The Cinch Saloon

(54 Ratings)
Old-guard meets Star Wars

The Cinch is the perfect place to bring old friends, and make new ones. Plus you can catch some of the city's most beloved queens here. The last remainder of San Francisco's forgotten gayborhood, the Cinch still pays homage to its Old Guard roots but is no longer just for leather daddies.



Your support makes our travel guides possible

We believe that LGBTQ+ people deserve safe vacations that allow them to be their authentic selves. That's why our City Guides aren't locked behind a paywall. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Reviews

sfraven
sfraven
Over a year ago

Patio Bar

So, every time I have to leave SF for a while... this is the first place I go when I get back. The staff have become friends, the customers have become people I know and expect, and the DOGS!!!! Probably one of the most dog friendly place... and I loves me some four legged furry things!!!! The smoking patio is lovely, usually with sun on one side and shade on the other. All in all it is a mellow bar, with some diverse characters...


fortitude
fortitude
Over a year ago

First time back in 5 years

Friday was the most diverse crowd I have seen in a gay bar in a long time......It reminded me of old times in San Francico ......I would highly suggest going there on friday.Bartenders are very friendly and there is no attitude here.....The bar has so many different types of people and it is obvious people go there for that...Every one interacts well and the back patio is a smokers paradise...


ExquisitENSF
ExquisitENSF
Over a year ago

Best Indie Music

The Cinch always has the best Indie Music.


ajr1
ajr1
Over a year ago

Not bad

Stiff drinks....but still looking for the hot spot here n sf!


sister660
sister660
Over a year ago

Fun Fun Fun and Nice too

This is a great spot with a friendly bar staff and a party like crowd. This is the kindda place where you can go alone or with a group of friends. I like the dance music on Fridays with a very old fashion drag show. I would say Fridays is the most party night with Saturday very laid back pool shooting crowd. So if you're an old drag queen like me or new meat on the block this is where your Polk st. night should start and your Fridays should be spent.


Mentioned In

Uncovering San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ history in the city’s most popular ‘hoods 

only in SF

Uncovering San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ history in the city’s most popular ‘hoods 

Other Gay Bars in San Francisco

Kozy Kar

Pin-up girls and kitschy decor
Polk Street

Top of the Mark

Best for cocktails
Nob Hill

Bourbon & Branch

20s Speakeasy near Union Square
Tenderloin

PianoFight (Closed Permanently)

Drinks in the front, showtime in the back
Tenderloin

Aunt Charlie's Lounge

Cheapest drinks in the Tenderloin
Tendernob

Bar Crenn

Vintage vibe with vibrant charm
Pacific Heights

Charmaine's Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Highbrow rooftop cocktail lounge & eatery
Civic Center

OMG (Closed Permanently)

Party bar in SOMA
SOMA

Restaurants in Polk Street

Hot Cookie Polk

Polk Gulch cookie heaven
Polk Street

Grubstake Diner

Late-night eats in a vintage train car
Polk Street

Jane on Larkin

Hip brunch cafe
Polk Street