Category 5: Themed restaurants
Who wants to eat at the same old humdrum restaurant when you can have an experience instead of just a meal? Maybe the décor, music and furnishings transport you to another era. Or perhaps the eatery is a living tribute to your favorite hobby. No matter the shtick, dining will never be the same.

Hard Rock Café
215 Peachtree St. N.E., (404) 688-ROCK, www.hardrock.com
If you love all things rock and roll, this is the place for you. Enjoy lunch or dinner while listening to rock hits of today and yesterday and checking out all the cool memorabilia from artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley and Elton John.

ESPN Zone
3030 Peachtree Rd., (404) 682-3776, espnzone.com
There’s no better place to watch the big game or catch the race than ESPN Zone. During halftime, try your hand at one of the interactive games and attractions, or take time out for a snack from the kitchen.

Fox Sports Grill
261 19th St., (404) 207-1369, www.foxsportsgrill.com
No ordinary sports hangout, this sleek restaurant elevates the sports bar to refined dining without missing a second of your favorite event. Patrons also can brush up on their pool skills at one of several billiard tables.

BED Atlanta
110 Marietta St., (404) 222-7992, atl.bedrestaurants.com
Located in the Glenn Hotel, arriving guests are asked to slip off their shoes and slide on some slippers before “crawling into bed” for dinner. Of course, if this sounds more like a nightmare than a dream, traditional seating options are available.

57th Fighter Group
3829 Clairmont Rd., (770) 457-7227
Resembling a World War II officers’ club, this unique dining destination overlooks Dekalb Peachtree Airport, where guests can watch planes take off and land while dining on steaks, seafood and specialty items. In between courses, take a moment to peruse the vast collection of 1940s-era memorabilia. Also, for those joining the new dance craze, you now can take dance lessons every night of the week. For more information on this exciting event, visit www.57thfightergroupdanceevents.com.