Axe throwing anyone? Libertyville restaurant draws attention weeks before debut
Mid-July is the target opening for Up North Axe & Tap in downtown Libertyville but curious passersby already have been peering in the windows to get a look at what's taking shape.
“We've gotten a lot of interest just with the sign up,” says James Bernstein, who with wife, Amy, are transforming the former Chili U space at 547 N. Milwaukee Ave., into a Northwoods experience.
“People walk by here and take pictures of the doors,” added Amy.
Both have worked in restaurants and opening their own place has been in the conversation for years but incorporating axe throwing was a more recent decision.
“We wanted to do something different and unique,” Amy explained. Restaurants are common in downtown Libertyville but axe throwing is unexpected in an area known for dining and shopping.
As planned, the restaurant decor and atmosphere will be reminiscent of the Northwoods with wood grain, nature-inspired artwork, taxidermy mounts and other features.
The menu will include pizza, cheese curds, freshly ground beef, bison, elk and turkey burgers, rib eye and strip steaks, buffalo and brisket grilled cheese sandwiches and other bar food.
In front, facing Milwaukee Avenue and clearly visible through the big windows, four, 12-foot axe throwing lanes will be the main attraction. An adjoining party room will be marketed for events.
This is the Bernsteins’ first restaurant venture. Before leaving in 2021, James was a permanent part-timer with the Lake Villa fire district. He founded. J.B. Builders, specializing in custom Ninja courses and will be doing much of the work at Up North.
Both grew up going to northern Wisconsin and have continued the tradition with their own family. A few years ago, they bought a camper and parked it at a campground in Lyndon Station, near the Wisconsin Dells.
The couple who live in Knollwood, an unincorporated area just east of Libertyville, visited the camper often during the season and about three years ago discovered a new pastime.
“We ordered some lunch and threw some axes and had a blast,” explained Amy. About six months ago, the restaurant talk became serious and out of the blue, they decided to go for it.
They partnered with a neighbor, Jiwon McCartney, who has connections in the food and beverage industry through Alley Brands Concepts Inc. The company launched Burger Alley Chicago and added Up North Axe & Tap to its roster.
“I had resources, the knowledge and the network to help,” McCartney said. We're going to infuse our fresh approach to food.”
She said the marketing will be tongue in cheek and having axe throwing streetside will draw attention.
“We want you to gawk,” she said. “Come out and try it. What do you have to lose?”
Up North isn’t the first axe throwing venue in Libertyville. One opened in a strip mall at 216 Peterson Road in 2021 but closed within two years and was replaced by Timberjaxe Axe Lounge.