The Cinch Saloon

"Polk Street has all but been annexed to the Marina, but once upon a time, there was a hustler-filled gayborhood called Polk Gulch—of which The Cinch is the sole survivor. Still, the relaxed, amiable dive and its unshakeable 1970s vibe continue to flourish on Polk as it has for decades. Known for going all out on the Star Wars decor on May 4, and for that never-not-startling illustration of a lion mounting a man, this bar may not throw the trendiest parties, but it’s a plucky institution without another queer bar for miles around. " - ricky rodriguez, peter astrid kane

"It’s the last remaining gay bar in what was once the gayest neighborhood in town, the Polk, and the Cinch is still going strong after 45 years, drawing a mostly neighborhood — and sometimes very mixed — crowd. It’s vaguely Western-themed and covered in art, with pool tables in back and an intact smoking porch. They watch Drag Race here on Thursdays when it’s in season, and Sundays are for beer busts, often benefiting a local gay sports team. Otherwise, it’s a come-as-you-are, welcoming sort of spot that’s a last holdout among San Francisco’s neighborhood queer bars." - Paolo Bicchieri, Eater Staff

"Polk Street has all but been annexed to the Marina, but once upon a time, there was a hustler-filled gayborhood called Polk Gulch - of which the Cinch is the sole survivor. Still, the relaxed, amiable dive and its unshakeable 1970s vibe continue to flourish on Polk as it has for decades. Known for going all out on the Star Wars decor on May 4, and for that never-not-startling illustration of a lion mounting a man, this beer-centric bar may not throw the trendiest parties, but it’s a plucky institution without another queer bar for miles around. No cannabis on the patio, please, but Bob’s Donuts is only a block away." - Peter-Astrid Kane