[Dorsiatic]

...21? A good friend of mine is turning 21 and I want to take him out to some place nice but someplace that's not going to shatter my wallet and won't leave me feeling like I wasted a buttload of money on something that wasn't worth it. He'll be in another town by the time I'm able to take him out, so recommendations should consist purely of franchise places since I'm not even sure where he'll be in school by then (it's in about a month), but it'll likely be Southern California, maybe Irvine or Santa Barbera.

[Kornika]

Dave and Busters! It's a good place to eat and play plus there are locations all over the place.They have two different eating areas--the more formal eating area off in its own little place and the more casual dining area that's in the game room so you can choose whether to make it formal or keep it light and fun.And after you're done eating, you can play all kinds of video games and whatnot. It's like Chuck E. Cheese for grown ups! They also have AT LEAST two full bars so your friend can take advantage of being 21 and able to drink legally.It's not all that expensive and with their new Eat & Play promotion, you can get a delicious entree and $10 worth of game play for 15.99. (At least here on the east coast.) So, without an alcoholic drinks, you're looking to spend about 20 dollars per person. Additional game play isn't too much either.However, they card after 10pm (I think) so everyone that goes must be at least 21 years old.Also, if you sign up for their free rewards program, you get a certificate for $10 in free gameplay.Hope that helps!

[Toni B]

Dave and Busters is a good idea, but it can be pricey. You can also try TGIFridays, Applebee's, Chili's, O'Charley's, Damon's, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, Longhorn Steakhouse. They all serve large, moderatly priced meals, alcohol if they are interested in drinking and you can have them sing happy birthday for them and the dessert that they bring is usually free. Good Luck.