"Eat, sleep, game, repeat."
A tall, slick-haired guy whose black T-shirt is emblazoned with that very slogan pushes his way through this packed EaDo bar, but no one seems to mind. Most folks are giving him the thumbs-up, which seems strange given the density of the room. But he's earned a pass to part the nerd seas.
"Hey man, that's a sweet shirt," one admirer calls. "Where did you find that thing?"
If there's ever been somewhere with an accidental dress code, it's Neil's Bahr (2006 Walker). The new downtown bar/nerd haven is a geek's paradise, complete with matching décor that welcomes all lovers of smart-guy culture.
Magic The Gathering and Super NES fanatics need not worry; impromptu tournaments are announced from time to time via the bar's Facebook page, boasting prizes like Microcenter gift cards. Everything here is an homage to geek culture.
Tonight it's packed for Geeks Who Drink, a popular trivia contest, and given the lack of breathing room, obviously one of the bar's busier nights. T-shirts sporting clever slogans or superhero emblems are bombarding us from all corners, causing us to second-guess our dressier attire.
"Hey Neil. How you doin', man?"
Apparently Neil Fernandez, the bar's namesake -- apart from the wince-worthy pun on 20th-century Danish nuclear physicist Neils Bohr, that is -- is already famous for this endeavor, despite only opening in mid-March. He's perched against the patio railing, and the regulars (yes, Neil's already boasts quite a few) all call him by name while walking past. A steady stream of people make their way onto the patio to post up by the grill. It's steak night, and trivia is a trying sport; sustenance is essential when utilizing one's Yoda knowledge.
But not everyone is partaking in trivia. Some of us try to avoid a mental ass-kicking at all cost, and it seems the gentlemen next to us at the bar agree. Rather than play along they're discussing what makes for a good Simpsons episode, so we're inclined not only to eavesdrop but add our opinion to the mix.
"No way, dude...remember that episode where Bart got a credit card in the name of Santos L. Halper? Man, that was one of the best episodes. The 'donut soul' episode was just all right."
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