Happy Star Wars Day, nerds of New York! If your friends and office mates aren't well-versed enough in the works of George Lucas to appreciate your observance of the May 4 holiday, have no fear: We've put together a list of the establishments at which you can honor events that happened long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away. Holster your light saber and head out to one of these beloved nerd bars for a night of space opera recognition you'll never forget.
Barcade at 148 W. 24th St. near Seventh Avenue in Chelsea
Gamer haven Barcade has two other locations in Williamsburg and on St. Mark's Place, but for May the Fourth, you'll want to visit the Chelsea location, which features Atari's classic games for "The Empire Strikes Back" and the "Return of the Jedi." Pro tip for a high score: Shoot first, like Han.
Barcelona Bar at 924 Eighth Ave. near 55th Street in Hell's Kitchen
To the casual observer, Barcelona Bar may appear to be a good old-fashioned dive, but inspection of its shot list reveals some seriously nerdy proclivities. Star Wars fans can enjoy a pair of shots called Dueling Jedis, which are served on upturned glass "podiums" a la Luke battling Vader. Melon liqueur gives the "good" shot its green light saber hue, and cranberry juice makes the other shot "evil."
Gotham City Lounge at 1293 Myrtle Ave. near Cedar Street in Bushwick
Owned and operated by an elementary school science teacher with bona fide nerd cred, Gotham is a geek mecca serving cheap drinks to anyone interested in debating the finer points of any comic book, fantasy series, video game or Star Wars movie.
Ace Bar at 541 E. 5th St. near Avenue B in the East Village
Ace bar's patronage includes both nerds and non-nerds, but it's safe to say that a bar with an impressive vintage lunch box collection, pinball and board games has earned its nerd stripes.
The Way Station at 683 Washington Ave. near Prospect Place in Prospect Heights
This self-proclaimed "nerdvana" is best known for its Dr. Who-themed Sonic Screwdriver cocktails and Tardis bathroom, but its drink menu also pays homage to "Dune," The Harry Potter series and "The Simpsons," so don't be shy about offering the customary May the Fourth salutation!
The Dead Poet at 450 Amsterdam Ave. at West 82nd Street on the Upper West Side
The Dead Poet is a lit-centric bar, but be assured that no bar featuring an operating lending library would ever be unwelcoming to nerds of any stripe.
The Slaughtered Lamb at 182 West 4th St. in the West Village
There's no denying that the Lamb is a shrine to high camp, and that it tends to be pretty bustling. That said, those are circumstances which make for a very memorable May the Fourth.
Pacific Standard at 82 Fourth Ave. near St. Mark's Place in Park Slope
If you like drinking at bars with Wi-Fi, dorm room furniture and a notably challenging weekly trivia night, then Pacific Standard will make you feel right at home. This bar is owned by UC Berkeley alums who studied engineering and philosophy. 'Nuff said.
Happy Star Wars Day, and May the Fourth be with you always!
