There’s a moment the first time you throw an axe.
It leaves your hand, spins once, maybe twice, and then… thud. It sticks.
That moment is what keeps people coming back.
And it’s exactly what Dragon's Lair Axe & Tap was built around.
Tucked into Maple Grove’s growing entertainment scene, Dragon’s Lair offers something just a little unexpected. But that’s the point. What might seem like a novelty at first quickly reveals itself as something far more intentional.
Built by co-founders David and Austin, both professional axe throwers, the space blends elite-level skill with an inviting, social atmosphere that welcomes everyone from first-timers to league regulars.
“Our first season we had about 30 members,” Austin says. “Our last season, we were over 70.”
That growth didn’t happen by accident.
From hobby to high level
David and Austin found the sport in very different ways.
Austin started young, throwing axes with his dad at the family cabin. David discovered it years later, shortly before the 2020 quarantine. What they shared was a natural pull toward the discipline and precision of the craft.
That passion quickly evolved into something more serious.
“We just returned from the WATL World Championships in Tulsa, and the Dragon’s Lair community had a remarkable week,” David says. “Austin dropped back-to-back 42s on the defending Big Axe champion and hit nine kills in a row in hatchet duals. I finished fourth in the world in Knife Duals.”
They sent a dozen throwers. Every one of them competed at a high level.
More than a night out
Still, Dragon’s Lair was never meant to be just a place for experts.
From the beginning, the goal was to create an experience that anyone could step into and enjoy.
Rather than a simple activity, it’s designed to feel like progression. Guests learn proper technique, understand the mechanics of a great throw, and improve, often within a single visit.
“You’ve got your own space, pro-level axes, a wide variety of games, and a team that knows how to guide you without overcomplicating it,” David says. “Add in the bar and food, and it turns into a full experience.”
Each session begins with hands-on instruction from trained “axemasters,” many of whom were coached directly by David and Austin. The focus is safety and confidence, but just as importantly, making it approachable and fun.
Built for groups
That same energy translates naturally to groups.
Whether it’s a team looking to step out of the office, a group of friends celebrating, or a company bringing people together, the experience creates something shared. There’s just enough competition to make it engaging, and enough structure to make it easy for everyone to participate.
People relax. They connect. And before long, the focus shifts from the throw itself to the experience of doing it together.
Always something new
And it’s not just throwing at a board.
Guests can choose from more than 30 interactive games, from Connect 4 and Battleship to Zombie Apocalypse and Mythical Buck Hunter. New games are introduced regularly, giving returning guests something new to try each time.
That variety keeps the experience fresh, whether it’s your first visit or your fifth.
Built to stay a while
The “Tap” side adds another layer.
With a curated mix of craft beers and familiar favorites, the space encourages guests to slow down, connect, and turn a quick outing into a full evening.
It’s not just about the throw. It’s about the time around it.
A craft within the craft
For Austin, the passion goes even deeper.
“I’ve been making custom axes for myself for five years,” he says. “Now I’m starting to make them for others.”
That level of detail and care shows up in everything they do.
Together, David and Austin have built more than a venue.
They’ve built a community.
Their experience at the highest levels of the sport doesn’t create distance. It makes the experience better, giving guests the chance to learn from people who truly know the craft.
And it all comes back to that first moment.
Thud. Stuck.
Visit Dragon’s Lair Axe & Tap at 16415 County Rd 30 in Maple Grove or call (612) 444-8686.
“It’s not just throwing an axe. It’s an experience you get better at every time you come back.”