I visited Axis for the first time for their Halloween themed, black magic show and it was so much fun! The performances were theatrical, upbeat, and hella entertaining. The crowd was packed and everyone seemed to be in good spirits. A few people had on costumes, so I'll definitely come dressed next year. After the show the dance floor opened back up and kept the mood high. Their drinks are also potent and wallet friendly, a win. read more

PLEASE for your own safety DO NOT come here, I was drugged here recently. In the short time that my friend and I were there she said I never once spoke to any strangers or left my drink unattended which leads me to believe that a bartender or other staff member is behind this. I apparently became very confused with a rapid heart beat and short of breath, I have zero memory of any of it. Other reviews have stated the same. Unfortunately I did not know this before coming here, I ended up in the ER and could have been seriously injured. There are dozens if not hundreds of people that have the same stories about drinkng spiking at this place. This needs to be looked into before someone dies as a result of being drugged. Why is nothing being done? This has clearly been a huge problem here for some time now. read more

If youre heading out to Axis on a saturday watch out for train wrecks. This new guy they got playing the music, Bacchus, needs to change his name to DJ Gallop or DJ Train Wreck. Nearly every song was butchered. Im gonna go out on a limb and assume this guy was a nepo hire cause it certainly wasnt for his talent. Maybe drop the video and start with audio and youll do better. But after tonight im gonna recommend you dont quit your day job. If nightclubs started hiring djs off of talent instead of just grabbing their cousins brother maybe people would want to go out clubbing more often or stay the whole night. Bartender was good though. read more

10/12/2025. I told security someone drugged me or something as I was throwing up asking for help and they looked at me and kept laughing YES SECURITY. THE PEOPLE YOU HIRE FOR "SAFETY" stood over me while im throwing up begging for help laughing at me and then proceeded to talk shit and then tell me I need to go. Mind you I was sitting outside and made it clear im waiting on a lyft and just need some help. Fck every single one of you who laughed at me even after me telling you im 99% sure someone drugged me. If you wanna deal with getting roofied, shitty music, shitty service, asshole bartenders, crappy drag show that you cant see 9/10 because its too small and everyone likes to crowd, and standing around like a sardine, this is your place. Also they sell ZERO FOOD. Remember, Karma is a MF read more

A friend and I spent NYE here and had a blast. Saw a ton of great local drag queens + Raja Gemini and Naomi Smalls. All the Bartenders and other staff we interacted with were super nice and helpful. Going into it, especially on NYE I didn't know what to expect in terms of safety but I cannot remember feeling unsafe or uncomfortable even once (as a college age girl still very new to the LGBTQIA+ club scene). The music was a good mix of modern queer hits + a few throwbacks. There were also plenty of non-alcoholic options for DDs. The atmosphere overall was just super welcoming and I would go again in a heartbeat ! read more

Axis Nightclub - Dance floor - Dance Clubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I have been to Axis for shows I was involved with a few times now. The stage is pretty big, and they now have a drop-down curtain that hides it before the shows begin. Axis is definitely a top place for drag shows in Columbus, and the Queens they book are amazing. There is a balcony surrounding the dual-level center area, which provides for cool additional viewing space and ensures that everyone can always see the stage. The stage is equipped for aerial acts as well. There is a bar in the center, raised up, which is always super quick with service. The dressing room area above/behind the stage features awesome vanities with lighting, and plenty of space for a team of performers to get ready. There is also another small room downstairs for quick changes. It's a great place to perform. The one hilarious thing is that the sound system has such a strong subwoofer that is located underneath the bar, that if you aren't careful, your drinks will literally fly off the table when the bass drops if you're seated at one of the tables on the bar level. When I went to tell the bartender, they replaced our drinks immediately with a smirk, because I guess it happens all the time! lol. read more

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All the hotties in the world, clean, friendly, great drinks and all the best music. Perfect.

Axis is an unpleasant place with rude bartenders who have terrible attitudes. The overall atmosphere at Axis is truly awful.

Axis has its pros and cons. I'll get the cons out of the way first. Generally have to pay a cover just to get in and the drinks are bit pricey for what you get. However cant complain too much because I do understand they have to pay their performers somehow. Pros: Precovid I LOVE coming here to dance, let loose and have a fun carefree time. This will for sure be first on my list to come back when restrictions are all lifted. Everyone here is very friendly the other patrons and the staff! I would also like to touch on my most recent experience on 03/26/21. I reserved 2 tables upstairs in the VIP section (with no stage view) which was advertised so I'm not upset about that part. However I am upset that CCIV footage was advertised to be on the television up there. The only thing on the screen was the performers cash app and venmo. Respect that, but that's not CCIV footage of the show especially when I paid OVER $100 JUST TO RESEVE TWO TABLES! I informed the staff and he quickly took action & said he told the guy in the booth & that it would be up shortly. It did take them awhile to get it up, but it was after several performers performed. I more than likely won't come back until post Covid. read more

Axis Nightclub - Blank screen (technical difficulties getting it up) couldn't see show. - Dance Clubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Never a dull moment at this night club. Music, Drinks and Drag Queens! What fun! Supporting folk from all walks of life we get to enjoy a small taste of fun. The venue is small but the stage is fun to dance on of course and people young and old come to boogie. I enjoy the people who frequent. We all dance together! Some cool events take place here! I already been to 3 drag shows here and I am waiting for more! The staff is great too! Axis! Keep it up! 5 stars! read more

Axis Nightclub - Nina West! - Dance Clubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Drinks were awesome! Atmosphere was welcoming and fun. Music was on point!!! Thanks!!! read more

Axis Nightclub - Dance Clubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I love this club, the ambience is amazing and they have nightly drag shows. The only downside is the steep entrance fee of $15!! It's only gone up over the years. Also be warned the drinks are VERY strong, they're doubles. read more

Went here for New Years Eve and to say it was a disappointment would be an understatement. The fact that they made us wait 2 minutes extra to change the "new rate" for admission was absurd all while it was below freezing outside. Thankfully we brought a coat... but the coat would ultimately be the demise of the night as when we get in there with no warning regarding the coat locker was closed... We were forced to carry our full sized winter coats around a club that was burning hot. Absolutely terrible planning on the businesses part. Then for the ball drop count down this place really dropped the ball and they dropped it hard... they were off by several minutes on the ball drop because the drag queen needed to get her 2 cents in on the mic... absolutely awful experience. Don't recommend this place at all. It used to be fun, NOT ANYMORE... read more

Just moved here from California and Axis was our first gay club my partner and I went to. I know not to expect Los Angeles vibes in another state but my partner and I were super annoyed with this place! We are in our early 40s so maybe it's not the place for us but I don't think it was worth the $16.50 each we paid. We definitely felt old here even though there were a few clearly older people, and the vibe was really sad! Maybe it was because we got there at 10:30 and it wasn't busy, but with not many people you'd think the bartender we had would have greeted us or treated us a little better! Didn't get his name but he had a buzzed haircut and he looked like he had no sh**s to give! We always tip well but this dude didn't want anything to do with us! I'd understand if it was late, the end of the night, or super busy but there was no one else waiting for drinks.. I opened a tab got one last round of drinks and his attitude didn't change along with the whole vibe of the place so we left.. overall, it's a great space with a lot of potential but sadly this missed the mark. Management if you see this, tell your bartenders (unless you know who I'm talking about "bartender") to put a smile on their face, interact with your paying customers or don't come to work! The drinks I knew would be pricey and i don't mind paying a high rate if it's worth it but yeah, even that seemed watered down! I'd come again because maybe it was a bad night (Saturday and before 11:30). Hate leaving bad reviews because most reviews are only the bad, but again this place missed the mark for us and I think if just a few things were different, we would have stuck around longer! read more

Had a blast with my best friend for her bday. It was my first time ever going to a show. Well boo boo let me tell you it was phenomenal. Every act was different and had their own style of Elegance, Fire, Fun, and down right entertaining. Can't wait to go again. To all who performed great job. read more

Axis Nightclub - Birthday Duckie. First time going. Had a blast celebrated my friend's bday and we had a blast - Dance Clubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Good atmosphere for the most part. We had fun but some people can be a little creepy and weird here. I overall enjoyed myself and didn't have any issues when I went this time. read more

This club was a lot of fun! All are welcome. Everyone is really kind and accepting. The vibes are awesome and the music is great.

I love me some drag queens & this is THE place to get my fix, both on a local (love me some Nina West!) & international level. The venue is on the small side, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing as there isn't a bad spot to be found & that makes the performers very accessible. Pro-tip: Treat yo'self & take advantage of their meet & greets with the queens! read more

Axis Nightclub - Miz Cracker, me, Aquaria, Rupaul's Drag Race season 10 winner. - Dance Clubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Axis is basically a hit or miss. I love it and I will continue to go here with my friends while I live in Columbus, but there are a few factors that make me think this place deserves 3 stars. First, the cover charge to get in can be a little pricey depending on what's happening. It's usually $10 to get in but most recently, I went for New Years Eve for $25 but for no other special occasion. That night I had a ton of fun, but there was nothing new. It was the same type of night for any other weekend night. The glow parties I believe are also $10, and even with the glow paint I feel like it was better than NYE. Second, will you have fun or not? It really feels like a matter of chance. You could be in an amazing mood and arrive, and have it demolished because the music might not be popping, there's way too many people, or you're just not drunk enough. I've had a lot of fun times there, but I think the amount of times I didn't have fun has been more often. The place is spacious but can fill up fast on certain nights. The music selection can also seem like a hit or miss. Normally, me and my friends like to start at union and then decide to go to axis, which is more cramped but have better music, and personally I almost always have there. Definitely should try to go at least once to get the experience! But personally, not an all time thing. read more

Not what it once was. Used to be a great dance bar. Though the lighting and DJing is really good, but now really filthy.

We went for the 80's night! Music was awesome, drinks were strong (the pac man is delicious) and the queens were fantastic!! read more

Axis Nightclub - Dance Clubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

The show on Friday night was amazing. It included multiple queens who were so talented and engaging! The drinks are very strong though so be warned! read more

Axis Nightclub - Queen - Dance Clubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

It was a bit weird in here this time around. We showed up on a Friday and Saturday night and it was like a complete difference from a year prior. Last year when we would show up here there was a long line outside to get in. This year, basically walked right to the door and got in. Last year, packed inside to the brim. This year, was easy to navigate from one area to the next. I think at one point I watched from above and did notice that there were not as many people in here as I thought. Makes me wonder what was going on. Drinks were still just as strong and good. Staff were super pleasant, fast and efficient. Music was good, I did do a good amount of dancing here. I plan on coming back again if I make my way to Columbus once again, but it might be just a one night thing this time around. read more

Axis Nightclub - Dancing! - Dance Clubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Was never like the Axis before. NYE, 30 degrees and they decided to close down jacket storage. Missed the count down by 1 minute. Haven't been back for a while, and found out it is a mistake read more

The bartenders are amazing. The new staff is so nice and you get your moneys worth. One of my favorite places.

Axis is a total experience. I wouldn't recommend coming here for a quick casual drink, but if you want to put on your dancing-pants and cut loose, this is your place. There's some good and bad here, but overall, I have a lot of great things to say about Axis. First, the bad. Cover charges and expensive drinks? Yikes. I've always paid about $10 to get in and then the drink prices are steep on top of that... definitely frustrating. It can be a little crowded, but hey, that's not always bad in a dance club. The good: This is one of my favorite places to go dancing. You'll find all walks of life and generally lots of good vibes. I've always made new friends here - so many friendly folks who just want to come get their dance on. It reminds me a lot of the friendly-type vibes you'll find at a music festival. There's also enough friendly folks here that it's always made it feel safer. You can really cut loose, dance, and disconnect (but it's still a dance club, so be sure to keep your wits about you). I'll definitely be back the next time I'm ready to get my dance on. read more

If you are looking for a drunk, fun and chaotic night, please visit! Well... if you're under 21 dismiss the "drunk" part. Overall, the experience was pleasant. I hate parking in the short north but that is not Axis' fault. The drag show was amazing and everyone was actually really nice. Good music, easy to get drinks and they were STIFF. Overall, I had an amazing time. I tried to hit on a gay guy... he was so PRETTY! He said no, but that is not Axis' fault lol. After a few hours, the floors were wet from drinks and I did fall... or was it my balance at that point? Who knows. However, the floors were definitely unsafe after a few hours. I enjoy the view from above. I recommend checking it out. I would return if I had better judgment when it comes to picking out men. read more

This past weekend at Axis was the scariest club experience I have ever had. There are some shady people out at these clubs. First off I Paid $165 for a "VIP" booth because it was a 21st birthday celebration and I thought "how fun!" When we got there we asked where our VIP booth was and they looked at us like we were crazy. Had no idea what we were talking about. So great, just wasted $70 but the night must go on. The performance started over an hour late, nothing new on gay time. Drinks were decent all was going well until we hit the dance floor. Creepy straight guys kept coming up to us trying to grind on us and give us drugs. Tried to get us out of the club with them. Then 4 or 5 of them cornered us and would not leave. Security refused to help. We had to leave early. I've never been so scared for my life. These men followed us all the way up High St too yelling at us and calling us bitches. There is definitely some shady business going on here now. This is not the Axis I remember. I don't plan on going back and you should probably think twice unless you like being roofied and sex trafficked. read more

Axis Nightclub - Dance Clubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

We were having such a good time, minus all the remix music, and then a very insistent man kept coming up to me and my friends, who are in the gay community. at first we just thought he was weird, but multiple times he asked me and another one of my friends if they wanted coke, and not the drink. and then commented about our bodies and make us uncomfortable. we're under 21 and we loved going for the safe environment, but i'm disappointed in the axis family because it no longer feels very safe. i'll miss coming here for fun and dancing. read more

Awesome performances, strong drinks! Go see #Maya #Blondie & #Eden you won't be disappointed!

Went and enjoyed it. Was better than expected. Loved the multiple environments--indoors, outdoors, and a dance room.

My go to place for a night of dancing. Love the music, the vibe is chaotic and loud. It is a club where people are looking to have fun and let loose. They have different shows they put on depending on the night. The drinks are good. The staff has always been nice every time I have been there. The only thing that is not that fun is the few people that drink too much and puke. read more

I was horribly gay bashed while leaving this club in the early 2000's. Four men came from all sides of me right in front of the exit and proceeded to beat me from all sides. One hero of a man ran up and started defending me, I ran about 20 feet away and called the police. An investigation was completed and axis said their security cameras were not working that night. I have PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder and have been in therapy since this incident. I was never given an apology or any support from the establishment. I believe they have changed ownership since then but my life is forever changed. read more

Because Axis is legendary and in Ohio's biggest city, it attracts far bigger and better events than any we get up in Cleveland, for the most part. Huge drag names come to Axis, like Adore Delano, Raven, and the AAA girls. Bob the Drag Queen's winner's tour stopped here over the summer and that's what made me make the almost three hour pilgrimage. Axis is a beautiful club, with proper VIP space. The meet and greet area is gorgeous and modern, while the rest of the club looks like a cool industrial space. The drinks from the upstairs bar are still fairly priced for how strong they are and the bartender was friendly as heck, offering how to tailor the drink even more to my liking. The stage and dance floor are more than adequate. You could see the show from the upstairs balcony, and it was an extremely packed house. If there is anything to complain about, it's that the music is just okay, but anything makes you want to move when you get toasted off the strong drinks. I wish we had more places like this in Cleveland. Definitely a great spot. read more

Axis Nightclub - In the meet and greet space with Bob the Drag Queen - Dance Clubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I've never been to a gay club or a meat market before, so this was a big learning experience for me... and I loved it. With the exception of not knowing what's worse, being pushed around by straight men who want to bang you for sport or gay men who don't give a shit how hard they shove you. Realization, humans aren't for me... But relatively cheap, strong cocktails, Jell-O shots, and meet & greet Betty Who concert are. I def kind of love this place. Great show, alright crowd, didn't take too long for bartenders to take my huge order and people cleared the f*ck out of the way when I started doing my weird dancing that I'm known and ostracized for. Even though I'm not their target demographic and about 10 years older than their regular crowd, I had a great time scaring people with my terrible Macarena and chicken dance moves and I'd totally come back. read more

Axis Nightclub - Betty Who concert - Dance Clubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Went with my girlfriends for a weekend trip. Did not disappoint. Super friendly staff. Great show for the money. Super strong drinks.

I think in the case of Axis, you either love it or don't come here at all. For me, it's the latter. But I've been dragged here before. Not to say that I didn't have a good time, but let's see...something about this place...I just feel like I don't...belong... Half-naked men everywhere. That's what I remember about Axis. That and it being very hot and sweaty in there. Each time I've come here has been with a male friend of mine or group of friends who just wanted to dance. Oh, and dance they did. Because you can't come here and not dance. But I don't mean the stand back against the wall and tap your feet kind of dance. You get down and dirty here. You dance like there's no tomorrow. You dance like your life depends on it. If you're a straight guy, you might want to steer clear of this place. It's pretty much a pick-up other guys type of place, or at least it seems like it. You can feel the raw sexuality in the air. But if you're a girl, you can dance and let loose without having to worry about some random guy coming up and grinding you from behind without even speaking to you first (really guys, it's creepy - not sexy!) and when you get all sweaty and your hair looks like crap and your makeup is running, no one cares. You'll get applauded for your hot dance moves. A very fun night if you're not looking to give a guy your phone number. Axis is kind of mysterious. It's hidden away under a little arch back from High St. It is so close to my house, yet I didn't even know it existed for the longest time, because you never see it! It's creepy looking from the outside. And closed most nights of the week. But inside, only on weekends, it transforms! It's one big sweaty sausage fest with rapidly thumping techno music blaring. There's a $5 cover at the door, which sucks, but drinks aren't too expensive. But I swear, you come here and all you want is water. It's so hot and sweaty I can't even think about alcohol. If you're just coming to dance $5 isn't that bad. But I think they make you pay for water. Maybe sneak your own water bottle inside. I came here once in the winter and it sucked. There was nowhere to put my coat and it was way too hot to keep it on. We had to make a coat pile in the corner on the floor and people kept tripping on them. Not sure if they had a coat check, but oh well. All in all, Axis is all about the dancing. So if you feel like letting loose, check the place out. If you can find it. read more

Axis Nightclub - from the Axis (Columbus Nightlife) website - Dance Clubs Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

So it's the best nightclub in Columbus. Fantastic drinks. Amazing bartenders. Some of the prettiest prefomers such as @ninawest and @theakaqueen love coming here to meet drag race girls and have fun with friends. Bathrooms are kept really clean for a nightclub. No parking so plan accordingly. There's 3 bars; two on the first level and one up on the upper loft. A huge stage for all of their shows. And some nights they open the stage to dancing. Love the monthly glow party! read more

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this is supposed to be a safe environment and there are good people that come to axis. there is one man that is always there alone and groping women including myself. he drugs and touches without consent and i have even reported him to the bouncer but no one does anything!! considering how many times people come here for a safe space and get roofied or assaulted there is never anything done about it. read more

When I had went last night 12/4/22. The bartenders were definitely great! Same as the front door attendants and the entertainment! My review isn't about the staff or the place itself because it's great! My issue is that I was drugged last night. I only had a couple Whiskey Cokes. After I had my 2 one I started to feel drunk and couldn't stand up right. After that last drink I needed to throw up and I had a couple people on top of me that I wanted nothing to do with. I woke up not remembering what I had done prior to getting back to my hotel room. My message is please keep your drinks close to you and don't end up how I was! Don't trust everyone! But everyone who worked was great! I have no issue with the club itself! read more