When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Live Axe
Why Live Axe is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Live Axe NYC offers an electrifying and unique social experience for groups and friends looking for an unconventional meetup option. Located on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, it is New York City's first axe throwing bar and league venue. The space blends the thrill of indoor axe throwing with a nightlife atmosphere, featuring artisanal cocktails, rotating craft beers, and a distinctive food menu. This hybrid of entertainment and dining makes it a lively spot for parties, team-building events, or casual hangouts. The venue’s design encourages camaraderie and friendly competition as guests can book lanes to throw axes in a controlled, safe environment. Patrons often praise the fun vibe amplified by funky disco music and the venue’s welcoming, diverse crowd. With rave reviews from mainstream media such as The Wall Street Journal and positive mentions on social platforms, Live Axe NYC stands out as a memorable place where visitors can both enjoy quality drinks and engage in an active social game. Its unique offering makes it perfect for groups looking to try something beyond the typical bar or lounge setting, combining sport, skill, and socializing in a dynamic urban backdrop.
Here's what people think of Live Axe
As of recent, Live Axe holds a 4.8-star rating based on 3051 reviews.
Users have generally responded very positively to Live Axe, reflected in its high rating of 4.8 from over 3,000 reviews. Many praise the venue's fun and lively atmosphere, highlighting the well-crafted cocktails and unique food offerings alongside the axe throwing experience. Reviewers appreciate the friendly and energetic environment, often noting how it’s a great place for group activities or team building. Positive comments frequently mention the staff as supportive and friendly coworkers, the flexible work environment for employees, and a crowd that typically comes in good spirits, perfect for socializing and celebration. However, some reviews point out issues with management, describing it as out of touch or occasionally hostile toward staff, which has affected internal workplace morale. A few customers have also mentioned occasional disappointments regarding pricing or event packages, particularly for corporate bookings. Despite these critiques, the general visitor experience remains favorable with many highlighting Live Axe's unique appeal and its successful blend of nightlife with interactive sport. Overall, Live Axe is celebrated for delivering a memorable and exciting social venue, with only minor reservations that do not overshadow its strong reputation.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Nicole Kim
Went here for a team event and it was super fun. It was my first time and thank goodness I didn’t hurt anyone or myself. The staff here are very friendly and the drinks are solid. Can’t go wrong with a cold glass of beer or an old fashioned. We ordered some white and red flatbread pizza, pretzel the giant, garden on a skewer (skip this one) and grilled corn a cob (def skip this one). There’s plenty of space upstairs and downstairs. We played a couple of games which was super fun and competitive. Would be a fun date night spot as well.
Kendra Z
We had a great time at Live Ax! Carolina and Sunny were absolutely wonderful—super friendly and really helpful in guiding us on how to throw and maintain good posture. I really appreciated that they gave me a smaller, lighter ax, which made it easier for me to throw and actually hit the target. We had lots of fun and will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend!
They Love My Splash
My group of 6 were celebrating a birthday! Trevor was our axe expert and he was solid, funny, and gave cool tips for throwing for my friend who is an experienced dancer. We didn't have any food but shout out to Sky our friendly and hospitable bartender on the Tamarind margarita and Moscow Mules. We had a blast throwing and competing against one another. The night was full of smiles and jokes. All in all a time was had. We'll be back.
Sarah Cruz
Our group of 8 went out for ladies night and we had a blast with this!! Live Axe was so accommodating when we needed to move our time back a bit and the staff in general were very friendly and easy going. Our Axe Guy, Christopher, was awesome!! Highly, highly recommend trying this place out! So much fun!
Ariana Albright
Has a great time Ophelia was such a great teacher for the axe throwing. Me and my boyfriend loved the energy. I don’t remember the girl that accompanied us for the rage room but she was great as well. Definitely going again.
How to reach Live Axe
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Website: None
Why Live Axe may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Live Axe with your friends? Live Axe offers an incomparable and vibrant experience centered on the unique activity of axe throwing, right in the heart of Manhattan’s Chinatown. This venue stands out not just as a place to toss axes but as a fully immersive, upscale Viking-themed entertainment destination where you and your friends can escape the everyday routine and unleash your inner warrior. With a stellar 4.8 rating from over 3,000 reviews, it’s clear that guests consistently leave thrilled and eager to return. Whether you want to bond with friends, celebrate a special occasion, or simply savor an exciting night out, Live Axe’s mix of adrenaline-pumping activities, creative cocktails, chef-curated food, and live music forms the perfect backdrop for unforgettable social gatherings. Its expansive two-floor layout accommodates up to 250 people comfortably, making it ideal for intimate get-togethers or large group meetups. Not to mention, the venue’s dedicated Cage Captains ensure everyone learns the ropes safely, maximizing fun and camaraderie. All these elements combine to make Live Axe an exceptional, one-of-a-kind social hub where excitement and conviviality thrive.
What activities does Live Axe offer that make it perfect for group meetups? At the core, Live Axe specializes in axe throwing, Manhattan’s first and only elevated axe throwing bar, where participants of all skill levels can engage in a dynamic, interactive competition. Groups can join shared cages with up to 12 participants or rent their own private cages, ideal for team-building or celebrations. Cage Captains lead each session, teaching axe-throwing techniques and organizing competitive challenges, which add an engaging, playful layer to the experience that keeps everyone involved and entertained. Beyond axe throwing, guests can enjoy a full menu of artisanal cocktails and rotating craft beers to keep spirits high throughout the event. The venue also boasts chef-curated food, ensuring that hunger is well taken care of with a selection of elevated bar fare that complements the energetic atmosphere. This combination of physical activity, culinary delights, and social drinking in a sleek Viking-themed setting makes it especially fitting for groups looking to connect over something different — ramps up excitement while fostering teamwork and friendly rivalry.
How does Live Axe’s space and atmosphere enhance the social experience? The venue features a spacious, industrial-chic environment spread over 10,000 square feet across two floors, designed to maximize both comfort and engagement. Its modern Viking aesthetic is visually striking and immersive, providing a unique thematic backdrop that enriches the overall vibe and encourages playful group interaction. Two fully stocked bars serve creative, handcrafted cocktails alongside craft beers, creating a lively lounge atmosphere where guests can mingle between axe throwing rounds or after their games wind down. Live Axe isn’t just about physical activity; it also has live DJs and music to keep the energy high and the mood festive. The layout supports large groups, with the capacity to host up to 250 guests, making it a top-tier choice for private parties, corporate gatherings, or casual meetups with friends and family. Accessibility features and amenities like Wi-Fi, kosher kitchen options, and comfortable seating make it a thoughtful, all-encompassing venue.
Why is Live Axe ideal for special occasions and corporate events? The venue’s dedicated event space and professional planning team provide a seamless hosting experience for everything from birthday parties to team-building outings. With a maximum capacity of 700 guests for standing events and up to 210 seated, it can accommodate both intimate and large-scale gatherings. The staff assists in customizing experiences to fit the group’s needs, ensuring personalized attention to detail that elevates each event. Corporate clients appreciate the blend of entertainment and team enhancement, as axe throwing encourages teamwork, healthy competition, and stress relief in a safe indoor environment. Moreover, Live Axe’s full food and beverage service, including on-site catering and the option to bring outside catering, adds convenience and flexibility to event planning. Together, these aspects make Live Axe a versatile venue that caters expertly to social, corporate, and celebratory functions alike.
What additional attractions and experiences complement a visit to Live Axe? Beyond axe throwing and lively socializing, Live Axe hosts special themed sessions such as Brunch & Axes on Sundays, combining axe throwing with live DJ music and a brunch menu. This event is perfect for daytime meetups with a twist, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxed yet spirited atmosphere while tossing axes and savoring curated culinary delights. The venue’s vibrant Chinatown neighborhood location also offers great accessibility via public transit and proximity to other NYC hotspots, making it easy to combine Live Axe with broader plans for a full day or evening out. For enthusiasts, Live Axe runs leagues for regular players, adding another layer of engagement and community building. All these options make Live Axe not just a one-time outing place but a dynamic hub suited for repeated visits and group traditions.
In summary, Live Axe excels as a top NYC venue for friends and families to meet up because it delivers a combination of active entertainment, great food and drinks, immersive atmosphere, and flexible event hosting capabilities. Its unique axe throwing experience encourages connection and excitement, while its upscale setting and attentive service ensure comfort and fun from start to finish. Whether planning a casual outing, a festive party, or a corporate event, Live Axe provides a safe, memorable, and high-energy environment that elevates social gatherings to new heights.