What if you love the night life, but you don't necessarily want to boogie at a bar?
Atlanta night owls, you've got options.
» RELATED: Winner: Best late-night spot in metro Atlanta | Best of Atlanta
Here are seven ideas for late night fun —minus the bars— in metro Atlanta.
Hours: 9 a.m. -1 a.m Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. -2 a.m. Friday-Saturday; 9 a.m.- midnight Sunday.
Midtown's Topgolf entertainment complex is the place to play an oddly appealing game until 1 or 2 a.m. They describe themselves as "like bowling or darts, but for golf." Basically, you hit a ball with a microchip into targets ranging from 20 to 240 yards away. A rooftop terrace, food and beverage menu and 200-plus HDTVs round out the scene.
Prices: Mandatory one-time membership cards start at $5; bays for up to six players from 5 p.m. until close are $47 per hour Sunday through Thursday; $50 per hour Friday and Saturday.
1600 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta. There's a Topgolf in Alpharetta too.
Eat at Desta Ethiopian Kitchen
Hours: Briarcliff Road: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday; Emory Point: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Saturday
Just because you missed prime dining hours doesn't mean you can't eat primo ethnic food, even if you're seeking vegan or vegetarian. Dine family style or on your own or try the takeout, it's up to you. This authentic Ethiopian eatery has outdoor seating, off-street parking and a full bar.
Briarcliff Road: 3086 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta
Emory Point: 1520 Avenue Place, Atlanta
» RELATED: 5 ways to explore Georgia's new Dark Sky Park
You don't have to squint at your computer screen to enjoy a late-night movie.
Metro Atlanta theaters offer shows that end and even start after midnight, especially if they're blockbusters. AMC Dine-In Theaters in Buckhead, for example, has a 11:00 p.m. start time for at least one show on weekend nights. Then there's Regal Avalon in Alpharetta, which starts weekend shows as late as 10:40 p.m. And you can get all fancy with IMAX at Regal Atlantic Station 16 IMAX, RPX & VIP which has listed shows starting as late as 1:15 a.m. on Friday nights (or would that be Saturday mornings?)
AMC Dine In Theatres Buckhead 6, adult ticket prices start at $15.78 per evening shows sold on Fandango; 3340 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta
Regal Avalon, adult ticket prices start at $16.37 for evening shows sold on Fandango, 3950 1st St, Alpharetta
Regal Atlantic Station, adult ticket prices start at $15.61 for 2D evening shows sold on Fandango, 261 19th St. NW, Atlanta
Sleep under the sea at the Georgia Aquarium
The action doesn't stop once the aquarium closes its doors for the night. They also schedule sleepovers at the facility for families and youth groups, including presentations and activities. You'll sleep right next to a gallery window showing the nocturnal activities of aquarium marine animals. They have group and family sleepover dates open most Fridays and Saturdays with weekday offerings, like Tuesdays, beginning in March.
Don't just think, "Aw, lucky kids!" Every now and then the aquarium schedules adult sleepovers, too. All sleepover dates are listed here.
Prices: To discuss pricing and potential sleepovers, call the aquarium at 404-581-4000 or follow the link above.
225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta
Roll a few frames at Midtown Bowl
Hours: 10 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday-Saturday
Dust off your bowling shoes with a few games with other late-night bowling fans at Midtown Bowl. They've been around since 1960, so it's vintage fun. Or, try their 11th frame private event venue for very modern bowling fun and a full bar.
Prices: Hourly walk-in evening-to-close rates $20-$35; reservation rates $25-$40
1936 Piedmont Circle NE, Atlanta
» RELATED: 5 reasons to stay up late in East Atlanta Village
Credit: Contributed by Cafe Intermezzo
Credit: Contributed by Cafe Intermezzo
Congregate at Cafe Intermezzo for sweets
Hours vary but Midtown, Dunwoody and Avalon (Alpharetta) are open till at least midnight, 2 a.m. and 1 a.m. on Fri.-Sat. and Midtown is open till 2 a.m. on Fri.- Sat. There’s an airport location too but it closes at 10 p.m.
The typical late-night sweet craving might involve doughnuts, but this place has such lovely pastries — and a European coffee house feel.
1065 Peachtree St, Suite 2 Atlanta
4505 Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody
100 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta
Hours: 24/7 access for members
So maybe it's not entertaining all the time, but it's nice to have a place for a late-night workout — particularly if you are taking a time out from the bar scene.
245 North Highland Ave, Atlanta
About the Author
