Inspired by Britain’s Café Scientifique movement, a slew of US watering holes now host science nights, gatherings where the brainiacs from universities and labs give talks and booze it up with the locals. Check one out if you’re staying nearby for an up-close explanation and discussions on random theories - who knows you’ll end up spending your Friday night playing pool with a Nobel Prize winner?

Secret Science Club

Where: Union hall in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York
When: Every first Wednesday of the month
Website: http://secretscienceclub.blogspot.com/

The Secret Science Club is a free science lecture and arts series. With “No cover. Just bring your own smart self” tag line, The Secret Science Club has welcomed a hand full visitors and presenters which include Nobel Prize winners, Neuroscientists, astrophysicist, authors, professors and other ‘smart self.

Café Sci

Where: The Thristy Scholar Pub, Boston
When: Every Month

Café Sci is an ongoing series that encourages open, easy-to-understand conversation with no lectures, no powerpoint and no technical jargon.

Café Scientifique

Where: The Map Room, Chicago
When: Quarterly

Inspired by the old European tradition of offering knowledge to the masses in a pub setting, the Map Room had brought numerous professors and researchers to discuss with fellow drinkers about global warming, the black hole, entropy and more.

Science Pub

Where: Bridgeport Brewpub + Bakery, Portland
When: Last Monday of the month
Website

The Science Pub is a new event where you can find out about advances in science and technology from leading researchers and scientists, all while enjoying food and drinks. Don’t expect a remote speaker behind a distant podium. Instead, experience the informal atmosphere where you can interact with the expert and where there are no silly questions. No scientific background is required; just bring your curiosity, sense of humor, and appetite for food, drinks, and knowledge!
Science on Tap

Where: Schlafly Bottleworks, St. Louis
When: Last Wednesday of the month
Website: http://scienceontap.wustl.edu/

For the price of a beverage, anyone who come to Science On Tap can explore the latest ideas in science and technology with a non-traditional-context meetings in a special allocated room at Schlafly Bottleworks. Meeting are normally held from 7.00pm – 8.30pm. The standard format would be a 20 minutes presentation from the guest speaker/presenter, followed by a 7 minute ice-breaking session for attendees to get to know each other and thereafter a full hour of discussion in the room.

Ask A Scientist

Where: The Canvas Gallery (and other venues), San Francisco
When: Monthly
Website: http://askascientistsf.com

Ask a Scientist is an informative and entertaining lecture series, held at The Canvas Gallery (and sometimes at other venues). Each event features a speaker, discussion on a specific topic and audience have all the chances to ask questions. Somewhat like a lecture but with no exams, no pressure, only good food, drinks, like-minded companion and engaging conversation!

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