The Back Room

We stopped in at the Backroom since it is a local establishment close to where we live. It’s a bit shady looking from the outside and doesn’t send off the warm and fuzzies with the ‘Don’t tread in me’ sign (libertarian national headquarters maybe?) and ‘bars and stars’ flag on the sign (I wonder if people understand meanings of things sometimes), additionally it’s connected to a trashy hotel. Anywhoo, we walked in and were a bit disoriented. There are two parts of the bar apparently, and one was closed due to massive roof leaks. We were directed to a connected part of the bar which had buckets everywhere and drooping ceiling tiles. The place was very run down and minimalistic. A few dart boards and pool tables, a small stage, and some very worn stools and tables. The band was setting up and sitting around shooting the breeze, otherwise we were the only ones present. It was awkward. They bar was very limited, focused mostly on beers and a few liquor basics. The vodka options sucked, although the bartender did make my vodka and soda strong, so points there. We were hoping to stay a bit and have some fun, but we just felt really out of place so we left after one drink. We likely won’t head back unless this place sees some massive improvement. I’ve been to my share of bars, but this didn’t even have that dive charm.

Fun place with very good food and great people! Two bars in one and Ofcourse a patio! They have corn hole, darts, beer pong, pool, and bands play there regularly. Breakfast is good too. Good place to party and hang out.

I would give the Back Room a 4 ½ out of 5 stars. From what I’ve heard, the bar *used* to have a very mixed reputation, especially being so close to the Mansfield Inn next door (which is not a nice motel). But since my buddy and I were holed up in the «Inn» next door for a work trip, we decided to check the Back Room out. I’m glad we did.
We met the new owners, they are very nice. The atmosphere in the bar is about the same as any other bar in Ohio I’ve been to, but the facilities are great. Clean bathrooms, dart boards, a couple of pool tables, a nice jukebox, and a very nice bar. They had karaōke there one night that we stayed, and bands playing in the back section of the bar. They have a few TVs, had sports games on. The prices were very good.
They have a nice patio, plenty of parking, and a good menu of food to boot. All in all, I don’t know if we’ll have the pleasure of going back anytime soon as it’s in Ohio (we were there for work) and it’s way out on a highway, but if I was back in the Akron/​Canton/​Mansfield area again, I would definitely go back for a drink here!