Getting down n' nerdy

So you've had a long week or day and now its time to reward yourself with a little 'me' time. How are you going to spend that time? A big part of you would love nothing more than to sit around playing games all night in the comfort of your home. However, another part of you, a nagging voice in the back of your mind that sounds an awful lot like your mother, is telling you to get out of your house and go meet people. While the idea of going out, having a few drinks, and meeting new people sounds fun, the reality of it can be the opposite. You finally work up the nerve to start up a conversation with a stranger only to find that you have nothing in common with them. Eventually you get bored of the conversation, pretend you have to go to the bathroom, and then avoid them for the rest of the night. We've all been there, and the more times it happens to you, the more you may feel like you just don't fit in or belong there, so you cut the night short and go home where you happily play games for the rest of the night with people that actually do share your interests. What if you didn't have to choose between a night out and a night of gaming, though? Luckily, you no longer have to. Introducing: Geek Bars!

Geek havens are popping up everywhere, welcoming geeks of all types to a place of their own where they can interact with likeminded people face-to-face all the while doing what they love whether it be gaming, watching anime, or any other activity associated with nerd culture. Here are a few popular ones in and around the Milwaukee area:

Even if you haven't been to 42 Lounge yet you should be familiar with it, as it was the main focus of this week's class podcasts. They've got a wide variety of geekdom and fandom themed drinks, like Butterbeer, a Harry Potter themed drink, and Han Shot First, a Star Wars themed drink. They also host awesome events frequently, like cosplay parties, anime nights, League of Legends nights, and many more. Although the events are a lot of fun, this place is also a great place to kick back and play the some of the many games they have to offer.

The Safe House is another popular location where geeks tend to gather in Milwaukee. It's a spy-themed bar full of fun surprises. Starting at the entrance, visitors are asked to present a password to get in, although they can still get in without it for the small price of a little public humiliation. Although, more of a theme bar than a geek bar, this place is also a restaurant, and the food makes up for that.

In St. Francis is 42 Ale House, another bar owned by the same people who run 42 Lounge, Anthony and Lynn Nilles. This bar has all of the things that make 42 Lounge great and then some. In addition to the fun drinks and video games, this place also has more table top games, beer options, space to spread out, and the addition of food.