Dining

Come for the food, stay for ax-throwing

Posted September 25, 2025 3:16 pm

Daily Herald report

Local officials and well-wishers Wednesday welcomed Up North Axe & Tap at 547 N. Milwaukee Ave., in downtown Libertyville, a Northwoods-themed restaurant and bar that also features four ax-throwing lanes.

About 50 local officials and supporters celebrated the new family-friendly spot fashioned from a former restaurant space by owners James Bernstein and his wife, Amy.

The business officially opened Aug. 28. People are learning there is more to the place than ax throwing, said James Bernstein.

“We pride ourselves in our burgers and our brisket sandwich along with our buffalo wings and flat breads,” he said. “Our number one burger right now is the Up North burger, which has a blend of elk bison, wild bore and wagyu beef.”

Local officials and others welcomed Up North Axe & Tap to downtown Libertyville. Courtesy of GLMV Chamber of Commerce

The venue is available for families, group outings and leagues.

Libertyville Mayor Donna Johnson, GLMV Chamber of Commerce President Scott Adams and MainStreet Libertyville Executive Director Jennifer Johnson were among those attending a ceremonial ribbon cutting.