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    Urban Axes - Durham

    4.7 (139 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

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    Bullseye
    Michelle H.

    Decided to go to this establishment because my partner and I wanted to try axe throwing for the first time. We both had a splendid time and quickly learned the techniques to play thanks to our amazing instructor Lisa. Lisa was super great, informative, helpful, and kind. Checking in was super quick with a reservation, however, one the day and time I went I'm sure you can walk in as well after signing the waivers. Would definitely come back again!

    Nicole R.

    This is my new favorite pastime! So much fun! If you don't have enough people you throw with strangers (kind of like when you go to hibachi and you sit with randoms) but it's cool and you can make friends or enemies I guess depending on how badly you beat them! lol Such a great evening out and I want to have my next bday Update: second time and I had even more fun than the first time. Our instructor Carter was amazing. His enthusiasm was contagious and he truly loves what he does. I wish there was a location closer to me so I could join a league. Anyway we will be back for sure! Thanks for such a fun night!!

    Steven P.

    The perfect spot for a date. We had a ton of fun at Urban Axes. Our teacher was fantastic, and most importantly stressed safety while throwing axes. Last thing that you want when mixing sharp objects and alcohol is an accident. A fun spot, and we'll definitely be back with a bigger group

    Throwing area
    Kim E.

    This was the first time my boyfriend and I went axe throwing, and we had a great time! I had zero experience throwing anything, but our coach, Mark, was very helpful in showing us what to do. He gave us several different techniques to try, and helped out with adjusting our form. He was very knowledgeable about what little things we needed to adjust like our stance, where in our throw we let go of the axe, etc. He made sure we were having a good time every step of the way. Even if we were struggling, he offered bits of advice to help us improve and maximize our fun. Both of us had an amazing time and we are talking it up to our friends so we can come back again with a big group. We'll definitely need to have Mark as our coach next time, too!

    Ron W.

    Given the current axe-throwing craze, it took me some time to finally make it over to Urban Axes but glad I finally did! As a dedicated facility for axe-throwing, I have to believe the equipment and throwing lanes are probably built better then the temporary setups you'll see at bars from time to time. If you want to throw, you can make reservations with groups of 6 or more. Walk-in groups are given options for the next available time slot ($20/hour) and you may be paired up with other people. After signing the waiver/liability form, you're given a short briefing on safety and basic throwing guidance from your axe-throwing training. 1, 3 or 5 points for each ring and then there's a Clutch throw for extra points (Small green circle). Throwing is trickier then it looks, getting the sharp axe to stick was the challenge, I had! Urban Axes also has a chill beer bar in the back with canned offerings in the $5 to $6 range, very affordable. Overall I enjoyed Urban Axes and outside of working out the reservations/time slot, would definitely come back every now and then!

    a man standing outside of a building
    Stephanie J.

    Urban Axes is huge and was so much fun! We grabbed a beer before heading to our lane, they had a nice selection. It's $25 per person for a hour with a party of 4. Holly was our coach and she was great. We practiced throwing for most of the time and did a tournament at the end, I ended up getting 2nd place!

    Natika G.

    So much fun! For my birthday I wanted to do something different. I scheduled a block for 1.5 hours. Everything was super easy. I scheduled and paid online. Signed the waiver online also. Once we arrived we checked in and got started. Our coach was amazing! He was funny and very patient with us. Guiding us along the way and offering helpful tips. They don't sale food but you can bring in your own food. 1.5 hours was a long time so we left a few minutes early....

    man throwing axe
    Timothy O.

    We had a great time at Urban Axes. Our group of nine had two coaches, Bradley and Kristen, who made learning to throw easy and fun. Two of us are legally blind and UA did a great job to make everyone feel included. Kudos to Urban Axes. If you go, ask for Kristen and Bradley.

    Roger K.

    We are all entitled to our own opinions, right? Well here's mine: Parking: 3 Location: 4 Decor/ambiance: 5 Customer Service: 5 Who in their right mind came up with this concept? I would like shake that man/woman's hand and slap myself for not thinking of it first! Mock my words, Urban Axes is on to something! When they say its like throwing darts but with way more pleasure, they are not lying! I was able to come visit for the VIP throwing party and OMG I had a blast! The parking situation was kinda crazy but maybe thats because so many people where their. The location is great as it sits in the 'happening' section of downtown Durham. There is Boxcar next door and Dames up the street. The decor is sweet! As soon as you open the door you get a whiff of fresh wood! The service team is awesome. Everyone was so happy and smiling. The energy was crazy. Okie Dokie, lets talk Axe throwing! So at first we were a little scared as it is a real ax that you are throwing at a wooden target board thats posted about 15 feet away from you. There is an instructor at each lane coaching and checking you for safety. This was a lot of fun. As the night grew longer, we threw more and more axes. We became more confident and that fear began to roll away. By the end of the night we felt great and I can officially say this will be a new hobby for me. I'm looking forward to going back and doing this again. Urban Axes is new to the Durham area and they are actually the FIRST of its kind in this area. They can host up to 120 people at one time. Upon arrival you must sign a waiver so be prepared. They have an open full bar as well were you can get some pretty sweet drinks. Looking for something non alcoholic, fret not... they have sodas and water. The facility is brand new so its super clean and tidy. Enough with this long review, take a moment to look through the pictures and just GO! You will love this experience! Great place for a date night ;)

    Celebrating a birthday, post throw.
    Kristin U.

    First indoor activity since COVID, and felt comfortable the whole time. Staff were good about enforcing mask wearing. Our coach Smiley was super friendly and helpful. Great way to work out your Covid and political angst.

    a man in a red shirt and a woman in a red shirt
    Michele P.

    We came Valentine's Day for a little date night fun. Super coaches teach you what you need to know to have fun. Everyone is friendly and encouraging. We were hooked and returned ( with friends). Then we joined a league and met the best people. Axe throwing went from a fun activity to a place with camaraderie I haven't felt since my rugby days. We love that it is incredibly inclusive and positive environment - everyone (over 21) is welcome. a coming together of people you would never have met in your world but now miss between seasons. The interior is wide open and airy; conducive to socially distant interaction. COVID protocols are adhered to keep everyone safe.

    K J.

    The axe throwing event at Urban Axes was well coordinated with Maddie. It was a fun time for our business group. with lots of laughs. I would highly recommend this venue. The personalized coach gave excellent pointers with helping us improve our axe throwing skills.

    SO much fun! A must do when in Durham

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    5 months ago

    Fun! Great way to spend an afternoon! Wear comfortable clothes and bring lots of friends

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    Great service and vibes! Our instructor tended to our big group of 10+ people and was patient with your silliness.

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    Krista P.

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    Went here for my first time axe throwing. Our coach was helpful and funny! Taught us many different games and ways to keep score.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Urban Axes - Durham

    Any food? What kind and prices?

    I don't recall them serving food however they have a lot of great drinks to choose from.

    How's the parking?

    There is parking along sides the street and across the street if you go after the businesses are closed. I don't recall their being parking behind Urban Axes.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Urban Axes - Durham

    We went last night for my friend's birthday, and our coach, Bradley, really made our experience loads of fun.

    Mentioned in 47 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Stopped by the Velvet Hippo while out in downtown Durham. When you arrive parking can be a bit…read moretricky in this area as you'll need to find street parking or park in a nearby lot. When you walk in you'll need to either take the elevator or stairs up to the third floor. Once inside the bar you'll feel like you've been transported to an upscale, tropical bar. To order you'll need to walk up to the bar to place your order. I ordered the Hot Girl Summer (Olmeca Altos Reposado, fresh watermelon, Gran Gala orange liqueur, house-made habanero syrup, lime, salt half rim) which was so good. I also ordered a cheetahs do it in the dark (Astral Añejo tequila, Licor 43, Caffè Borghetti liqueur, espresso, orange twist) which was also excellent. I'd recommend walking out to the rooftop if it isn't too hot. There are several tables and the views of the city are nice. Definitely will come back to the velvet hippo next time I'm in Durham.

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    We hav been here twice and gotten a burger each time. Foie burger is the way to go. Hands down one…read moreof the best burgers I've had. The "wings" were absolutely killer with the perfect sweet and spicy flavor and that dipping sauce with them is out of this world. I would get the burrata again too, the only miss was the gnocchi and I say that but I ate every bite... so it's old a miss compared to everything else. Service was top notch and the drinks are delicious. I want to go get a drink at the funky little ally window one night. Go here! Get the burger! You will not regret it

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    Love this place! It's definitely a bit on the pricey side when it comes to the wine, but the…read moreoverall experience makes up for it. The service is awesome--our server was super friendly and gave me a great drink recommendation when I wasn't sure what I wanted. It ended up being perfect. My friend and I shared a glass of the 2023 Cederberg Bukettraube (sweet white wine) and got the charcuterie board for one with the truffle salami. That board was so good--I can't stop thinking about it. The toasted baguette slices with truffle salami and mustard? Unreal. It was the perfect little snack to share. We also had the citrus lavender crème brûlée, which was surprisingly delicious. I don't usually go for crème brûlée, but this one was light, not overly sweet, and just had a really nice flavor. I've also tried their shepherd's pie before and loved it--wish it was still on the menu! The vibe inside is moody and cozy, and they've got a cute outdoor patio too. Overall, such a great spot. A little pricey, but I'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend checking out Killer Queen.

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    Interior
    Interior
    Killer Queen
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    Urban Axes - Durham - bars - Updated August 2026

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