Last November, we broke the news that the popular ax throwing bar trend would fling itself into Bay View thanks to ten approved lanes at Bounce, expected sometime this winter. It seems, however, the blade-hurling bar theme landed on another target as well: the East Side, as this morning it was announced another ax throwing bar, AXE MKE, will move next to Black Cat Alley at 1924 E. Kenilworth Pl.

The latest project from Splash Studio and Nine Below owners Marla and David Poytinger, AXE MKE will feature several throwing cages – or "pits" – as well as a full bar and private event space in the 4,000-plus-square foot space, located between Yokohama and Ma Fischer's. 

"Think of a cross between bowling and darts," explained Marla Poytinger in a press release. "You can rent a lane or two, grab drinks from the bar and kick back for some friendly ‘lumberjack-style’ competition. It’s insanely fun."

"I love the direction the East Side is going, and I’m so glad owner/operators like Marla and David are continuing to invest in the area," added East Side BID director Kristin Godfrey in the release. "They know the concept bar industry inside and out, and all of their businesses are professional, safe, and incredibly popular. This will be a great addition to the area, and I can’t wait to throw some axes myself!"

Construction is expected to start on the new concept bar immediately, with this summer set as the opening. Stay tuned to OnMilwaukee for more updates as they come – and feel free to continue debating if the East Side is still supposedly dying or not.