The Cinch Saloon

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

Such an amazing gay institution, glad that it is still open. David, the new bartender, was able to make exceptional drinks my family and me. Cheers

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

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.

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

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

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.

This is one of my favorite bars my friend is also a bartender there whose name is Robert and he makes an excellent drink.

Fun, best neighborhood bar.Good place to meet and make friends.

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.

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

Great bar on Polk. Pool table and back/front patios too! EDIT: super weird, but this place smells so bad, like they clean the entire place with the same mop as the bathroom. Please fix this, as my group of friends had to stop going because it has been so bad in recent weeks. Thank you!

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 😆

Id 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.

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 doesnt need a lot of people to be cool.

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!

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 bartenders are nice. Cant say anything negative except once got a filthy martini with a shot of olive brine on the side (the brine shot was no bueno 😅)

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!

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.

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! 👏🙌🏻

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.

I mean how many cowboy/western and star wars combo themed gay bars can be out there in the world so go check it out! Also the local folks there recommended doing pitchers of beer being the better deal at this bar, we didnt do math so I dont but thought Id pass the tip along anyway.

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 thats the homely friendly place this is.The clientele does skew older, but I dont think Ive 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 dont change very often).Two pool tables, and theres plenty of seating (bar, small tables, big booths).

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 !

Its 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 theres 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, its often full of locals of all types who just want to get together after work for a drink and a chat.

This place smells as poo and dog urineWe stayed only for few minutesDon’t recommend

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.

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. Marlenas 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 dont 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.

I usually have a great experience when I visit this bar. Ive 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... Im 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 didnt 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 shouldnt tell us because we didnt 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. Its 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 dont argue with a customer for not tipping you it is a privilege not a mandatory thing.

Bartender called me a “stank a** c*nt b*tch” at the top of his lungs when walking out. This happened after I asked if they had my credit card that I had left previously. Horrible.

Really nice crowd, nice bartender, nice ambiance and decently priced drinks for San Francisco. 100% would recommend (Sunday night) honestly just a really nice bar :)

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?

Not unlike Gang Way just a few blocks away, the Cinch is a great dive in the heart of Pol Corridor. More space than Gang Way, it easily feels more empty yet like there is no where to sit at the same time. The drink specials are usually tasty, and old standbys are plenty potent.

Best experience in a bar ever. The bartender was so sweet. Everyone is so cool and the atmosphere was perfect. Thank you for giving us a great night in San Francisco!!!!

The Cinch is a great neighborhood gay bar to grab a couple (strong) drinks, munch on free popcorn, or play a quick game of pool. If youre lucky enough to meet a regular ask them about the bars history for a quick run down on historic Polk and the rise of the Castro. Make sure to find, and of course take a picture with, the lion on the wall opposite of the bar. Youll know what Im talking about when you get there.

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 theres pinball!

I loved the atmosphere of this place, everyone was inviting and I felt comfortable and welcome. The bartender was nice and the drinks were great. I wish I had a bar like this in my town!

Friendly, if rather quiet on the times I visited. The bar staff were personable, and knew about the history of the area. The patrons I spoke to were welcoming and chatty. A nice place to spend some time.

I went in this gay bar on my birthday 1/17/23 & this gay spanish bartender was very messy acting towards me he cater to the gay white boys and didnt want to serve me he was talking to me crazy 🤣 I just left after that he needs to be removed from this gay bar you dont treat me that way.

Went to Cinch last night for my first time and was very happy with the expereince. Great bartenders, get people in the bar, and awesome pool tables. I definitely would recommend this place to a friend and will be back here soon.

This is a must see during each and every visit of mine to San Francisco. I have been served by the same bartender for 18 years. Love the pool tables and the very strong drinks!

I ain’t never been here and suspect I may never come this way again. These folks were real friendly and I can’t say that about the rest of California as a whole. So, when you come to this cursed oven of a nation- this here is one place folks act like your human

Absolutely love this place. My girlfriend and I went two nights in a row and we’ve never felt more welcome and loved. Will definitely be coming back! 🥰

A piece of history but also a very alive community of locals. The prices are fair and the bartenders are generous. Enjoy!

Amazing atmosphere and interior design!

Really neat place, friendly crowd and tasty drinks. Can’t believe I haven’t come here earlier!

The vibes in this place are immaculate. Everyone I met (both guests and staff) was incredibly friendly and welcoming. 10/10

Very friendly bartenders. Back patio for smoking. Lesbians beware: TVs all over the bar feature slideshows of endless d*** pics.

This bar was super friendly and welcoming the bartender (David) 👍👍👅 was super warming he ask what kind of liquor u prefer & he go from there....Thanx for the TiKilla Ya!!!! (tequila) 🌈🤣

That was a very first gay bar I have ever visited. And that was a great experience, very friendly atmosphere, good drinks, nice people!

The best, most friendly, fun and entertaining people in Nob/Russian hill are here! Always a fun time.

The reason Thursday is the sweetest thing because David D works in the AM and there are wonderful people around..and its DOG heaven 😊🐶

Love this bar friendly and good drinks I straight and when I i am there have lot of people talk i am there to get to know people

Went for a fund raiser for a softball team on Mothers day and was treated like a queen! Friendly place to visit even if you are not gay!

Always awesome. Local crowd. Chill. Its always nice to go somewhere where the bartender remembers your name! Cheers!

An average bar, but they made some good drinks and have pool tables for those who wish to play.

Great place to drink,play pool, and meet up with friends

Had a glorious time here, staff was lovely and the ambiance was welcoming. Felt at home even though I was just visiting

What a cool place! A touch of late nineties 🤩. Very friendly. Clean.

Awesome place! Very kind bar tenders who make excellent drinks!

Amazing place even better bartender highly impressed great guy would definitely recommend to everyone

A friendly bar with a chilled mix of gay and straight customers. Old style gay bar.

Excellent bartenders....Great drinks....Good friends....Great neighborhood bar

The staff is amazing, the drinks are tasty, and the beers are ice cold

50% Cowboy, 50% Star Wars, and 100% gay. 5 stars.

Awese old school gay bar. Great bartenders and clientele.

Nice casual atmosphere, great prices, excellent service.

Last gay bar in the historic gay Polk, best neighborhood bar!

Great service and friendly staff me and the wife had a great time!!

Terrible service with a frown. If the bartender ever shows up behind the bar..

My favorite neighborhood bar that’s not in my neighborhood

Decades of fun with c&w music, swinging doors and pool or pinball.

Shout out to Michael, the bar back with good frames.

Had a great experienced visit.

First time was great nice people and vibe

Fun gay bar, strong drinks

Great mid-day, early-evening, mid-evening, late-evening hangout! Gaaaaaay!

Come here and socialize and be Happy!

Classic.

Not very busy

Man,

No.

Dartboard is cool

Bartender with an attitude...