St. Louis keeps surprising people. A city famous for toasted ravioli, the Gateway Arch, and Cardinals baseball now has a legitimate axe throwing scene scattered across downtown, the suburbs, and the western corridor. The best part? Several venues here are BYOB -- meaning you can bring your own craft beer from one of the city's excellent local breweries and throw axes without paying bar markup.
The Downtown Option: Top Notch Axe Throwing
Top Notch Axe Throwing at 440 N 4th St sits in the Laclede's Landing district, a few blocks from the Arch and the riverfront. This is where the St. Louis axe throwing story starts for most people, and with a 4.9-star Google rating across hundreds of reviews, it earns that position.
What sets it apart: Top Notch goes beyond standard axe throwing. Sessions include access to ninja stars, throwing cards, and other novelty weapons alongside traditional hatchets. The coaching staff gets consistent praise -- names like Ben, Kenny, and Nate come up repeatedly in reviews for their ability to get first-timers sticking axes within minutes.
The BYOB factor: The downtown St. Louis location is bring-your-own, which changes the economics entirely. Grab a six-pack from 4 Hands Brewing (a 5-minute drive) or Urban Chestnut and bring it along. No corkage fees, no overpriced venue drinks.
Pricing: $38 per person for a 90-minute session. That is on the higher end for the Midwest, but the session length and variety of throwing options justify it. Group rates are available for parties of 8 or more.
Hours: Check their website for current hours, as they vary by season. Reservations strongly recommended for weekends and Friday evenings.
Top Notch also operates a second location in St. Charles/Cottleville at 5055 Highway N -- that one serves beer, wine, and hard seltzer directly if you prefer a built-in bar experience.
The Axe House -- Valley Park
The Axe House at 20 Meramec Valley Plaza Dr in Valley Park brings a different energy to the St. Louis axe throwing scene. Located about 20 minutes southwest of downtown off I-44, this venue draws from the western suburbs and offers a more intimate, neighborhood feel.
The vibe: Less urban entertainment district, more come-as-you-are local spot. The Axe Masters here teach technique in under 30 minutes and then let you loose on the lanes. Reviews consistently mention the relaxed atmosphere and personalized attention -- smaller crowds mean more throwing time per person.
BYOB rules: Beer and wine welcome, no hard alcohol. You can also bring your own food, making this a genuine party destination where you control the menu and the bar tab.
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 4-9 PM, Friday 2-10 PM, Saturday noon-10 PM, Sunday noon-6 PM. Walk-ins welcome but reservations recommended.
Best for: Birthday parties, divorce parties (yes, they market this explicitly), date nights, and smaller groups who want dedicated attention from instructors.
Amp Up Action Park -- Town and Country
If your group includes people who might not want to throw axes for an entire session, Amp Up Action Park at 13901 Manchester Rd in Town and Country solves that problem. This is a multi-activity entertainment center where axe throwing is one option alongside go-karts, laser tag, and other attractions.
How it works: Private lane rental at $115/hour for up to 5 people -- which comes out to $23 per person if you fill the lane. That is actually cheaper per-person than Top Notch for small groups. The downside: the experience is less axe-focused and more "amusement park with an axe lane."
Age requirement: 14 and up for axe throwing, which makes this the most accessible option for families with teenagers.
Best for: Mixed groups where not everyone wants to throw axes, families with teens, or people who want to combine activities in one visit.
STL Axe Throwing -- Saint Charles
Out in Saint Charles at 1862 Scherer Pkwy, STL Axe Throwing offers two-hour sessions in a clean, spacious facility. The longer format works well for corporate groups and larger parties, though some reviewers with smaller groups found two hours excessive. Like several other St. Louis area venues, it allows outside food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Neighborhoods to Know
Part of what makes St. Louis axe throwing work is the city's neighborhood culture. Here is how to build an evening around each venue:
Laclede's Landing / Downtown (Top Notch): After your session, walk to the riverfront or grab dinner in Washington Avenue's restaurant row. The City Museum is nearby if you want to extend the weird-and-physical theme of your evening. Broadway Oyster Bar is a 10-minute walk for live music.
Valley Park (The Axe House): More of a suburban outing. Pair it with dinner at one of the Kirkwood or Webster Groves restaurants -- both neighborhoods are a short drive east on I-44. Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood puts you right in the middle of the local craft beer scene.
Town and Country (Amp Up): Manchester Road has plenty of dining options. This is West County territory -- chain restaurants and local gems coexist.
Top Venues in St. Louis
Browse real venues in St. Louis with ratings, photos, and booking links.
Venue Photos
See all venues in St. Louis
View All St. Louis VenuesSt. Louis vs Other Midwest Cities
How does St. Louis stack up? Compared to Milwaukee (one main venue), Cincinnati (two venues, heavier bar focus), or Chicago (bigger market, higher prices), St. Louis occupies a sweet spot: multiple venue styles, BYOB options that no other major Midwest city matches, and lower per-person costs.
The BYOB angle is genuinely distinctive. In most cities, your choices are "venue with expensive bar" or "dry venue." St. Louis gives you a third option that pairs perfectly with the city's craft brewery density.
Planning Your Visit
| Venue | Location | Price | BYOB | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Notch (Downtown) | Laclede's Landing | $38/person | Yes | Date nights, groups wanting variety |
| Top Notch (St. Charles) | Cottleville | $38/person | No (bar on-site) | Suburban groups, beer lovers |
| The Axe House | Valley Park | Varies | Beer/wine only | Intimate groups, parties |
| Amp Up Action Park | Town and Country | $115/lane/hr | No | Families, mixed-activity groups |
Tips for First-Timers in STL
- Book weekend sessions early. Top Notch downtown fills up fast on Friday and Saturday nights, especially during Cardinals season when Laclede's Landing gets busy.
- Bring your own beer strategically. Hit 4 Hands Brewing, Urban Chestnut, or Schlafly on the way. BYOB venues do not provide cups -- bring your own or drink from cans.
- Closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable at every venue. Check our what to wear guide for the full breakdown.
- Consider the drive. St. Louis venues are spread across a 25-mile radius. Pick the one closest to your starting point rather than defaulting to downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does axe throwing cost in St. Louis?
Expect $23-38 per person depending on venue and group size. Top Notch charges $38/person for 90 minutes. Amp Up works out to $23/person with a full lane. See our national pricing guide for comparison.
Can you bring alcohol to axe throwing in St. Louis?
Yes -- Top Notch downtown and The Axe House in Valley Park are both BYOB. Beer and wine are allowed at The Axe House; Top Notch downtown has fewer restrictions. The St. Charles Top Notch location has its own bar instead. Check our venues with bars for more options nationally.
Is axe throwing in St. Louis safe for beginners?
Every venue starts with coached instruction. Top Notch has a 4.9-star rating built largely on first-timer experiences. Read our safety guide and beginner's guide for what to expect.
What is the best axe throwing venue in St. Louis for large groups?
Top Notch downtown handles large groups well and has the space for it. For very large corporate events, Amp Up offers multi-activity options. For planning tips, check our corporate team building guide.
Are there axe throwing leagues in St. Louis?
Yes. Top Notch runs regular league nights at both locations. Check their website for current schedules and sign-up info.
Throw in the Gateway City
St. Louis gives you something most cities cannot: real choice in how you experience axe throwing. Want a polished downtown session with ninja stars and BYOB beer? Top Notch. Want a laid-back suburban spot where you bring pizza and a six-pack? The Axe House. Want go-karts and axes in the same visit? Amp Up.
Browse all Missouri axe throwing venues in our directory, or find a top-rated venue near you.
Find More Venues in St. Louis
Explore detailed venue pages with hours, pricing, photos, and directions.