The Axe Bar opened just two weeks ago, and you can throw axes, grab a bite, or have a drink at the new Downtown Champaign bar. I tried the Hatchet cocktail ($11.99) — because when in an axe throwing bar, why not get the themed beverage? It was pretty great: a little harsh start but a smooth finish. Made with vodka, Chambord berry liqueur, lime, and topped with Sprite, this cocktail was tasty and strong — and the name was super fun.
There are 24 beers on tap, plenty of cocktail selection, and a bar food menu. We enjoyed our drinks on the couches and watched other people throw axes for a bit. There was lots of seating and super attentive servers, and throwing axes was totally optional.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
I did get to throw some axes. That’s my bullseye in the photo above. The Axe Bar offers 30 minute, 60 minute, or 90 minute blocks of axe throwing, and they have a strict two drink maximum for those throwing axes. It was really fun, and our axe coach Marcus was encouraging, helpful, and cool. Wear closed toed shoes (or borrow the ones they have at the bar), so you can throw safely. You can enter from either side of the building, on Neil Street or on Walnut, to get into the new bar.
The Axe Bar
114 S Neil St
Champaign
M-W 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Th-Su 11 a.m. to midnight
Top image by Alyssa Buckley.
