The Square is, at the time of writing, literally the newest venue in Sydney as I was there for opening night just last night (08/10/11 for any aliens that find this post in a time capsule of The Futcha).
My friend couldn't find the place so called me from Goulburn St. I gave him the directions the opening night band had posted (under Harry's De Wheels in the Capitol Centre) and he found it just fine.
*I* got there a bit later and wandered around Harry's for 10 minutes looking for a sign, an entrance, evidence there was something happening besides the food court, ANYTHING! Finally spotted a 1 1/2 foot high chalkboard with "The Square" chalked on it and was informed when I got inside that I'd passed the scrupulous intelligence test involved in finding the place and I could therefore come in!
Now let me tell you right now, this place will not be everyone's bag. But it is SO mine and i.m.o places like this are essential to Sydney's vitality as a city that people under 70 and who want to go out late and SPEND MONEY (yeah that was for you, bitching locals) also live in. The Square is a true dive bar. Low-key, no bullshit, and rock'n'roll.
I could practically touch the ceilings, the "Toilet" sign was clearly hastily texta'd on the fire doors that afternoon before the gig, the house wine (a pinot I would rather forget) was poison... but they have boags on tap & barrels scattered around and the sound quality was faultless! Props to the sound guy. If you "get" rock'n'roll or dirty blues & the vibe it thrives on you will realise that the things I'm saying that sound negative are high praise. If you don't, The Square is not for you. read more