Which Ax-Throwing Bar is Right for You?

At these two bars, both within city limits, drinking while throwing heavy, sharp, metal objects around isn’t just tolerated. It’s actively encouraged.

The Vibe

Axe MKE (1924 E. Kenilworth Pl.)

Lots of wood paneling, and enough buffalo plaid to make you feel like you’re at a Northwoods summer camp

Northsouth Club (230 E. Pittsburgh Ave.)

The name “NorthSouth Club” hints at the bar’s split personality – Northern-inspired ax-throwing lanes and Southern-inspired shuffleboard courts


The Guests

Axe MKE

College students tired of bar-hopping along Brady Street

Northsouth Club

Young professionals and at least a few retirees congregating around the shuffleboard courts


The Owners

Axe MKE

Marla and David Poytinger, who also own Nine Below and Splash Studio

Northsouth Club

Marla and David Poytinger (yup, they’re building something of an activity bar empire)


The Menu

Axe MKE

A full bar, plus snacks like beef jerky and soft pretzels

Northsouth Club

Basically everything that’s available at Axe MKE, with a little more emphasis on tropical cocktails


The Details

Axe MKE

$20-$25 per person for walk-ins; $25-$30 per person for reserved hour-long sessions

Northsouth Club

Same hourly rates as its sister bar, or $35 for complete access to the throwing lanes and the shuffleboard courts for two and a half hours.


“Ax-Throwing Throw Down” appears in the October 2019 issue of Milwaukee Magazine.

Find it on newsstands beginning October 1, or buy a copy at milwaukeemag.com/shop.

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Lindsey Anderson covers culture for Milwaukee Magazine. Before joining the MilMag team she worked as an editor at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and wrote freelance articles for ArtSlant and Eater.