Even gamers like to go out now and again, but sometimes, it can be tough finding a place where our favorite hobby (be it console, PC, or tabletop) is as celebrated as it is in our homes (or in the homes of our gamer friends).
Here's a list of places you can hang out around the world and play your games - and maybe some of them are in your own backyard.
After all, sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your game.
Mana Bar - 420 Brunswick St., Fortitude Valley, Brisbane Australia
Mana Bar is Australia's first video game bar and cocktail lounge. Located in Brisbane, Australia, it's one of the most popular spots for gamers, having strong ties to the industry - lots of popular titles have been launched at events at the bar, including the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta and Just Cause 2.
42 Lounge - 326 E Mason St, Milwaukee, WI
You'll find all the geek culture you can handle at this swanky, geek-themed nightclub in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Everything from video game tournaments and cosplay nights to game-themed food and drinks, 42 Lounge has what you're looking for.
Want a more laid-back escape? Soon, a new location - 42 Ale House, a pub-style restaurant and bar - will be opening, just as geek-friendly as the original lounge.
Loading - 97 Stoke Newington Road, Dalston, London United Kingdom
Loading is one of the first bars in the United Kingdom made just for gamers and geeks to hang out, play, and enjoy a drink or two with their friends. Modeled after the popular gaming cafes in Tokyo, Loading holds regular events for gamers in London and has a menu full of amazing, game-themed drinks - several of which are featured on The Drunken Moogle.
Space Station - Osaka, Japan
Space Station Osaka is a popular spot for gamers in Japan, be they locals or visitors from abroad. They cater to gamers of both American and Japanese consoles, and have a little bit of everything - from your classic Atari titles to the latest PS4 hits. If you ever happen to be in Osaka, stop in and play awhile!
EXP Bar + Restaurant - 309 West Pender St., Vancouver, BC Canada
With a menu full of delicious treats to regenerate your HP (food) and your MP (drinks), as well as a calendar loaded with events for every game and occasion, EXP Bar + Restaurant is Vancouver's place for gamers to hang out, have a bite to eat, and play until you drop.
AFK Tavern - 1510 41st St., Everett, Washington
AFK Tavern in Everett, Washington is a great place to kick back with friends and family (though under-18s must be accompanied by an adult). With geek-themed food and drink and a huge library of games free to play for the tavern's customers, there's never a shortage of fun to be had.
Meltdown - 342 Caledonian road, London, United Kingdom
With free-to-use PCs playing everything from League of Legends to Hearthstone, Meltdown is the place for E-Sports. Don't feel like playing? You can always kick back with a drink and watch a live stream, or enjoy the live DJs at one of their many popular events. Don't happen to be in London? Meltdown has locations throughout Europe.
Now that you've got a few new places to kick back - at home or abroad - choose your venue, choose your weapon, and get gaming!
Know of any great gamer-themed bars or restaurants I might have missed? I'd love to hear about them! Leave us some details in the comments!
Published: Feb 22, 2015 04:20 pm