By Katrina Tulloch | ktulloch@syracuse.com
CAMILLUS, N.Y. — A new bar where you can eat, drink and throw axes is now open in Township 5.
Bad Axe Throwing has more than 20 locations around the United States and Canada. People can book birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, reunions and corporate events there.
Initially, Bad Axe was set to open last January but didn’t open until mid-March, due to construction and permit delays. The Township 5 location is in a 3,100-square-foot space next to Branching Out Bottle Shop. Another location is planned for Rochester.
Inside, people stand 12 feet away from a target and throw axes, which weigh about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds.
Axemaster Brandon Sobles of Camden, N.Y. says it’s “imperative” to learn from your coach before throwing, to avoid accidents and injuries.
Kids are welcome at Bad Axe Throwing if parents or guardians are present.
“We don’t have an age limit,” Sobles said. “[Kids] can do this as long as they can physically throw the axe and follow the safety guidelines.”
The bar at Bad Axe Throwing offers national and local craft brews. Owner Mario Zelaya said if an employee thinks a patron has had too much to drink, they won’t be permitted to throw axes.
“We try to keep the drinking to a minimum,” Sobles said.
I brought along my appropriately-named colleague, Brent Axe, to try out the Township 5 venue. Things got a little competitive.
Check out the video above to see how we fared.
Walk-ins cost $23.96 per person to use common area targets. Throwers must sign waivers to participate.
Bad Axe Throwing is an official outlet for the World Axe Throwing League, where people can sign up for leagues and potentially compete on ESPN for the world championship.
Hours: Interested throwers can walk in between 5 to 10 p.m. on weekdays, between noon and 11 p.m. on Saturday, and between noon and 9 p.m. on Sundays.
Address: 170 Township Blvd., Camillus.
Phone: (888) 435-0001
Did you know? Bad Axe isn’t the only place you can throw weapons in Syracuse. Far Shot Syracuse offers both knife and axe throwing, along with archery at their West Fayette Street location. Plus, archery and axe-throwing are also popular at regional Renaissance Festivals.