July 5, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars.

Like all great dive bars, this one is a little under the radar.

But we’ll let you in on it: Loki’s Tavern is open now inside JJ’s Axes & Ales at 3016 W. 57th St. in a retail center across from JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars.

“We had some extra space we acquired when the tenant next door moved out, and we recently remodeled it to create more of a dive bar atmosphere, so it’s basically a bar within the broader JJ’s Axes & Ales,” owner Tom Slattery said.

“You definitely don’t need to be coming here to throw axes. We encourage you to come check out Loki’s Tavern on its own. It’s open to the public, there’s plenty of seating and great mood lighting.”

Inside Loki’s, you’ll find a menu of retro beers, craft beers, seltzers and wine and a sizable game area.

“We have two pool tables, shuffleboard and four steel-tip dart boards, plus bean bags when it’s nice out,” Slattery said.

Manager Dylan Baker has done “a really good job creating the atmosphere we’re looking for,” he continued. “There is a heavy Nordic theme going on with a big Viking throne for selfies, and there will be more TVs coming, so we think it’ll be a great place to watch football come fall.”

In the meantime, it’s a solid place to check out starting this weekend — especially given the unpredictable weather and the fact that July 7 is National Dive Bar Day.

Plus, stop in Saturday and check out the ‘Merica Marathon, a themed marathon league axe-throwing tournament starting at 11 a.m. that will include a free drink for everyone dressed in their best ‘Merica gear — so have fun and get creative. You don’t need to participate in the tournament to join in the patriotic festivities.

Here are the details:

This weekend also marks the start of a change in hours at JJ’s Axes & Ales, and along with that Loki’s Tavern, which will be open from 3 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

“The Bar at JJ’s closes at 10 p.m., so we’re anticipating this could be a good late-night option for people,” Slattery said. “Plus, you can order from the full JJ’s menu for delivery to Loki’s Tavern up until 9 p.m.”

Bring your favorite bottle of wine from JJ’s, and enjoy it at Loki’s for a cork fee. Watch for cocktail features during special events.

“It’s just a nice spot to hang out,” Slattery said. “We also anticipate many of the groups that have booked axe-throwing events will enjoy making Loki’s part of their visit. It’s a good time for a corporate or special event, especially because you don’t need to worry about weather disrupting your plans.”

Prefer a happy hour? You’ll find the following special offers: $1 off craft taps and cans, $3 domestics, $9 retro pitchers and $18 dollar craft pitchers.

Hours for that are 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.