The series is usually playing at Neil's, which every so often switches over to Tim Burton's Beetlejuice or another nerdy cult classic just for variety. But what's on TV is hardly the only sign this bar may be a bit, well, outside of the box. Surrounded by high-volume EaDo establishments -- Lucky's Pub (801 St. Emanuel) and Mojeaux's Drinkery (2024 Rusk) are both on the same block -- Neil's sets itself apart from more traditional watering holes by its signage alone. A glowing atom, complete with an olive nucleus, greets patrons from its perch atop the bar like a nerdy bat-signal for the folks who flock here in droves.

"Oh my dear lord...is that an AT-AT?"

It seems our drinking partner for the evening has spotted some piece of geek bait or another, and is now making her way toward it at a rapid pace. The bar top is lined with Star Wars toys, with a model of an Imperial Walker from The Empire Strikes Back resting just out of reach behind the bar. No doubt it's stowed away among the bottles of liquor and the glass mugs for safety reasons, judging by our companion's overwhelming excitement as she schemes how to get her hands on it.

Bu it's not just the Star Wars stuff. The walls of Neil's are lined with murals paying homage to various sci-fi flicks. The vintage arcade games and old-school console systems scattered throughout are frequently used to host tournaments. There are even comic-book sitting areas, complete with rack upon rack of comics, but good luck getting to them. It's nearly impossible to get to the good seats unless you're willing to lose a finger or two.

Send us your after-dark tips at [email protected].

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