Tucked into Sacramento’s Lavender District, ForePlay is the ultimate hangout before a big night out. You can throw axes, shoot pool, sip strong drinks, and unwind in a way that feels like your favorite dive bar met an arcade and they decided to raise a glass together.
We popped in to check it out and were immediately welcomed by the owner, Doug Link, and his friendly bar dog, Link. Yes, you read that right – Link Link (there’s a story there, so be sure to ask when you swing by). Whether you’re sinking balls on the pool table, smashing the punching bag, channeling your inner lumberjack with an axe, or giving Link some love, ForePlay’s space allows you to let loose, stir up a little friendly chaos, and feel like a total champ while doing it.
Helping to bring axe throwing to Northern California, Doug originally opened this location as Smart Axe back in 2019. After stepping away from that partnership in 2024, he rebranded the space as Wise Axe, then gave it one last glow-up in early 2025 by adding a full liquor license, a few arcade games, some velvet couches, and a name that definitely turns heads: ForePlay.
But ForePlay isn’t all name and no game. There’s a vibe here that’s hard to pin down—cool, laid-back, never too crowded, and full of things to do. Whether you're tossing axes in the cleverly named “Axe Hole” area, posted up with a cocktail in the “Velvet Room,” or lining up your next air hockey shot, there’s a relaxed, anything-goes energy that makes it easy to settle in. Doug says the goal was always connection over competition, and you feel that from the minute you walk in. It’s no surprise that it's become a go-to for everything from date nights and divorce parties to corporate team building and beyond.
Guests gravitate toward the pinball machine, skee ball, the shuffleboard table (it’s free!), and that surprisingly addictive punching bag game. There’s also a rotating menu of drink specials and the promise of karaoke and Ro Sham Bo (rock-paper-scissors) tournaments on the horizon. If you're feeling bold, ask for their signature cocktail, "Where's the Lube?"—a dangerously smooth blend of vodka, berry liqueur, lemonade, and Sprite.
You’re welcome to bring in outside food, and it’s encouraged, but if you forgot the snacks, they have chips, nachos, candy, and a fully stocked bar to keep you going. And if you're planning a party or private event, the Velvet Room and Axe Hole are available for rental. On Saturdays, swing by during the Midtown Farmers Market and score bottomless mimosas, because brunch and axes are an underrated pairing.
The best part? No matter how your night unfolds, you’ll probably leave feeling like you just stumbled upon Sacramento’s best-kept secret. Doug says people often walk out ready to come back, and with more friends in tow. ForePlay has earned a 5-star rating on Google, and after spending time there ourselves, we get it. Whether you're going for the bullseye or just looking for your next favorite hangout, this place hits the mark – no pun intended.
