Live Out Your 'Game Of Thrones' Fantasies At This Ax-Throwing Bar In New York City

Have you watched Game of Thrones, Braveheart, or Vikings and wondered what it would be like to not only hold an ax, let alone throw one?
Well, now you can live out those fantasies at Kick Axe, an ax-throwing bar in Brooklyn, New York. Located in Gowanus, Kick Axe opened in December 2017.
“People come here because there’s nothing else like it,” said Trevor Hart, a safety expert known as an “ax-pert” at the facility. “There’s no place else you can come and hang out with your friends, have a drink, and throw axes. It’s so unique.”
The 7,000-square-foot venue features 10 throwing ranges and a bar that serves food and drinks. A 75-minute session costs $35 per person (plus tax). Kick Axe participants need to be at least seven years old.
“It’s just fun,” Hart said. “I think most people are afraid at first and once they start getting it, they start getting into it, and it becomes addicting. That’s when the fun starts.”

Culture Trip editors Michael LoRé and Esme Benjamin at Kick Axe Brooklyn

Kick Axe owners Ginger Flesher-Sonnier and Darren Sonnier plan to open another location in Washington, D.C., in the summer and are looking to expand to other cities, including Philadelphia, Orlando, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
Everything one would need for the optimal ax-throwing experience is provided by the facility. Sorry, bringing photos of an ex or boss is discouraged.
“You can’t ax your ex,” Hart says with a laugh.
Kick Axe even has props, including Viking helmets, flannel shirts, and rubber axes, for fun photo shoots after your session.
Participants begin by learning the two-handed overhead throwing technique. Should they master that, they’ll graduate to the one-handed technique. There are even a few trick shots to try should you want to test your true skill, but be sure to listen to your ax-pert before giving them a go on your own.

One-handed technique and the two-handed technique

“Most people come in either afraid or overconfident,” Hart said. “Depending if they’re sticking it or not neutralizes that and they either get excited or humbled. Everyone has a good time, though, even if you only stick it twice.”
Kick Axe Throwing, 622 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217.

This story is part of the Culture Trip collection: New York After Dark.

About the author

Michael LoRé

Sports Editor

Michael has been obsessed with sports since he started playing recreationally when he was 5 years old. Realizing he couldn't make it as a professional athlete and was a decent enough writer, the lightbulb went off: sports journalist. After honing his craft at the University of Delaware, Michael has covered anything and everything from scholastic field hockey to the World Series. Born and raised in New Jersey, Michael now lives in New York City, having worked most recently for New York City FC and the NHL. His favorite sport is soccer.