Geeky Picks
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Best Geeky HangoutGeeks of all kinds will find sanctuary at Ada’s Technical Books. (Yes, it’s named after the one and only Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer.) As the name suggests, this place has every kind of technical book you could imagine needing or wanting, and then some! But Ada’s also offers other books for those times you’re craving less than technical reading. Brightly lit and thoughtfully decorated, with just the right amount of curiosities and technical gadgets placed throughout without creating a distraction, it’s a space that captivates its patrons. Plus, it’s perfected brewing a cup of coffee and serving delicious food. Great coffee and great books? Congratulations, Ada’s, you’ve created the perfect habitat for Seattle geeks. Check seattletechnicalbooks.com for book-club meetings, readings, and book recommendations. TCO 425 15th Ave. E., seattletechnicalbooks.com
Best Geeky StoreGreenwood Space Travel Supply Co. insists on its website and on Facebook that it’s a real business, but you can’t blame people for asking, since it’s not everyday you’re confronted with a store that offers space-travel supplies and rocket parking. The quirky shop offers a wide selection of science gear and novelties; where else can you find a jar of Chaos, a globe of Mars, and a Cherry-Scented Diversion Deployment System (a raygun that shoots smoke rings)?! But best of all, this nerdy establishment hosts 826 Seattle, a nonprofit writing and tutoring center for “the young people of Earth.” In fact, all proceeds go to the center—so you really do need to buy that Diversion Deployment System, for your protection and for the children! And if that’s not enough, 826 Seattle publishes an annual anthology, What to Read in the Rain, that features well-known authors and selected pieces by the center’s students, giving them a place to share their voices. At Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co., patrons can shop with peace of mind, knowing that they’ll be ready for their next space exploration while also helping Earth’s future leaders. TCO 8414 Greenwood Ave. N., greenwoodspacetravelsupply.com
Best Geeky MuseumKnown for its amazing collection of music stuff, Experience Music Project Museum has been a Seattle treasure since its construction in 2000. However, it doesn’t cater only to music geeks—within the metal bubblegum structure exists a haven for science-fiction and pop-culture geeks as well. EMP is home to Icons of Science Fiction, an exhibit dedicated to the genre’s great thinkers and ideas, including an interactive Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame and an impressive collection of geeky artifacts—such as Captain Kirk’s command chair from Star Trek and an Imperial Dalek from Doctor Who. But EMP doesn’t stop there; they persistently mount new and exciting exhibits with geeks in mind. Currently, it’s hosting Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic, displaying an impressive collection of iconic costumes from nerd favorites, like Xena’s armor and the Goblin King outfit that David Bowie rocked in Labyrinth. EMP mindfully involves itself in the local geek community, often partnering with nerdtastic organizations—for example, its collaboration with SIFF to present the Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Film Festival. All in all, it’s a place not only to appreciate and ponder our geeky past, but also to interact, enjoy, and learn about new and exciting happenings within the community, making it a must-visit for any geek. TCO 325 Fifth Ave. N., empmuseum.org
Best Geeky EatsStep into Lunchbox Laboratory and you’re transported to a wonderful world of geeky nostalgia—a time when burgers and shakes were the ultimate dining experience and school conversations revolved around your G.I. Joe lunchbox. But nostalgia has never tasted so good. Using high-quality ingredients with a twist of whimsy, Lunchbox Laboratory creates meals that beg to be eaten. A popular (and personal) favorite is The Dork, a burger made with duck and pork, Monterey Jack cheese, onions, and garlic mayo. Get a side of tots and your favorite boozy shake to top off the euphoria. Cocktails more your style? Try a Kool Kollins (gin, soda, and the Kool-Aid of the week) or an Astronaut’s Mimosa (champagne and Tang). True to its geeky nature, Lunchbox Laboratory serves many cocktails in beakers or with glowing cubes, and the place is covered in vintage lunchboxes and toys. Also make sure to check out the upstairs Rumpus Room, filled with arcade games and a pool table. At its core, Lunchbox Laboratory offers the perfect dining experience for the kid and geek in all of us. TCO 1253 Thomas St., lunchboxlaboratory.com
Best Gaming StoreWith wall-to-wall games and ample space to play, Card Kingdom is a gamer’s paradise. Even the maker of Cards Against Humanity delightfully declared to me that it’s the best place on earth, and I can’t argue. Not only does Card Kingdom keep the best games in stock, but it constantly brings in new titles to delight gamers. Not sure what game’s for you? Not a problem! Card Kingdom’s staff is beyond knowledgeable and friendly; they’ll ensure that you find the perfect game (noobs welcome!). And if they don’t have something you’re looking for, they’ll order it and will call or text you when it comes in. Card Kingdom also offers ample space for playing games, often hosting gaming events in addition to other awesomely geeky events. But to top it all off, a kickass cafe is attached to the store, so you can get your drink on while playing Magic the Gathering. Speaking of that, the shop also has an impressive chandelier made entirely of MTG cards (I have vowed to someday replicate it). It’s this level of detail that makes Card Kingdom the best gaming store in Seattle. TERRA CLARKE OLSEN 5105 Leary Ave. N.W., cardkingdom.com
