Category 4: Family Night Restaurants
Packing up the children and going out for family night is a wonderful way to relinquish the day’s stress while spending quality time together. You can pick a spot that allows for conversation since this is a great time to catch up with what’s happening in the kids’ lives. Or try an activity-laden restaurant where you can let loose and give the little ones a run for their money at their favorite games.

OK Café
1284 W. Paces Ferry Rd., (404) 233-2888, www.okcafe.com
Load up the kids, and head to this eclectic restaurant, which offers a menu combining the best of grandma’s Sunday dinners and your favorite dive’s sandwiches. Don’t forget a homemade chocolate milkshake!

Johnny Rockets
Seven metro Atlanta locations, www.johnnyrockets.com
Travel back in time to a place where a nickel buys a song in the jukebox, and kids can indulge in all their favorites: juicy hamburgers, crispy french fries and a root beer float.

The Varsity
Six metro Atlanta locations, www.thevarsity.com
Since 1928, parents and children have piled into the car and headed to the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. Through the years, menu favorites such as a chili cheese dog, onion rings and a Frosted Orange still stir up appetites.

Cheeseburger in Paradise
1230 Ashford Crossing, Dunwoody, (770) 730-0782, www.cheesburgerinparadise.com
Can’t make it to the beach? Well, this island getaway will ease your blues with treats beyond the namesake cheeseburger, including a special menu for the Lil’ Parakeets, with items like mini cheeseburgers and Captain Macncheese.

The Cheesecake Factory
Four Atlanta locations, www.thecheesecakefactory.com
Although the menu contains a wealth of kid-friendly items, including pizza, pasta and sandwiches, it’s the desserts that will garner their attention. With more than 30 different cheesecakes to choose from, there’s sure to be something to tempt their taste buds.

Chuck E. Cheese’s
10 metro Atlanta locations, www.chuckecheese.com
A perennial mainstay in family dining, Chuck E. Cheese’s continues to welcome kids (and their parents!) to be kids while enjoying a meal. From its famous pizza and arcade games to its animatronic show, this is the “it” place for family night.

StarTime Entertainment
608 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell, (770) 993-5411, www.startimeentertainment.com
From miniature golf and go-kart racing to batting cages and arcade games–oh, yeah, and a movie theater, this place will keep you busy for hours. When hunger strikes, visit the Studio Café for pizza, chicken fingers, sandwiches and more.

Fuddruckers
Eight metro Atlanta locations, www.fuddruckers.com
Have a picky eater at home? Then, this hamburger hot spot is for you. At Fuddruckers, customers can build their hamburgers from the bun up, just the way they like it. A kids menu for children 12 and younger also is available.

Cici’s Pizza
15 metro Atlanta locations, www.cicispizza.com
For family night out on a budget, Cici’s Pizza offers a fabulous deal. For a low price, families can partake of the all-you-can-eat buffet that features pizza, pasta, salad and dessert.

Joe’s Crab Shack
Seven metro Atlanta locations, www.joescrabshack.com
At this jumpin’ joint, kids can sing and dance along with the staff or head outside and play in Joe’s Sand Lot. Of course, they also can fill their stomachs with a huge selection of seafood.