A Cinch for a First-timer

May 15, 11:20 PMSF Nob Hill ExaminerJane Kim

It was already the second round of cigarettes and we were still picking noses at T.’s house. The ants in my pants were ready to dance but they had nowhere to go. Honestly, I didn’t really want to dance. I think of myself more as an aloof dive bar connoisseur who gets a kick out of acting surly in a dark corner. On the other hand, T. prefers shirts-optional establishments with neon drinks and strobe lights. Pink strobe lights to be specific. I simply was not in the mood for that last night. I could see the lightning flash on his face as he pointed to the ceiling and announced “I know the place!” Well, c’mon then.

His legs kept a brisk pace on Polk St. and I found myself in front of saloon doors. The façade of the building was wooden and decorated with a portrait of the Marlboro man during a sunset; this bar seemed to exude burl. Until you noticed the blanket-size rainbow flag next to it. We slapped aside the swinging doors and were greeted by a Ramone’s song.

A few heads glanced in our direction and quickly huddled back into their private conversations. The juke progressed into Cher’s husky vocals and it was a cinch getting drinks as there were only five other people in the spacious bar. An open wall introduced a back room that housed two pool tables and several decent cues. You’d be impressed by their collection of three working pinball machines. For those who want virtual interaction, an N64 is available for the public. And when you’ve exhausted your attention on these frivolous games, an open-air patio is available further back so you can get some fresh air or a not so fresh smoke. No one was there to get boisterous, although I can’t vouch for Friday and Saturday evenings.

I see it as a place to safely introduce your possibly homophobic friends to gay culture without the shock of the Castro. Or maybe you’re like me and this becomes the neighborhood bar you frequent because it’s convenient and the atmosphere is subdued.

There are happy hours and weekly events (for those who are more adventurous and want to attend a Drag show or live DJs), the schedule can be viewed on the bar’s website: www.thecinch.com/. Leave your worries behind as you clatter through those saloon doors into a world of woody musk and flamboyant hand gestures.