Best Geeky Hangout

Wayward Coffeehouse accurately declares that it’s a “coffee haven for geeks.” As soon as you walk in, you’ll be blown away by the amazing pop-culture art and memorabilia that adorns the walls, counter space, and ceilings. (Firefly fans be warned that you’ll want every piece there.) Besides the decor, Wayward offers a hyperactive calendar that has something for everyone, including Geek Bingo, live jazz, and Sci-Fi Cinema. It often holds book readings and open board-game nights, so make sure to check out their calendar online. Overall, Wayward offers a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for working, gaming, or chatting with friends. And although they could attract patrons with their decor alone, Wayward Coffeehouse makes an excellent brew and offers locally produced baked goods that keep customers—non-geeks included—coming back for more. TERRA OLSEN

6417 Roosevelt Way N.E., 525-5191, wayward
coffee.com

Best Geeky Eats

If the name doesn’t entice you, the truck will. You can’t help but stare as a giant yellow food truck rolls by, revealing a giant yellow chandelier hanging from the pop-up roof and a distinct wizard logo on the side. The Cheese Wizards, the brainchild of brothers Bo and Tom Saxbe, offers gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with magically nerdy names—such as my personal favorite The Critical Hit: double-cream brie and pear chutney on Tallgrass Pullman bread. Add a dipping sauce, like Merlin’s Sweet Mustard, or “power up” with their homemade tomato-basil soup. End the meal with Catweazle’s creme brulee cheesecake. Let me repeat that: creme brulee cheesecake! Nerdy patrons will be impressed not only with Cheese Wizards’ delicious cheesy offerings, but also by the imagination and spectrum of nerd culture covered in their menu. (Note: No nerd cred is necessary to enjoy Cheese Wizards’ magical creations.)

TO

wizardsofcheese.com

Best Geeky Museum

Located in SoDo, the Living Computer Museum is the quintessential geek museum. Started by Paul Allen, it’s filled with machines and software from several different time periods. Brilliantly, the museum allows patrons to interact with “living” computers. Since it is hard to tell how computers and software have changed just by looking at them, only by interacting can one truly appreciate how the technology has changed so rapidly over the past 30 years. In addition to telling the computer’s story, the museum highlights an essential part of Seattle binary history—the founding of Microsoft and its role in establishing Seattle as a tech-driven city. For anyone interested in how Allen, Gates, and Seattle took the world from DOS to XP, the Living Computer Museum is a must-see. TO

2245 First Ave. S., livingcomputer
museum.org

Best Geeky Store

Don’t let the name fool you: Math ’n’ Stuff is an amazing store for non-math nerds too. All the things a geek could need are here, and all the things you didn’t realize you needed. Walking through the store should spark the explorer and scientist in everyone. Of course you need to set up your own lab—better grab that microscope and a few Petri dishes. Oh, and there’s that telescope you need for stargazing! And we mustn’t forget the archeology beginner’s kit; that area in your backyard looks suspiciously old and probably contains lots of dinosaur bones, so better prepare. What makes Math ’n’ Stuff special is the variety of items that keep the brain active in fun and unusual ways. Such as LEGO! In fact, they have one of the best LEGO selections I’ve ever seen. What’s more, they host “LEGO Builds,” a monthly event for which they provide the bricks and you provide the imagination to build whatever your heart desires (and you get to keep your creation). Math ’n’ Stuff inspires the geek in all of us to continue learning—and to have fun doing it. TO

8926 Roosevelt Way N.E., 522-8891, mathnificent.com