By Sara Goode
In the charming village of Ellicottville, nestled within the rolling hills of western New York, a unique and thrilling establishment has been making waves in the local culinary and entertainment scene. Ratchet Hatchet, the axe-throwing restaurant and bar, has quickly become a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.
Ratchet Hatchet, located at 5 East Washington Street Suite 6, in Ellicottville, re-opened its doors carving its own niche here in the village. This innovative venue marries the thrill of axe-throwing with a delectable menu, offering patrons a one-of-a-kind experience that’s a cut above the rest. Ratchet Hatchet offers patrons the chance to tap into their inner lumberjack with their axe-throwing experience. The venue provides a safe and supervised environment for participants to test their skills at hurling axes toward wooden targets. With various lanes available, beginners and seasoned axe-throwers alike can enjoy this exhilarating activity. Nate Woodruff, originally from Machias, New York is the proud owner of The Ratchet Hatchet. Nate had attended an axe throwing event out of state for a birthday, which inspired him to bring this business to Ellicottville. Previously, The Ratchet Hatchet closed its doors to relocate to expand their space and what they have to offer. Additional lanes for axe throwing, a wrap-around patio for outdoor seating and a much bigger area that separates the axe throwing experience for those who wish to just sit down and enjoy a cocktail and food for a more private experience.
The décor inside Ratchet Hatchet exudes a rustic charm, complementing the axe-throwing theme with a woodsy ambiance. Patrons can enjoy their meals in cozy surroundings making this venue equally suitable for date nights, family outings, or friendly gatherings. Ellicottville is a place where people come to enjoy unforgettable experiences and what better place to go than Ratchet Hatchet, with the combination of axe-throwing, specialty cocktails, cold beer and a killer menu. They offer reservations for special events such as company parties to create a team building experience, bachelor/bachelorette parties, wedding receptions, whatever you desire!
Nate wanted to bring a business to the village to create a unique experience to share with others, it brings him satisfaction to see the joy people have when they are partaking in axe-throwing. He says, “I love giving people the opportunity to have an experience they never thought of doing.” Nate is very appreciative of his customers and the Ellicottville community. He continues, “We wouldn’t be a business without the support from our customers and both locals and visitors.” Nate returns the favor to his customers by offering incredible service, great food, drinks and entertainment.
Beyond the thrill of axe-throwing, Ratchet Hatchet doesn’t skimp on the culinary front. The restaurant offers a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. From a variety of specialty flatbreads to savory appetizers and specialty cocktails, their kitchen ensures that guests leave with not only a sense of accomplishment but also a satisfied palate. Their food and cocktail menu rotate seasonally to meet the theme of your tastebuds. What better way to take in this Fall season than to cozy up with one their specialty Campfire Old Fashioneds? You absolutely need to try their famous Blueberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail and their signature (Raspberry or Raxberry? Lemonade) that is available year around and I also highly recommend the Honey Barbeque Meatballs, and Pretzel Bites! Now let’s talk brunch… Ratchet Hatchet serves brunch every Sunday from 10am-2pm serving Mimosas, Breakfast margaritas, Bloody Marys, delicious handcrafted breakfast sandwiches and a specialty breakfast flatbread that has it all! This breakfast flatbread is to die for- it is made up of eggs, bacon, sausage, ham tucked in mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Their fresh pressed coffee, sourced from 49 coffee located in Springville, New York and iced lattes are sure to please as well. A mind-blowing creation Ratchet Hatchet also offers are their cereal infused iced lattes. These breakfast potions are concocted with different kinds of rotating cereals such as Trix, Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Puffs, and Reese Puffs. Their method for this clever drink is soaking the cereal in oat milk or 2% milk overnight, they then sift the cereal leaving the milk with flavorful notes of the cereal that is then used to create these delectable iced lattes. With so much variety and a rotating menu options Ratchet Hatchet is an adventure for your appetite.
Ratchet Hatchet takes pride in its strong ties to the local Ellicottville community. They frequently host special events and weekly live music on the weekends and with its incredible atmosphere, it draws in people from all around the region. Cody Link, a musician who performs at Ratchet Hatchet mentions his experience performing at Ratchet Hatchet, “overall that was the best atmosphere feel as a musician. “Since its opening, Ratchet Hatchet has garnered rave reviews from both locals and visitors. The combination of thrilling activities and delectable food has struck a chord with those seeking a unique dining and entertainment experience. One satisfied customer, Jay Karassik, said, “Ratchet Hatchet is a gem in Ellicottville! The axe-throwing is so much fun, and the food is outstanding. It’s the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends.”
Whether you’re a resident of Ellicottville or planning a trip to the area, The Ratchet Hatchet is a must-visit destination that offers something truly distinctive. The Ratchet Hatchet is open Thursday 5pm-10pm, Friday 11am-11pm, Saturday 11am-4pm and Sunday 10am-7pm.
To reserve a lane for axe-throwing or to explore their menu, you can visit their website at theratchethatchetellicottville.com or contact them at (716)699-1306. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook as well for information about upcoming special events. In Ellicottville, Ratchet Hatchet has not only added a new dimension to dining and entertainment, but has solidified its place as a beloved and unique establishment that has turned a simple night out into an unforgettable adventure.