Entry No. 70 — the Wichita file — filed under: arcade-play
Axe to Grind
Axe to Grind is a locally run indoor axe-throwing range downtown with nine lanes plus a large bar and lounge serving beer and seltzers. It sits in the Commerce Street arts corridor right next to Tor Brewing and a short walk from Intrust Bank Arena, so it's easy to pair with a drink crawl. Coaches get you throwing safely before you start competing.
The story
Commerce Street is Wichita's brick-and-warehouse arts corridor, but at 220 South Commerce, the local entertainment comes with a flying steel blade. Axe to Grind fills its industrial space with nine timber target lanes backed by a sprawling bar and lounge. It is built for the nights when sitting on a bar stool feels too passive and you would rather settle a friendly grudge by hurling hatchets into wood end-grain.
You sign a safety waiver on arrival before an assigned coach steps in to break down distance, stance, and two-handed overhead rotation. The throwing options reach beyond standard hatchets into knife throwing and duals competition, turning a basic bar night into a tactical skill session. Because it sits directly adjacent to Tor Brewing and a short walk from Intrust Bank Arena, it serves as the sharpest anchor point for a downtown Commerce Street crawl.
What it's like
Expect the loud, rhythmic crunch of axes biting into timber targets echoing through the room every few seconds. Once your coach clears your practice throws and runs through scoring, you are left to run best-of-five target rounds with your group. The energy is casually competitive, with dates putting beer on the next bullseye and groups filling the lounge seats between turns. Walk-ins are accepted, but weekend lanes book up quickly, so showing up without a reservation often means hanging out in the lounge until a lane opens. Just remember the non-negotiable house rule: closed-toe shoes are required, or you will be watching from the sidelines.
The move: Take a lane, learn the grip from a coach, then go best-of-five for sticking the bullseye with a beer on the line.
📍 Before you go Walk-ins possible but lanes are often reserved; booking a lane ahead is safer. Closed-toe shoes required.
- 📍 Wichita (downtown / Commerce St)
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Big night
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 220 S Commerce St, Wichita, KS 67202
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Fisch Haus — Walk a couple doors down Commerce Street to switch from throwing steel to browsing a three-story artist cooperative warehouse.
- Dockum — Head three blocks north into the Ambassador Hotel basement to grab craft cocktails in an old bank vault after your target session.
- Gallery Alley — Stroll one block north to touch and hear the intersensory outdoor sculptures built along Douglas Avenue.
- The Arcade — Trade flying axes for retro arcade joysticks by walking half a mile over to Old Town's classic game lounge.
Good to know
Do I need to book a lane in advance?
Walk-ins are allowed if space permits, but reserving online ahead of time is strongly advised on Friday and Saturday nights when all nine lanes fill up.
What is the dress code for throwing?
Closed-toe shoes are strictly required to enter the throwing lanes. Wear comfortable clothes that do not restrict your arm or shoulder movement.
Will someone teach us how to throw safely?
Yes, every group is assigned a coach who covers safety rules, lane protocol, and proper grip and stance before you throw on your own.
Does Axe to Grind serve food and drinks?
They operate a large bar and lounge on-site serving a selection of beers and seltzers while you throw.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Yelp · visitwichita.com
last checked: 2026-06-23