Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [184]
The Cinch Part cruisy neighborhood bar, part modern-day penny arcade, the Cinch features free Wi-Fi, two pool tables, five TVs, video games, an Internet jukebox, pinball, and an outdoor smoking patio. They even have their own softball team, the Renegades. With happy hour Monday through Friday 4 to 8pm (all night on Mon), progressive music by DJs on Thursday and Friday nights, and a host of other fun theme nights, the bar attracts a mixed crowd of gays, lesbians, and gay-friendly straights. 1723 Polk St. (near Washington St.). 415/776-4162.
The Eagle One of the city’s most established Levi’s ’n leather bars, the Eagle boasts a heated outdoor patio (where smoking is permitted), a happy hour (Mon–Fri 4–8pm), live bands every Thursday at 9pm, mud wrestling tournaments, and the occasional naked customer seated at the bar. 398 12th St. (at Harrison St.). 415/626-0880.www.sfeagle.com.
The Endup Open 24 hours, this club is where you’re likely to “end up” after a night on the town, likely at 6am and not sober. It’s a different nightclub every night of the week, but regardless of who’s throwing the party, the place is always throbbing with DJ beats and sweaty bodies. There are two pool tables, a fireplace, an outdoor patio, and, on the dance floor, a mob of gyrating souls—particularly on Friday nights. Some nights are straight or mixed, so call ahead if you care. 401 Sixth St. (at Harrison St.). 415/646-0999.www.theendup.com. Cover $20.
Kimo’s This gay-owned-and-operated neighborhood bar in the seedier gay section of town is a friendly oasis, decorated with plastic plants and random pictures on the walls. The bar provides a relaxing venue for chatting, drinking, and quiet cruising, and livens up with indie, punk rock, and jazz bands nightly at Kimo’s Penthouse upstairs. 1351 Polk St. (at Pine St.). 415/885-4535. www.kimosbarsf.com. Cover $5–$10 for live music.
Lone Star Saloon Expect lesbians and a heavier, furrier motorcycle crowd (both men and women) here most every night. The Thursday night “beer bust” and Saturday and Sunday afternoon “beverage benefits” on the patio are especially popular and cost $9 per person. 1354 Harrison St. (btw. Ninth and 10th sts.). 415/863-9999.www.lonestarsf.com.
The Lookout This bar provides the neighborhood with DJs spinning and the best view of the Castro District from its large, second-floor, wraparound balcony. People of all ages come here for the friendliness of the bartenders, the flow of drag queens, and the highly charged, cruisy atmosphere. There’s a pizza joint next door in case you get hungry—it’s all you can eat on Tuesdays from 6 to 9:30pm for just $9.95. 3600 16th St. (at Market and Noe sts.). 415/431-0306.www.lookoutsf.com.
The Mint Karaoke Lounge This is a gay and lesbian karaoke bar—sprinkled with a heavy dash of straight folks on weekends—where you can get up and sing your heart out every night. Along with song, you’ll encounter a mixed 20- to 40-something crowd that combines cocktails with do-it-yourself cabaret. Want to eat and listen at the same time? Feel free to bring in the Japanese food from the attached restaurant. Sashimi goes for about $7, main entrees $8, and sushi combo plates about $11. 1942 Market St. (at Laguna St.). 415/626-4726.www.themint.net. 2-drink minimum.
The Stud The Stud, which has been around for almost 40 years, is one of the most successful gay establishments in town. The interior has an antiques-shop look. Music is a balanced mix of old and new, and nights vary from cabaret to oldies to disco-punk. Check their website in advance for the evening’s offerings. Drink prices range from $3 to $8. Happy hour runs Monday through Saturday 5 to 9pm