Great remnant of the original Polk Street gay bars! The first time I came in here, the bartender bought me a drink to welcome me to the Cinch. And that's the homely friendly place this is. The clientele does skew older, but I don't think I've ever come in here without having an interesting conversation with a number of people. Cute little outside patio that gets good sun in the afternoons, and the beer is cheap (even if the taps don't change very often). Two pool tables, and there's plenty of seating (bar, small tables, big booths).

Really lovely bar, fun and very welcoming (shoutout to Scott). Refreshing change to find a gay bar where you can sit and have a conversation/read a book if. Great music and Definitely worth a visit or several.

Such a gem of a gay bar and historic! Fun fact, the nob hill neighborhood of San Francisco used to be the original Castro. Sadly, many gay establishments since then have disappeared to the history books. This is the last surviving gay bar of Nob Hill. History aside, I always have a wonderful time here! Drinks are tasty and strong. Locals and bartender's are nice. Can't say anything negative except once got a filthy martini with a shot of olive brine on the side (the brine shot was no bueno 😅)

Defined a place to recommend ! I went to the cinch Saloon last night, alone (visiting from France). The decor is great, the bartender was very welcoming and the general atmosphere was chill and friendly. I was surprised of how mixed the clientele was for a gay bar, but everyone was friendly, and I had a great time at the Cinch. I’ll be back !

It's bigger on the inside! The only gay bar left standing on Polk St, The Cinch is a San Francisco treasure. Great beer selections, speedy bartenders, and excellent drink prices. I sometimes forget there's a patio all the way in the back, because I like to sit next to the front by the windows and watch the people walking by. Between the front bar and the back patio is a big room with benches and a pool table. Because The Cinch is a ways from Castro, it's often full of locals of all types who just want to get together after work for a drink and a chat.

Again another place that I hadn't been in for quite some time had a good time people were friendly drinks were good and reasonably priced they have a late night outdoor patio which we gladly took advantage of I could see going back there

Very nice bar and great drinks. The decoration is interesting. There were not many people when we went, but this is the kind of bar that doesn't need a lot of people to be cool.

This is the greatest gay bar on Polk Street. Jeremy, Scott, and Eddie, are the Queens of Polk street. These men are wonderful, fun, kind, and great in every way! Queen Chasity and I send our love! This bar is the place to go on Polk! 6/5.

In these days with gentrification in the city I love going back to authentic gay bars in SF. Marlena's is gone but the Cinch still serves the best drinks in town, low key, gay clientele and makes you feel at home. I so hope that they don't sell this place out now with all the changes in the neighborhood. We need to keep our authentic gay bars running. Awesome place for entertainment.

Honestly this place was a total vibe. I didn’t have much time in San Francisco and honestly didn’t fancy trekking all the way out to the Castro area. Someone recommended this place to me and it didn’t disappoint. We had so much fun. The service was professional but approachable. Couple of highlights when they randomly played Mariah Carey all I want for Christmas in the middle of august lol. Everyone started singing along. Then a couple of patrons and bartenders had a competition to see who could fit the long balloons further down their throat lol! It was all in good jest. My friend said his vodka cranberry was strong so you know you were getting a strong pour 👏. Super fun place i would highly recommend.

Nice music, cool wall arts. Good vibe in general. Wish they took cash.

Great small neighborhood bar. Friendly staff and strong drinks. Gotta love Star Wars!

The oldest gay bar in San Francisco. Pool tables, theme party’s great deco. Adult videos full jukebox great vibes

Cute gay dive bar in magnificent San Francisco. Made for a great Friday afternoon drink stop while I was out and about exploring the city.

My favorite Polk St watering hole!! Love ❤️ this bar!

One of the few gay bars left in this area of San Francisco. Love the new Star Wars tribute in the back bar.

The last Gay bar on Polk street! Love playing pool here with friends. Stiff drinks and outdoor patio. ❤️❤️❤️🌈🌈🌈

Gerard Mc

Honestly this place was a total vibe. I didn’t have much time in San Francisco and honestly didn’t fancy trekking all the way out to the Castro area. Someone recommended this place to me and it didn’t disappoint. We had so much fun. The service was professional but approachable. Couple of highlights when they randomly played Mariah Carey all I want for Christmas in the middle of august lol. Everyone started singing along. Then a couple of patrons and bartenders had a competition to see who could fit the long balloons further down their throat lol! It was all in good jest. My friend said his vodka cranberry was strong so you know you were getting a strong pour 👏. Super fun place i would highly recommend.

Anderson Angkeyile (Flying Sailor)

Nice music, cool wall arts. Good vibe in general. Wish they took cash.

Scott E

Great small neighborhood bar. Friendly staff and strong drinks. Gotta love Star Wars!

Kiwi Canton

The oldest gay bar in San Francisco. Pool tables, theme party’s great deco. Adult videos full jukebox great vibes

Daniel O. Hernandez

Cute gay dive bar in magnificent San Francisco. Made for a great Friday afternoon drink stop while I was out and about exploring the city.

Keith Byrd

My favorite Polk St watering hole!! Love ❤️ this bar!

Joe Boys

One of the few gay bars left in this area of San Francisco. Love the new Star Wars tribute in the back bar.

Aemar Kenji

The last Gay bar on Polk street! Love playing pool here with friends. Stiff drinks and outdoor patio. ❤️❤️❤️🌈🌈🌈

2 pool tables and Star Wars-themed decor in the back of the bar (along with a single pinball machine), and small outside smoking area behind that. Digital/app-connected jukebox as well. If you manage to secure 1 of the 2 booths by the pool tables, your group will have a good spot to hang out (and you're allowed to chow down on outside food). Cheap drinks but you have to order at the bar.

Prices were fair. Heavy-handed bartender. Great atmosphere. Cocks all over the screen (as a straight man with a group of friends I found this absolutely awesome and hilarious) enjoyed the starwars themed room and the pool tables were well kept and fun. Will be back for a 95% Run 5% coke rum and coke 😆

This review is a long time coming. I wouldn’t say I’m a regular but I frequent this bar often enough to know the bartender’s names. This is my favorite gay bar in SF, and maybe even the entire city. The reason is not necessarily the actual look of the interior or even the clientele. It’s really bc of the bartenders. They are all SO SWEET!! I look forward to seeing them every time I go. And for me, it’s become rare to encounter nice, sweet and grounded bartenders at a gay bar, or any bar for that matter. This place is the exception. Check it out, meet the bartenders. They are great!

The sign said 'saloon' so I ambled in and ordered a beer. I quickly realized this wasn't your ordinary western saloon. It was a bunch of cool friendly people who made me feel welcome. I think we stayed talking for 2 hrs. Great place.

Love the interior it's excellently decorated. And everyone is so friendly. Drinks and service are great

A Must-Visit Classic on Polk Street I’m a regular at The Cinch Saloon, particularly during their happy hour, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best spots in San Francisco. The atmosphere is always welcoming, with a bunch of steady regulars who are friendly and down-to-earth. The back patio is perfect for kicking back and enjoying the evening outdoors, and the bartenders are some of the friendliest I’ve encountered. They really make you feel at home! Speaking of bartenders, one of them recently won the Best Bartender in the Bay Area award—and it shows. The drinks are strong and priced right, which makes it hard to beat for value in this part of the city. While I don’t usually stay for the late-night crowd, I hear that The Cinch has a cabaret license again, so their legendary drag shows are back, adding a fantastic flair to the place. Whether you’re looking to relax with a cheap drink after work or experience some nightlife entertainment, The Cinch has something for everyone.

One of the few bars open on Christmas Day for when my nurse friends and I got off work. We were greeted with big open arms and warm hospitality. It’s one of my favorite bars polk st. bars filled with fun personalities and heavy pours.

This is a great old neighborhood queer space. Lots of interesting characters. There's 2 pool tables, some booths seating, and a lovely outdoor patio area. I love coming here!

Our local watering hole for the gays! We love Cinch and only kind people are allowed 🥹

Forrest Spellman

Love the interior it's excellently decorated. And everyone is so friendly. Drinks and service are great

Joshua Maniscalco

Our local watering hole for the gays! We love Cinch and only kind people are allowed 🥹

dblitz70

The sign said 'saloon' so I ambled in and ordered a beer. I quickly realized this wasn't your ordinary western saloon. It was a bunch of cool friendly people who made me feel welcome. I think we stayed talking for 2 hrs. Great place.

Niki Pham

One of the few bars open on Christmas Day for when my nurse friends and I got off work. We were greeted with big open arms and warm hospitality. It’s one of my favorite bars polk st. bars filled with fun personalities and heavy pours.

Jack Westerland

This is a great old neighborhood queer space. Lots of interesting characters. There's 2 pool tables, some booths seating, and a lovely outdoor patio area. I love coming here!

T.J.

2 pool tables and Star Wars-themed decor in the back of the bar (along with a single pinball machine), and small outside smoking area behind that. Digital/app-connected jukebox as well. If you manage to secure 1 of the 2 booths by the pool tables, your group will have a good spot to hang out (and you're allowed to chow down on outside food). Cheap drinks but you have to order at the bar.

Justin Zilla (ju3t1nz)

A Must-Visit Classic on Polk Street I’m a regular at The Cinch Saloon, particularly during their happy hour, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best spots in San Francisco. The atmosphere is always welcoming, with a bunch of steady regulars who are friendly and down-to-earth. The back patio is perfect for kicking back and enjoying the evening outdoors, and the bartenders are some of the friendliest I’ve encountered. They really make you feel at home! Speaking of bartenders, one of them recently won the Best Bartender in the Bay Area award—and it shows. The drinks are strong and priced right, which makes it hard to beat for value in this part of the city. While I don’t usually stay for the late-night crowd, I hear that The Cinch has a cabaret license again, so their legendary drag shows are back, adding a fantastic flair to the place. Whether you’re looking to relax with a cheap drink after work or experience some nightlife entertainment, The Cinch has something for everyone.

This is a very nice place to relax. My only concern is that the music is never upbeat. Just not anything sing-along or happy, but more whiney ballads more appropriate for a wake. Nice bartenders and good prices in a relaxed atmosphere, but depressing tunes.

I'd read in other reviews that this bar was not welcoming to queer women, which may have been the case for others, but not for me. Our bartender, Scott, was absolutely lovely, he was kind and attentive and made the whole experience fun. As a queer woman, I say give it a chance, your experience probably depends on which bartender you get.

I was there on a cloudy cool day probably too early and didn’t meet the right guy to go home with, but I might go back to try it again, hopefully I will try it at least one more time!

I love this charming gay bar in Nob Hill and had a wonderful experience! The staff was incredibly sweet and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere right from the start. The vibe is relaxed, with a delightful old bar feel that invites you to settle in and enjoy. The decor is quite unique, adding to the allure of the place. Highly recommend for a laid-back night out in a friendly environment!

Terry Hinton, M.Sc, MBA

I love this charming gay bar in Nob Hill and had a wonderful experience! The staff was incredibly sweet and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere right from the start. The vibe is relaxed, with a delightful old bar feel that invites you to settle in and enjoy. The decor is quite unique, adding to the allure of the place. Highly recommend for a laid-back night out in a friendly environment!

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.

Rudi James

I was there on a cloudy cool day probably too early and didn’t meet the right guy to go home with, but I might go back to try it again, hopefully I will try it at least one more time!

Greg S

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.

I usually have a great experience when I visit this bar. I've been going to Cinch for years way back when it was owned by Richard and Mario and Danny Dibble work there... but I will say that Halloween night this past October was not such a great experience with a bartender that served me and my friends that night... I'm not sure what his name was but he was a Latin bartender with major attitude. We ordered a round of drinks, my friend paid with his credit card and decided to leave a cash tip so when he signed the credit card he put 0 in the tip column. After he served our drinks my friends didn't believe me when I told them which one of two beers was a wheat beer so we asked the bartender and he told us that he shouldn't tell us because we didn't tip him. I then told him that we left him a cash tip right there on the counter which I saw my friend put down a 5 dollar cash tip. I also bartend and always leave other bartenders a tip. It's just proper etiquette. Well, he just totally ignore us and would not answer our question we finished that round of drinks and ask for another. He would not even acknowledge that we were sitting right there in front of him. Finally he looked over at us and said if you leave a tip you might get service. Then once again I told him we left you a tip and he argued with us in front of everyone about not leaving a tip on the receipt because he had both copies and there was nothing under the tip column. We were appalled by his actions and his attitude that night. Finally at that moment a really nice young lady who I guess was a regular customer noticed that there was some issues going on and asked what was the problem...she knew the bartender and ordered our drinks for us. He then made the drinks and we gave him the money which he snatched out of my hand and through the $20 into his tip jar did not ring the drinks up or give me my change I thought this was very rude and totally unprofessional. I refuse to go back there anytime he is working. I felt he was way out of line....you don't argue with a customer for not tipping you it is a privilege not a mandatory thing.

As you pass though the swinging saloon doors, you find this gay dive bar is big and welcoming. The folks are friendly, they have some great round booths, and there's pinball!

Years ago this place used to be a nice friendly neighborhood gay bar. I went back on a Sunday night and it was overrun with straight hipsters. No offense to straight hipsters, but you have over 95% of the world to yourself; maybe let gay people have a few places to themselves. I know that’s probably controversial; it’s obviously a good thing that LGBTQ people aren’t restricted to a ghetto, and I like a diverse mixed crowd, but I also like an old school gay bar full of gay people. To be fair the vibe was still friendly, and there were none of the obnoxious drunk Marina girls one encounters in the Castro, but it was not what I was expecting so I left.

Nice little local bar. The bartender saw friendly and mad you feel welcome. I don’t get up to SF often but I would stop in for a drink next time I am up that way

They started tab without asking or taking my cc. Back door was broken and hit many people so kicked closed. I offered to pay for lock smith was told no. I was respectful even offered pay damage I did not cause and was kicked out. I would never treat customer like that, even offered to pay bill, which I tried insist on paying.... For bar tab and repair. How does that make sense?

Bartender is extremely rude and just a bad person. Physically pushed girls out the door who were just minding their business. Awful.

The bar itself is very fun, and a place where individuals feel. Now, for the unfortunate incident, Sunday evening couple of months back at this particular bar I was verbally attacked by an individual. This individual is also an employee of Cinch Saloon and made it very loud and clear to me during the intrem of calling me nasty names. The only thing I said, " You look hot" I would question my statement but it was intended for their friend with platinum blonde hair and nice hairy arms. Later, the girlfriend of the bartender apologized. The bartender behind the the bar basically gave the impression to handle it yourself. I realize I am writing this review a couple of months late, but if wrote it any sooner I would have been able to identify with the "nasty words!." I have gone back since the incident. The initial feeling , lost!

Queer women stay away. This bar has been an unfriendly and hostile environment for women, especially queer women, on multiple occasions. Me and several other friends have had unwarranted horrible encounters with the patrons as well as the bar tending staff who have aggressively called us extremely inappropriate and derogatory names. I would recommend supporting other queer-owned businesses instead.

Wasn’t served because I was wearing a Palestinian scarf. one of the servers didn’t appear to like what I was wearing, and repeatedly ignored us and kept serving others before us. At first we didn’t think anything of it, but it was made very clear he was ignoring us. we’re in San Francisco out of all places and this type of behavior is shameful. not to mention, we asked another one of the other servers if he could serve us and he told us that he wasn’t serving drinks…the employees are frankly lazy and unprofessional…what kind of service and hospitality is this? is this how treat queer Palestinians and BIPOC? :( not even angry, just extremely disappointed. Do not support this place.

Evan Eldridge

Bartender is extremely rude and just a bad person. Physically pushed girls out the door who were just minding their business. Awful.

Em Dorman

Wasn’t served because I was wearing a Palestinian scarf. one of the servers didn’t appear to like what I was wearing, and repeatedly ignored us and kept serving others before us. At first we didn’t think anything of it, but it was made very clear he was ignoring us. we’re in San Francisco out of all places and this type of behavior is shameful. not to mention, we asked another one of the other servers if he could serve us and he told us that he wasn’t serving drinks…the employees are frankly lazy and unprofessional…what kind of service and hospitality is this? is this how treat queer Palestinians and BIPOC? :( not even angry, just extremely disappointed. Do not support this place.