Mike P.
Yelp
I've been axe throwing at 7 establishments in 5 cities. Detroit Axe provided, BY FAR, the best experience.
What's sets DA apart from the others, is the instruction. If you're a rank beginner, or if you fancy yourself pretty decent, this is a great place to come. If you're really good, come here to throw against people who are probably even better.
Our axe master was Jonathan M, himself a competitive/champion thrower. He's a super personable guy, as well as an outstanding coach and teacher. He corrected flaws in my basic form, and went so far as to teach me some competitive throwing techniques. (Hint...pros hold the axe/hatchet completely differently than you might think). Plus, under his tutelage my son was hitting the bullseye, and the clutch, with regularity. He taught me how to throw the long handled axe "Detroit Style," that is, one handed. After noticing a flaw in my approach and telling me how to correct it, he had me on bullseye. Dude's a pro. Jon-a-than! Jon-a-than!
The atmosphere of this facility is the coolest that I've been to...industrial and kitschy at the same time. Detroit Axe is located in the same building with another cool place: The Corner Grill, Bar, and Game Room. The throwing lanes are half a story up from The Corner, and the whole place seems interconnected. There's an additional, smaller, bar upstairs. While we didn't eat here, I was more than satisfied with the beer selection. Speaking of that, do keep in mind that TOO MUCH beer, and axes, may not go well together.
You'll find a few classic arcade games, but that's probably not, by itself, a reason to come here. DA (and the Corner Grill) has tons of old/new board games as well...for some, that alone just might be a reason for coming here.
Age limit: technically, it's 14 and up. But, if you have a muscular 13 year old who refuses to shave his stupid-ass-virgin-butt-hair mustache, he just might be able to slip in.
AXE THROWING! It's not just for Vikings, lumberjacks, and hipsters anymore! So, head on up to Ferndale, sign the release, have an Atwater or a Faygo, and throw some fuggin' axes!
5 stars!