Great atmosphere with very friendly bartenders. Definitely the best dance club in the Akron area. This place has multiple areas to hang out in, all of which are somewhat compartmentalized and intimate. The music is almost always good, and they usually have DJs who take requests on Friday and Saturday nights.
Review Source:I've lived in Highland Square for longer than I care to admit; and, until last night, I'd never been here. The feeling that came over me after stepping inside is akin to the day the baby I watch discovered that she had hands - "You mean these things are RIGHT HERE?! To entertain me ALWAYS?!?!" In short, I now know that Square exists and I am never going back to my Square-less days.
It was Sunday night. A jazz band was playing in the corner, which just added to the ridiculous ambiance of this place. The crowd was of a hip, classy, slightly older fashion. Also, the lighting was really nice. I feel really weird for mentioning that, but bars screw up the lighting so much that this was a welcome reprieve.
I've been to most of the gay bars in the Akron/Cleveland area, and Square stands out as being the most cozy, relaxed, and un-grimy of all of them. I can see why straight folks flock to it - it's upscale yet unpretentious. The bartenders were super friendly, and we didn't need to wait in line or make obscene, exxagerated hand gestures to get their attention. Drink prices were reasonable, but it's definitely not the cheapest place in the area to get hammered (thank god).
You had the options of sitting at the bar (which was packed with friendly people), shakin' it on the dance floor (surprisingly large!), or taking a seat slightly farther away from the action at tables (with fun, comfy swivel chairs!). This place is seriously bigger than it looks.
A+, Square. You've won yourself another regular.
This is definitely my favorite bar in Akron, hands down.
My ex boyfriend and I frequented Square for years when his friend Andy mentioned that he was a bartender there. I mean, what's wrong with two straight people frequenting a gay bar all the time? I always enjoyed the very friendly bartenders who are quick and attentive, the strong drinks for a good price, the ambience, the variety of music that they play, the pool table, the comfy seating, sweet dance floor, and smoking patio out back. There really isn't anything to complain about at all, except sometimes there is a line for the one unisex bathroom that doesn't seem to move at all....but that's sometimes.....
I also adore spending Halloween and New Years Eve here! For New Years Eve they provide free food and champagne, which is a plus!! The people here have always been so nice and always seemed to really enjoy themselves. I've met some pretty interesting people here and all of them were some of the nicest people that I've had the pleasure of talking to. Even if you're sitting down (instead of dancing) and sipping a cocktail, the people-watching NEVER gets boring. I also love the fact that this bar is located in Highland Square (my favorite area of Akron) and amidst other cool bars, restaurants and shops. There has never been a cover charge but they always check ID and do a coat check.
Square is a fantastic bar that I'm sure will always provide very memorable nights extremely far from boring. I love it!
I can say I genuinely liked Square. Many of the "gay" bars in Akron are suspect at best. However, this place is clean, the music is kept at a reasonable level for having a dance floor, and the bar tenders are very friendly. I was actually able to carry on a conversation with one of the tenders without having to shout and he didn't have to ignore other patrons to talk with me. They had enough bar tenders, and this is key, to keep the drinks flowing and the actual bar area free from people waiting in line for drinks.
The only reason this bar doesn't get 5 stars is because I spent more here on drinks than any other bar in the area. Â While the prices aren't outrageous, they are...surprising. Â But I really don't mind, as the experience was one of the best I've had in Akron bars.
Without an abundance of 'clubby' places to go in Akron this place usually ends up in the mix when I visit friends at home. Â The crowd is pretty eclectic and you'll get people from all walks of life and all preferences. Â Also, the bathrooms are clean and updated. Â Yay clean bathrooms!
The back patio though? Â Gross. Â No amount of Febreze will every make your clothes smell good again. Â Avoid if possible.
The music makes you want to gyrate but sometimes they throw an old-school-should-never-be-played-again curveball into the playlist that makes you go "hmmm". Â You had me up until you played "MMMBop" by Hanson. Â Eek.
See ya next time I'm home!
Best gay nightclub in Akron - by a landslide.
I am not gay, although I'm also secure enough in my masculinity that I can go to this place. Â Apparently, I wasn't alone in how I felt; the Square is also popular with heterosexuals.
The drinks were out of this world, and they were also kinda on the cheap side. Â The biggest things here are dancing and playing the Wii on a big-screen TV. Â This is one of the friendliest nightclubs in Akron, so it's really easy to start a conversation here with somebody you've never met. Â The bartenders are nice and very good at the drinks they make.
I'm not a fan of the nightclub scene, but if you don't mind being in a gay nightclub, you need to come here.
I love me some Square!
This is the best place to go out in Akron. Besides that it is walking distance from my old place, there's something here for everyone. Dancing, conversation areas, Wii Bowling on a giant projection screen, clean bathrooms (for a bar), friendly bartenders, decent dirty martini, inexpensive. What's not to love?
Had I been a Yelper before my most recent visit, I would have given it 4 stars because of their smoking patio. Previously, the patio was too closed in (illegally built, did not comply with Ohio Smoking Ban regulations), which was bad for non-smokers like me looking to get some air. My last visit revealed an extension, so the ventilation is much better now.
The only other complaint I've heard is that Square has become too straight! Some members of the LGBT community have lamented the transition into a less orientation-definitive hotspot. It just speaks to the quality of this place. I like that it doesn't feel like a meat-market, and I always get compliments on my footwear.
I.
LOVE.
THIS.
PLACE.
The bf and I try to go at least twice a month. Â The bartenders are friendly and attentive, they make FABULOUS martinis (seriously, try the chocolate one...you can thank me later) the drinks are reasonably priced, the music is fun & upbeat, you can play Wii if you want...I just have nothing but good things to say about it! Â
I ESPECIALLY recommend going on Halloween. Â The best costume contest in all of Akron, I sh*t you not.
I find it hilarious that the place holder for this review got F/U/Cs though I clearly stated it wasn't the review... go, me!
ANYHOW! Â Down to business! Â I met one of my oldest and dearest friends at Square tonight - I hadn't seen him in more than 15 years - to have a cocktail and play catchup.
Honestly, I didn't notice too much about the bar due to being totally engrossed in conversation with Eric. Â Though I do know they have a really charming little patio for smoking. Â The drinks are tres cheap and the bartenders are very friendly and quick. Â I loved the music Craig was playing - a nice mix of 80's and 90's dance club/alternative.
I did have to leave rather early; but, I noticed that when I did it was very packed inside. Â Nice business for an early Saturday night.
Cool things I gleaned about Square from their website: They have a Wii bowling league. Â I think they also have karaoke. Â They have good drink specials and often have special events.
A very cool little hip bar in a cool little hip area of Akron. Â I will for sure be back the next time I'm in town.
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