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
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 5
Luke Joseph S.
I absolutely love going to the cinch, friendly bartenders, stiff drinks, amazing ambiance, great vibes, Jordan is effing amazing Saturday and Sunday mornings.
David Steve Lopez
I know where Lucy Borden’s remains are. She was delicious. Barbecue was great, but the menudo was the best!
Scott E
Great small neighborhood bar. Friendly staff and strong drinks. Gotta love Star Wars!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Aemar Kenji
The last Gay bar on Polk street! Love playing pool here with friends. Stiff drinks and outdoor patio. ❤️❤️❤️???
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Kevin G.
Best place. Best guinness poor. Best lemon drops. :). Haven't had a bad time in 8 years
Hastings P.
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!!
Daniel Helton
At the Sundance Stompede and walked to a nearby gay bar. Got my drink and moved to the pool tables area. Discovered the Star Wars theme ? and they played Mariah Xmas! ???
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Anthony Bridgen
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Lauren De Meyer
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.
I've been a regular patron at this bar for the past eight months, and it is with great disappointment that I'm writing this review, awarding only two stars. While I have had positive interactions with some of the bartenders here, recent events have left me deeply disheartened and questioning my loyalty.
The incident that prompted this review occurred when I was unfairly banned from the establishment after asking for a refund for two white claws. This alone was distressing, but what followed left me even more perplexed. The bartender who implemented this ban chose to contact me through my social media platforms, a move that felt contradictory, gaslighting, and unprofessional. What further added to my bewilderment was the lack of communication regarding my status as a patron – whether I was still banned or not.
I want to reiterate how challenging I’ve had to be at this bar — stay silent and kind or reap repercussions (of which happened anyway regardless of silence or not. I have a list of stories.)
My observations over time have led me to believe that there might be underlying issues with the way women, especially women of color, are treated in this bar. As a Black trans woman, I can't help but feel that my experience was influenced by these biases. The ramifications and vilifications that women, whether cis or trans, appear to endure at this establishment raise concerns about its inclusivity and fairness.
It is with a heavy heart that I write this review, hoping that the bar management takes this feedback seriously. While some of the bartenders excel in their roles, the difficulty in dealing with others and the apparent issues regarding women of color's experiences cannot be ignored.
I regretfully state that I will not be returning to this bar. I urge the management to reflect on these issues and take proactive steps towards creating an environment that is welcoming and equitable for all patrons, regardless of their gender or background.
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Reg Norris
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!
Jill E.
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
Ed U.
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: So was the Makers Mark & Ginger (photo: 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:
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
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 5
I absolutely love going to the cinch, friendly bartenders, stiff drinks, amazing ambiance, great vibes, Jordan is effing amazing Saturday and Sunday mornings.
I know where Lucy Borden’s remains are. She was delicious. Barbecue was great, but the menudo was the best!
Great small neighborhood bar. Friendly staff and strong drinks. Gotta love Star Wars!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
The last Gay bar on Polk street! Love playing pool here with friends. Stiff drinks and outdoor patio. ❤️❤️❤️???
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Best place. Best guinness poor. Best lemon drops. :). Haven't had a bad time in 8 years
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!!
At the Sundance Stompede and walked to a nearby gay bar. Got my drink and moved to the pool tables area. Discovered the Star Wars theme ? and they played Mariah Xmas! ???
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I've been a regular patron at this bar for the past eight months, and it is with great disappointment that I'm writing this review, awarding only two stars. While I have had positive interactions with some of the bartenders here, recent events have left me deeply disheartened and questioning my loyalty. The incident that prompted this review occurred when I was unfairly banned from the establishment after asking for a refund for two white claws. This alone was distressing, but what followed left me even more perplexed. The bartender who implemented this ban chose to contact me through my social media platforms, a move that felt contradictory, gaslighting, and unprofessional. What further added to my bewilderment was the lack of communication regarding my status as a patron – whether I was still banned or not. I want to reiterate how challenging I’ve had to be at this bar — stay silent and kind or reap repercussions (of which happened anyway regardless of silence or not. I have a list of stories.) My observations over time have led me to believe that there might be underlying issues with the way women, especially women of color, are treated in this bar. As a Black trans woman, I can't help but feel that my experience was influenced by these biases. The ramifications and vilifications that women, whether cis or trans, appear to endure at this establishment raise concerns about its inclusivity and fairness. It is with a heavy heart that I write this review, hoping that the bar management takes this feedback seriously. While some of the bartenders excel in their roles, the difficulty in dealing with others and the apparent issues regarding women of color's experiences cannot be ignored. I regretfully state that I will not be returning to this bar. I urge the management to reflect on these issues and take proactive steps towards creating an environment that is welcoming and equitable for all patrons, regardless of their gender or background.
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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!
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
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: So was the Makers Mark & Ginger (photo: 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: