAL REVIEW: "What is it about gay men and western-themed dive bars? Something about this place made me scared, very scared, so I ran to the western-themed dive bar across the street for my breakfast drink. There is a lot going on here. DJs, VJs, multiple pool tables, pinball machines, fireplace, smoking deck, wifi, all-night happy hour on mondays, special events, a screwball Christmas pageant, a softball team. Christmas lights, rope lights, cutout wooden cactuses, wagon wheels. Even got a review in Frommers. Queer friendly, straight friendly, for all I know they might even let Republicans in. But why oh why does it feel like a stage set for "scared sober?" -- you know, the imaginary show that begins every week, "These men once had a life. They were your stockbrokers, police, lawyers, hairdressers. They could even have been you at a younger age. Now they are all here. Here in. . . the alkie zone." Oh, it's also open from 6am every morning, which might explain it." UPDATE: So on a recent 6-8 AM Saturday I sat at the bar, quietly enjoying my Onion Magazine and bloody mary, and I saw: 1) the aftermath of a game of strip pool, nameless gay guys prancing about the floor half-trying to restore their shirts as morning sunlight broke into distant windows 2) random influential old men in town, and 3) a naked flaccid but rather buff guy dancing on the bartop on a dare. Being not so queer myself I related stories of old girlfriends from Wisonsin, and had a great time comparing notes with the guys about American tregionalism. You betycha. Had conversations with a friendly but sober bartender about: farmers' markets, seasonality of fruit, difference between camp and cheese in bar decor. After the latter I noticed giant illuminated gummy bears on a ceiling beam. They share ownership with a not-so-gay breakfsast joint next door. Chef shows up at 7:00AM with an attitude and a meat thermometer clipped into his shirt. You feel the love. read more

Eric made this experience a 5/5 for us!! He was the best bartender in the city we've had!!!

My first time here and I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! Everyone one is so friendly. Great "dive bar" atmosphere. Gotta love all the artwork and pics on the walls. The drinks are nice and strong (to me anyway LOL). Eddie is the best bartender EVER!! Such a sweedtheart. I will definitely be back!! read more

The Cinch - The pictures and artwork here are great!!! LOL! - Gay Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Let's get it straight: there's nothing divey about this bar. Eagle Tavern in SOMA is a "gay dive bar." This ain't anywhere near "dive" status. But it's a good joint, nonetheless. The cocktails are generous. The bartender, Michael Brown, kicks ass. The back patio, I must say, is probably the best patio I've encountered yet in this city. If "Gay Jeopardy" was any indication (the particular night I was there), I imagine the live entertainment they have has gotta be pretty damn good... Just turn down the music a hair, please? It's been four days and I'm still having trouble hearing my inner monologue... read more