James, left, and Amy Bernstein are opening Up North Axe & Tap in downtown Libertyville. Mick Zawislak/mzawislak@dailyherald.com

Mid-July is the target opening for Up North Axe & Tap in downtown Libertyville but curious passersby already have been peering in the windows to get a look at what's taking shape.

“We've gotten a lot of interest just with the sign up,” says James Bernstein, who with wife, Amy, are transforming the former Chili U space at 547 N. Milwaukee Ave., into a Northwoods experience.

“People walk by here and take pictures of the doors,” added Amy.

Both have worked in restaurants and opening their own place has been in the conversation for years but incorporating axe throwing was a more recent decision.

Up North Axe & Tap is planning to open in downtown Libertyville in

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