The 12 Geekiest Bars And Restaurants Around The World Slideshow
If you're not a geek about something nowadays, you probably just haven't discovered your "thing." Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Sherlock — there are countless cult followings of television shows, classic books, comics, plays, and movies. Even William Shakespeare had a loyal following in the theatre community always waiting to see what he'd come up with next. Since die-hard fans seek the ultimate all-inclusive experience no matter where it is, we've outlined the best restaurant or bar for whatever you "geek out" about, from Jules Verne to Dr. Who. Our list is perfect for members of any fandom who want an immersive escape a world away.
Action Burger (Brooklyn)
This burger joint claims to be America's first comic book/science fiction themed restaurant, and with alcoholic milkshakes served on comic-decorated tabletops, over hundreds of Nintendo games, and 250 old-school arcade games on offer, it doesn't disappoint. It's even open until four a.m. on weekends for night owls. As you peruse comic books at your table, choose between "villain food" and "hero food" — and "power up" your Action Burger with different toppings like guacamole or kimchi.
Alice in Magic Land (Tokyo)
"Eat me" and "drink me" are requisites for all the menu options at this Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurant in Tokyo, since most choices stick with the theme — there's pizza modeled after the Cheshire Cat's tail and pasta arranged into the shape of a cat's face. But it's not just the food that's a draw: this unique eatery has a chandelier made of hearts, mammoth books making up a hostess stand, and even its own Queen of Hearts-inspired "forest maze" inside the restaurant. We wouldn't be surprised if you ran into the Mad Hatter.
Club Verne (Budapest)
Jules Verne, the nineteenth-century French novelist known for his science fiction and adventure novels has a restaurant dedicated to him in Hungary — and it's inspired by one of his most famous works, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Verne's namesake restaurant is decorated to make visitors feel as if they're dining inside a giant submarine. Some of the menu options include goulash, steak, foie gras, and duck leg with steamed cabbage and mashed potatoes.
Demacia (Chongqing, China)
This restaurant in China is named after one of the virtual locations in the famous video game League of Legends. Gamers who are big fans can find their niche here. Waitresses and bartenders dress as characters from the game, the restaurant is decorated with League of Legends-inspired art, there are opportunities to play the game onsite, and the menu features Chinese delicacies like deep-fried scorpions and braised snake meat.
Friends Café (Beijing)
Six TV series characters will always be remembered as an iconic sextet by many and have undeniably been an inspiration for many other sitcoms. Their names are Phoebe, Chandler, Rachel, Joey, Ross, and Monica, and there's a café in Beijing where you can pay homage to Ross's leather pant and so much more. After you take a seat on a replica of that famous couch and have a cup of themed coffee, head next door to explore a replica of Chandler's and Joey's apartment. Take a Rachel or Phoebe cupcake with you!
The Grillenium Falcon (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
Raise your hand if you love food trucks. Raise your hand if you love cheese. Raise your hand if you love Star Wars — sorry, we don't have that many hands, but this food truck certainly sets the bar high for themed fan eateries. The truck is decorated with intricate art, a depiction of a flying grilled cheese, legendary Star Wars-style font and a punny name. Our pick to order? The "Cheebaca" sandwich, with elements like sharp white Cheddar, bacon, grilled onion, and pulled pork on sourdough bread.
Hajime (Bangkok)
Ever had a non-human waiter? At Thailand's Hajime, the Japanese robot theme extends to servers, four robots with large cartoon eyes, who traverse the indoor track to serve customers and also clear plates and dance to entertain guests. The restaurant offers a variety of meat and seafood options, but the real draw is the unique staff.
The Hobbit Pub (Southampton, England)
Billed as a late-night entertainment venue and traditional English pub, there's definitely something untraditional about this eatery — it's a Lord of the Rings fan's fantasy. The bar features live entertainment almost every night, there's hobbit-inspired graffiti on the walls, and Stephen Fry and Sir Ian McKellen bought the license to allow the venue's continued existence. You can complete the "Fellowship Quest" by trying all of their cocktails, which have names like Bilbo, Gandalf, Frodo, Gollum, and Legolas. If you're feeling tired, order a Smaug cocktail — made up of a double shot of Fireball whiskey, house whiskey, and an energy drink.
Lebowski Bar (Rejavik, Iceland)
"The Big Lebowski," a classic cult film released in 1998, had enough influence abroad to inspire a unique Icelandic eatery. The interior evokes the quintessential bowling alley in the film, and the bar is lined with rugs — a reference that Big Lebowski buffs won't miss. Order a White Russian in honor of Lebowski himself, nicknamed "The Dude," and set out on your next adventure!
The Lockhart (Toronto)
It might be too much to say this new Toronto bar is Harry Potter-themed, but it's definitely inspired by the popular fantasy series. The subtle references in drinks and décor may seem merely interesting to Muggles, but they jump right out to visiting wizards in the know. A wall of "potions and elixirs" is set against brick, "all was well" is spelled out in neon lights and the bar's logo features a stag, which is Harry's patronus in the books. Try to explain the ultra-obscure Potter reference in one of the drinks' names to get it for free, and if you can't, order a "Befuddlement Draft."
Safe House (Milwaukee)
This spy-themed restaurant and nightspot in Milwaukee comes complete with a password and secret location, and even visiting the website is a top-secret adventure where you agree to a "top clearance agreement" to enter. A complete secret agent experienced awaits you behind an inconspicuous red door, with a plaque next to it reading, "International Exports, Ltd. Estab. 1868." Order "The Sean Connery" for flame-broiled New York strip steak or try "The Mission Impossible" beef burger, which features "self-destruct jalapeño relish." Secret passageways abound in this well-hidden eatery, and a magician performs Sunday through Thursday nights.
The Way Station (Brooklyn)
This Brooklyn bar's claim to fame is its life-size blue tardis replica and its Doctor Who-themed cocktail menu, with choices like "Stormageddon" and "Shirley Temple of Doom." Self-billed as "nerdvana," the Way Station plays science fiction and fantasy films on Sundays and Doctor Who episodes while the show is in season. The bar doubles as a live music venue five nights a week, featuring styles like jazz, soul, indie rock, and bluegrass.