★ 5

I love the atmosphere and vibe of this place. The staff are always super nice while I'm there. They have great food (Kevin makes fantastic smash burgers) here at a fair price. I would recommend to friends, family and visitors to La Crosse.

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★ 5

Fun and classic arcade games for only .25 or 1 token! Also, axe throwing lanes and a bar!

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★ 5

Best date night place I've found yet!

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★ 2

One bartender here, Sammi, is without exaggeration the complete opposite of what a bartender should bring to an establishment. Instead of elevating the atmosphere, she poisons it by being rude, dismissive, and at times openly hostile toward patrons. Her professionalism seems selective at best which often creates an uncomfortable and unpredictable experience for guests.

It’s hard to understand how someone so unfit for customer service is trusted to serve patrons. Beyond her demeanor, her actual service is equally disappointing, as she frequently forgets drink orders, and is slow to pour and return them regardless of how she’s tipped, etc. She isn’t just unpleasant; she slows down service for everyone.

I can’t see how keeping her behind the bar is anything except bad for business. Your average guest probably doesn’t want to spend their evening feeling like an inconvenience… especially when the rest of the staff is welcoming, attentive, and professional. This contrast only highlights how out of place she is behind the bar.

Having recently returned to town for school, I’ve seen no improvement in her demeanor or performance. Her lack of etiquette, professionalism, and basic social skills are second to none among the staff. Driftless Arcade and it’s patrons deserve staff whose attitude and service doesn’t leave customers regretting their visit to the bar.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Cheap drinks, cheap old games, great staff... Truly a special joint

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★ 5

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★ 5

Amazing place filled with amazing staff, great food, great vibes and home to some of the best karaoke nights! There's something for everyone here whether you like arcade games or singing your heart out or working on your axe throwing skills!!

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★ 5

Drink and play all day. Decent prices. Don't change that and you're golden.

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★ 5

One of the highlights to my latest trip back home to La Crosse! Cheap drinks, Family Guy Bowling arcade game, and NBA Jam? This place rocks!!

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★ 5

Great place.

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★ 4

Fun, it is a bar, but it's fun. Came here with my kids to play games. We all enjoyed it.

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★ 5

This place was great. My son and I had a good time throwing axes and playing the arcade games. Will definitely come back when we are in the area.

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★ 5

One of the most fun bars in lax, still true a couple years later, probably the most accepting crowd also.

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★ 2

Walked in and headed towards the arcade games, just to be told I need to show my ID or leave. Just wanted to try some games and maybe order some food, but still told I needed to show my ID (left it in the car).Even though there are kids running around the place and I did not want any alcohol. They have advertisements on the radio about their games and food so I had assumed it wouldn’t be an issue to come in without an ID.

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★ 5

Awesome atmosphere

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★ 5

It was fine, an arcade old fashioned bar

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★ 5

Was last here on 4/24/25 and it was VERY worth it. They have a Wii that you can rent controllers for. I played Guitar Hero World Tour with my friends and the other arcade games. I had a blast!

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★ 5

Excellent food, great prices, and absolutely sweet bartenders

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★ 5

Great atmosphere, staff, and food. One of the best bars downtown.

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★ 5

Lots of fun games to play, Surly Todd the Axeman on tap. Spent a fun few hours there

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★ 5

Great atmosphere and awesome food. It was a group event there and we did axe throwing, which was more fun than I can put into words and we had pizza which was really good. The bavarian pretzel was amazing with its three dipping sauces. The garlic butter was everyone's favorite dipping sauce and several of the bavarian pretzels were bought that night and even got one to take home. This place is an absolute must try for its arcade games, axe throwing, food and drink selection. Highly recommend going here and will definitely be going back.

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★ 4

Has a lot of potential and cool with a spot, but it smelt terrible. Like fish and dirty socks. Pretty bummed out.

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★ 5

Feb 2025. Large group to throw axes. Workers gave us a tutorial on throwing and for safety.

Arcade was great for my kids, went there during the day so the were actually more kids than I thought playing around, it is set up so if your kids are gaming, they should be far enough away from axes.

If you throw, you pay. I paid $28 (for me) to throw with a group of 9. No free throws.

Bar was Great! Overall fun experience

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★ 4

It was a great start to my 30th birthday! The people were fun and it was a pretty chill environment. They had some old-time arcades that were fun and cheap. It would be better if people stopped breaking the machines. I found my favorite drink there, carbliss. They are amazing!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

Great place for fun, and the food was delicious! Throwing 🪓 is great fun!

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 4

Cheap games

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

I did a photoshoot here for a wedding shoot and everyone was very accommodating and helpful! Elyas was the bartender and he was very helpful to us and helped us find more ideas for the shoot! Great business!

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★ 4

What a fun little bar and grill took me back to my teenage years lots of fun arcade games great food good drinks my teenage daughter even had fun

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

In town visiting and had a group event here was lots of fun! And the giant pretzel was exactly that!!!! Took 3 of us 2 days to eat the whole thing!!

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★ 3

👌

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

What a great place!! Whether you’re good at it or you suck it’s a great time all around! We even had a company outing here and everyone had such a fun time, really got to see the compete level come out of people. Good beer selection too!

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★ 5

Abby was such an amazing host and the pizza and atmosphere was very welcoming. The pizza was absolutely delicious!

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★ 5

Cool fun retro arcade bar!

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★ 1

I saw a review about this same situation earlier but decided to go anyways. The guy working was extremely rude the second we walked in and I figured he was going to try to pull something because we were younger than the other people in the bar. He then proceeded to scan my boyfriend's ID 5 times before giving it back. He then denied my ID saying it might be fake. He rudely asked for another form of ID and at that point I didn't even want to stay. I wouldn't recommend this place for any college students. Send your business to somewhere that respects their customers! If you don't want people 21-22 in your bar, put that on the website so I don't bother driving 30 minutes.

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★ 1

Their gambling machine took $100 from me and the bartender took down my name and number and address to send me my money back. Then after a couple weeks I called and they said they'd call me back so I waited another couple of weeks. Qnother bartender said "they aren't responsible for their machines." Why not say that the first time instead of playing me on for weeks.

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★ 4

Great service at this place and the food was really good. Smaller menu and small bar, but they made it work. We threw axes for an hour and a few arcade games afterward. Nice way to kill a couple of hours! Ely was a great bartender, all around good vibes.

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★ 5

My fiancé and I had a fantastic time here! We only did axe throwing and honestly that’s all we needed to do to have a great experience. The instructor is super nice and continues to give tips through your hour axe throwing to help you build your confidence!

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★ 2

Don't get me wrong, the place is really fun. It's one of a few places around with good arcade games and the only axe throwing lanes anywhere nearby. But I went in tonight with my fiance to play some games for her birthday, and since it was past 8pm they scan IDs at the door. Hers got scanned and confirmed that it was real. Mine got looked at, and looked at. It was scanned, the scanner confirmed it was valid ID and the bouncer still claimed it was fake. My ID is from when I was 18, since it doesn't expire until two years from now when I turn 26. It's 7 years old, and has been in and out of my wallet a lot since it is in front of my other cards. Some of the numbers are a little worn and look a little soft. That part I understand. He still claimed it was a fake even after his scanner confirmed my ID was valid. I was in two other bars prior to this who also scanned and checked my ID and had zero issues. I then had to sit and "prove" that my birthday was my birthday. He (for some reason) accepted my Facebook profile as proof, even though I can set my profile to whatever I want. My fiance still wanted to play games, so we went in and immediately were greeted by the staff talking about us being able to get in. She ordered food and was handed a buzzer that flashed but never buzzed and since it was in my pocket I didn't realize it until well after the mini tacos got set out on the pickup window. They were mostly warm, and the paper boat had a nice glob of ketchup on the bottom when we picked it up.

I've had fun here before, and I've even had my ID checked by the same guy with the same machine within the last two years, but I don't think I'll be coming back.

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★ 5

Great atmosphere and great prices

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★ 1

Don’t bother if you are from Minnesota. I have tried twice to get into this bar twice and the bouncer has denied me twice!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Lots of fun Great prices

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★ 4

Nice place. Just kinda small.

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★ 5

This was one of our stops during my bachelor weekend. It wasn't super busy so we got a lane and our choice of all the arcade games. I wanted to get a shirt after we had already left and messaged them about it. Toby reached out to me and helped me get a shirt! Great service and great atmosphere. Thanks Toby!

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★ 5

Awesome video games! Great service

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★ 5

Great place. 25 cent games and good customer service

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★ 5

Great arcade!

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★ 5

Good food, fun games.

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★ 5

Great experience with lovely staff. It's our favorite hang out. Theo is an awesome chef, and Ely is an awesome bartender. Great vibes

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★ 2

The games are old and the staff wasn't very friendly.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

The staff are very friendly. There are lots of games to choose from! Always a good time

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★ 5

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★ 5

Really fun place but when we where there alot of vidio games didn't work

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

Cool place to drink & throw
Very busy

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

Was a fun hangout place to go, axe throwing looked fun, arcade games were good and they had karaoke going too. Drinks seemed cheap enough, didn't have any food so don't know about that. Only thing is it's a little small have to crawl thru people to get to the axe throw area would definitely recommend for something fun to do!

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★ 5

We had a great time at Driftless. The waiter was amazing. He remembered all of our drinks orders and was really quick with service. The drinks were inexpensive. We had a lot of fun playing all of the games. We will 100% be back.

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★ 5

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★ 5

A good array of fun games, a good place to go if you want to drink and play with dangerous toys, like axes and hammers. But in all seriousness be safe and have fun

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★ 3

Axe throwing venue with arcade mixed in. Lots of retro games and pinball. Kind of darker and grungy inside. Large beer selection too but not all are fresh.

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★ 5

Fun, friendly atmosphere. Very helpful staff, and the axe throwing was fantastic!

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★ 5

Throwing Axes was so fun!!!

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★ 4

Drinks are reasonably priced, staff was hard to find at times. Great place to kill time.

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★ 5

It feels like home every time I go there. Everyone's super nice, the food is really good, and it's a nice chill atmosphere.

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★ 5

With the quick service, tasty food, and welcoming atmosphere, The Driftless is nothing but 5 stars! We were there recently to take on the Jumbo Pretzel and play some arcade games. All the games were as expected and the drinks were great. Will be back!!

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★ 3

Good selection of beers and drinks, a bunch of games and ax throwing was cool.

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★ 5

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★ 2

Kind of a let down since we mostly went for the “arcade”…the pictures made it appear bigger and with more games but sadly 2/3rds of the games didn’t work and were priced differently compared to what the website promotes..

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Love this place. Good time good people.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

Nostalgic arcade games and axe throwing. They have some food available at the bar.

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★ 5

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★ 5

This place was cute, I brought my kids with no issues. I had to sign a form acknowledging I brought them. They played arcade games and had pizza and lemonade. Cute place to bring the family.

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★ 3

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★ 1

Went in at 9:30pm to order some appetizers with my kids. Before I said anything the bartender asked for my kids ids. I asked if their kitchen was open and she just shone her head. Unimpressed is an understatement if you can excuse the double negative. *** Just a quick reply- I appreciate the response, and I understand your response. Two suggestions- 1. Don’t advertise food if the kitchen isn’t open because I wouldn’t have come if I saw that. 2. It doesn’t excuse your staff from being rude with a dad coming in with his kids. Get if that’s the policy, but maybe post it on the door or website.

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★ 4

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★ 5

Loved the karaoke they have sometimes and the arcade! Would come back often when they have karaoke again!

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★ 3

Need more 80's games.

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★ 1

Female Bartender mid twenties/thirties on 07/16/23 refused to allow my wife on premise due to not having a physical copy of her ID. She had a copy on her phone while waiting for the DMV to send out a new one. Per the driftless axe own policy she could be on premise until 8pm. It was 6:30 and we had booked 6 people for axe throwing from 7-8. The bartender was unwilling to work with us to resolve the issue to any extent. Absolutely no reason we could not have stayed ate food and thrown axes, even if my wife had to sit out of axe throwing she should've been able to stay on property.

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★ 5

The bartenders were very helpful and friendly. The games are all fun. The kids had a blast! The drinks are reasonably priced. Most of the games took a quarter to play.

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★ 2

Had fun but got kicked out suddenly because one person in our group was 20. On the website it says only after 8 is it 21+ it was only 3 in the afternoon.

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★ 5

This is a cool place if you like a nostalgic atmosphere, Pinball, and arcade games from different decades as well as Axe throwing.
This place has a fun vibe !

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★ 5

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★ 4

fun place expensive pop

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★ 5

Love the place 🤩

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

We had a great time!. There were 10 of us and we had a great instructor who made it safe and fun! One of the reasons we chose the Driftless Axe 🪓 is because they gave a military discount also and that wS important to us! Great place ! We can not wait to go back!!!! Highly recommend the Driftless Axe!

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★ 5

Super fun place to go! The guy helping the axe throwing was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Highly recommend!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Axe throwing is a great first date.

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★ 5

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★ 3

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★ 4

Not enough staff for the size of the event. Ran out of some food.

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★ 3

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★ 4

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★ 5

Fun and diverse environment I love to visit as often as I can!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Ace throwing was fun and easy. Drinks were great. Staff was friendly fast and helpful. Love all the classic games.

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 4

Great time small place big fun 😀

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★ 5

Good food with a great selection of arcade games that are all very reasonably priced, and the axe throwing is a very great experience. 10/10 from me!

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★ 5

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★ 5

My sister and I had a blast learning to throw axes! We received some excellent instruction and we were sticking them in the wall within the first round of throws. We signed up for axe throwing as a package deal with the Great Escape across the street. It made a great afternoon of fun!

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★ 5

Fun place to kill time and play arcade games.

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★ 4

Great time, a bit pricey at $25 per person rather than rent a lane.

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★ 5

Neat place

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★ 5

The games are cheap! Beer is affordable. Much simpler now that the axe throwing is just one business rather than 2.

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★ 5

This was a lot of fun! Went here with some co-workers from other locations while we were in Lacrosse for training and we all had a lot of fun, I feel like it would be a good stress management activity 🤣 the staff was great, and the food was awesome! Would definitely love to do it again!

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★ 4

We didn’t have food, but we threw axes and it was pretty fun! The briefing for the axe throwing was very, well, brief—I couldn’t hear a lot of what our briefer was saying because of the loud music and people throwing axes in the stall next to us. I like how you can choose to change your target type. The major issue I have is that alcohol is also served to those who will be or are axe throwing; that seems like an accident waiting to happen. Of course, I suppose you sign the waiver for a reason.

Overall, though, pretty enjoyable and fun for friends!

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★ 5

Great place to throw axes and enjoy a alcoholic beverahe as well as several old school games for just a quarter on nearly every machine. Oh and you can bring kids to with a responsible adult but not after 8pm

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

We didn't eat but threw ax's and played a few arcade games. Place was clean, employees were friendly, and the arcade games were in decent condition. I would go back and recommend to anyone. Was a fun afternoon!

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★ 5

Great time good people.

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★ 5

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★ 4

just do some more cleaning of the arcade machines. Everything felt greasy and slippery, though it was still quite an enjoyment.

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

This was a great time! Good place to hang out if you're not interested in throwing axes:)

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★ 5

A Cool bar in la crosse, love the arcade games and Karaoke with Brettly!

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★ 5

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★ 5

I had the best experience here!!! The staff was so polite and respectful! I had great food and a awesome time learning how to throw axes. The employees were very educational and practiced safety at all times! They respected boundaries!! I would highly suggest everyone take the time to visit this amazing establishment!!!

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★ 5

I was invited here by a friend and I can genuinely say that the staff was incredible and beyond welcoming. Everyone made that first experience comfortable, safe, and I had a blast! I have returned weekly for the next several months with another friend because of the atmosphere and the people. Huge thanks to all who have made Driftless our go-to spot to de-stress from the hectic work week. :))

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★ 5

Super nice and helpful staff. We didn't eat. But we threw axes and got drinks. The axe throwing was so much fun! The drinks were great and reasonably priced.

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★ 5

The staff, especially Cory, is absolutely fantastic!

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★ 4

Neat venue when you want a break from the regular bar scene. We opted to just play a few arcade games and had a good time. A few of the machines were broken, but there were enough options between traditional arcade, skeeball, and pinball.

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★ 5

I had such a great time here! I was super nervous to do the axe throwing, but the coaches were so awesome and kind. They had amazing patience and skill when teaching my friends and it made the experience that much better! I heard about this place through word of mouth and would suggest it to anyone, especially because of the people there. They really made the atmosphere open and fun!

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★ 5

I never go out, but when I do this is the bar I usually spend all my time at. I call it my home bar for a reason. Friendly atmosphere, wonderful staff, and very knowledgeable instructors. They all do an excellent job in making you feel welcome and comfortable. The only bar I truly feel safe at, even when there are axes flying.

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★ 5

Great atmosphere, wonderful employees, awesome food and drinks!

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★ 5

Absolutely awesome bar! The bartenders are personable and attentive. There is PLENTY to do and the axe instructors are incredibly talented and knowledgeable. I mean, Cory will put himself in front of a bouncing axe rather than let it hit his student. Your safety and his passion for the sport are his only concerns, it’s really impressive. He’s a real pro and an excellent coach!

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★ 5

One of the coolest and unique bars in the downtown scene. Safe, clean, a lot to do; staff is phenomenal. Owner knows what he's doing!

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★ 5

Driftless Axe and Arcade, the safest bar downtown. The bouncers are on top of their stuff. The arcade games are entertaining , the coaches know how to put on a show and will teach you. The bartenders are friendly and approachable and the Karaoke on Wed and Fri is always a party. They have great food, great music, AND AXE THROWING. I'm there every week. Seriously, come check it out.

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★ 1

We went to go axe throwing and...
1. Really dark
2. Arcade just looks really awkward
3. Not worth it

The instructor made me extremely uncomfortable. My husband went to order food and while he was gone the instructor felt it was appropriate to grab my hand and direct me on throwing. He did not ask permission and it made me extremely uncomfortable. My husbad did not have a good time throwing and the whole thing felt uncomfortable from the second we walked in.

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★ 4

Held an office team builder. Good place to do that. Food was very good, staff friendly, and plenty of vintage arcade games, including ski ball, were available.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Axe throwing, with a guided beginning. Games, drinks, awesome place!!

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★ 4

Good place you can have fun throw axes cheep drinks

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★ 5

Always a good time, and the employees are very helpful!

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★ 1

Not what I thought it was.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Staff very helpful. Axe throwing was fun.

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★ 5

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★ 3

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★ 3

I did not love it here, it was too loud for me. I'm not sure if you can play music but some was on, lots of options for games, but drinking while throwing axes seems dangerous..

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★ 5

Good food & drinks, great games & service. Always a fun time!

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★ 5

Karaoke EVERY Wednesday and Friday is all I really have to say. Two of the best karaoke DJ's in the area. Great friendly staff. Reasonably priced and well mixed drinks.

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★ 5

Great place to hang out with friends, grab a bite, play some games, and have some drinks. Definitely one of the best bars in town when you mix a great atmosphere with a spectacular crew.

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★ 4

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★ 5

Devin & Abbey showed exceptional customer service. Thank you both for such a fun evening! It was a blast! Quick drinks, courteous care, and tons of laughs… I’d recommend for groups of 2 or 20.. which was the size of our group and they still served us with respect and kindness.

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★ 5

had the best time tonight with rachel and leah. they’re both so sweet and great bartenders. the karaoke was so much fun, 10/10

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★ 5

Rachel is literally the best smoking hot bartender ever . i will always come here because of her .

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★ 5

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★ 5

Best bar in town

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★ 5

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★ 3

It's fun once or twice. Sometimes it's full of D bags. Other times it's not.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great experience! Awesome food & drink, quick and delightful service.

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★ 4

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★ 5

Fantastic! We planned an employee appreciation party at Driftless, and we got the absolute best employee party ever! Fun for all ages! Wonderful service! You cannot go wrong with a large group at Driftless Axe! Highly recommend!

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★ 5

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★ 1

We went to go axe throwing tonight and were denied entry due to my husband forgetting his ID. They said they couldn’t verify that he was at least 21 years old. I had a copy of his license on my phone but that wasn’t good enough. Then when I went back to get a refund for our reservation I told the lady working at the bar that we wouldn’t be back and she replied “Good for you”. Very poor customer service. After this experience I went on your website and it is nowhere to be seen that you must have a “physical ID” my husband is clearly over 21 years old.

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★ 5

Great place for fun

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★ 5

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★ 5

Staff had a great attitude and were very friendly and accommodating.

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★ 5

Too much fun. Genuine; a place to just be yourself.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Fun times. Brought back old memories.

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