From its humble beginnings as a railroad junction called Terminus, Georgia’s capital city blossomed into a flourishing crossroads of culture, commerce and the arts. Evenings offer plenty of distractions, with an established restaurant and nightclub scene that varies from one neighborhood to the next.

Dive right into the atmosphere at Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium, located on Edgewood Avenue close to downtown. Billing itself as an art gallery that happens to serve alcohol and great nibbles, this beloved institution is equally popular with locals and celebrities. At Joystick Gamebar, also on the Edgewood corridor, robot battles and stand-up comedy are just part of the fun. This bar-eatery might be as close as you can get to a time machine, with a full range of vintage arcade games such as Donkey Kong, Centipede and Ms. Pacman.

Games are big in Atlanta, and The Painted Pin brings an edge to bowling in an upscale setting also popular for Ping-Pong, bocce and Skee-Ball. On the west side, newcomer Little Trouble has heads turning deep into the night. Neon lights and an industrial décor provide a futuristic setting for cunning cocktails, wonton tacos and a meat-on-a-stick menu, plus bar selections that run from saké and wine to beer and Japanese whiskey.

Other distinctive late-night venues include the graffiti-walled Octopus Bar for drinks and Asian-themed snacks; and Polaris, a swanky rotating blue dome atop the Hyatt Regency Atlanta hotel where patrons can dine on seasonal chef ’s plates and sip their way toward morning on retro peach daiquiris and cool, classic cocktails.

In East Atlanta, karaoke haven Mary’s Atlanta earned the distinction as the city’s Best Gay Bar by Out Magazine voters. Other hot LGBT nightspots include Jungle Atlanta, with live DJs, dancing, stage shows, pageants and a small-plate menu for late-night dining; and Blake’s on the Park, near Piedmont Park, where splashy drag shows and live DJs keep things moving all night long.

In Atlanta, just sitting back and being entertained is always an evening option. Award-winning venues for theater, art and music include Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre and more than 200 annual performances staged by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, holder of 27 Grammy Awards.