The owner of the Way Station had one main reason for turning his bar’s bathroom into a giant “Doctor Who” TARDIS.
“It was to disguise the fact that the bathroom was right next to the bar,” said owner Andy Heidel. “No one wants to sit next to a bathroom, but everyone wants to sit next to a TARDIS.”
Since the bar opened in February of 2011, the TARDIS — yes, it is bigger on the inside — has attracted tourists from all over the world. It has also become a local hangout for Brooklynites sci-fi and steampunk fanatics who are grateful for a spot to meet more of their kind.
“It’s definitely a geek bar,” said Sean Proper of Crown Heights, who often ends up there after a monthly steampunk picnic. “If you go in during any happy hour, you can hear people talk about ‘Doctor Who’ or ‘Sherlock,’ debating who is the best doctor and who is the worst doctor.”
Now, the bar is about to celebrate its third anniversary with a massive party. The birthday bash will feature swing band Buhre Station Stomp Society, as well as a late-night go-go session with burlesque dancers Nasty Canasta and Evelyn Vinyl.
Heidel first opened the Way Station after he had been laid-off from his job as a publicist at a publishing house. In his former career, he worked with big-name science fiction writers including Ray Bradbury, Neil Gaiman, and Raymond Feist, and Heidel said those connections help strengthen his interest in all things geeky.
“I built a bar that I wanted to go to, a place that is comfortable and friendly and draws an intelligent crowd,” said the dapper gentleman, who will often come to work in costume. “It turns out there are a lot of people out there who want the same thing I do.”
Heidel said he is now working on opening a second bar somewhere in Brooklyn.
The Way Station Third Birthday Bash, [683 Washington Ave. between Prospect Place and St. Marks Avenue in Prospect Heights, (347) 627–4949, www.waystationbk.blogspot.com]. Feb 20 at 9 pm. Free.
