Non-sporty sports
Arlington lands new axe-throwing venue in buzzy downtown district
Axes will fly in Arlington when doors open to the new Texas Axe Throwing Co. in the city's bustling Urban Union downtown development.
Set to launch this spring, the family-friendly venue will bring the hottest trend in non-sporty sports to a town known, in fact, for sporty sports. Arlington natives Mitesh Natha and Vikash Bhula are spearheading the 3,800-square-foot space, which will feature axe throwing ("darts on steroids," they say), a bar with a Texas themed lounge, classic arcade games, table games, and special event options for parties, corporate events, and more.
“We are excited and pumped to bring a fresh, unique, and exciting experience to Urban Union," co-owner Mitesh Natha says in a release. "It will really add to the already exciting mix of the district.”
Axe throwing has become a bit of a trend in the past few years. It originated in Canada and, similar to darts, paintball, or bowling, does not require you to be fit to participate. Its ice-breaking novelty makes it popular for first dates, group outings, and team-building corporate events.
Texas Axe Throwing Co. becomes the third Tarrant County axe-throwing concept, and the fourth in Dallas-Fort Worth. In late December, Bad Axe Throwing, which has a Dallas location, announced it would open a Fort Worth outpost in March 2019. Flying Axe Factory, which opened a facility right off the Trinity Trails in February 2018, was the first in Fort Worth. There's also Dallas Axe Throwing, which is actually located in Richardson.
Texas Axe Throwing Co. joins another recent addition to Urban Union’s mixed-use development of restaurants, bars, and creative offices. The Cartel Taco Bar, from the team behind The Grease Monkey Burger Shop, opened in December 18.
The Cartel Taco Bar’s menu includes craft tacos, burritos, brunch, and more from chef Paul Checkeye. There's a 1,000-square-foot covered patio, as well as a wide selection of high-end tequila, margarita flights, and cocktails.
“We are excited to be a part of this up-and-coming area,” Arlington local and Grease Monkey founder Greg Gardner says in a release. “As we’ve shown in the last seven years, we are fully committed to the growth and energy behind the great things happening in this part of our city. The downtown area has burgers, pizza and other great food options, we feel a unique taco bar is the missing piece.”
Urban Union, at the center of Arlington’s hustle-bustle and rapid growth, is giving new life to tired, old buildings and vacant lots. It is home to Legal Draft Beer Co., 4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge, The Tipsy Oak, and more cool hang-out spots.
"Texas Axe Throwing and Cartel Taco Bar really contribute to the edgy vibe of the district and complement our existing offerings," says Urban Union founder Ryan Dodson. "Urban Union is truly becoming a unique destination for residents and tourists. The best part is, we have so much more cool stuff on the way."