Before my sister and I went away for college, my mom and dad whipped up home-cooked meals just about every night. Sometimes it was spaghetti and meatballs. Other times it would be chicken cutlets. Once a week we had breakfast for dinner and the four of us would feast on fluffy omelets.

There were evenings we couldn't collectively decide on what to eat because we were all in the mood for something out of the ordinary. Always appeasing, my mom would say, ''We're having hodgepodge for dinner,'' and then she'd proceed to create a few odd dishes that never failed to satisfy us all.

If you're like me, there are still nights when you're craving a novel night -- a hodgepodge. Here are some places that make for a more unusual night out.

Joey's Sports Bar & Grill at Pompano Bowl, 2200 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach. The Dude, the idealistic hippie character from The Big Lebowski, likely would find too many frills at this bowling alley.

Instead of plastic benches, you'll find black leather couches. The wall-to-wall, confetti patterned carpet usually reserved for a Vegas casino would make The Dude run for the hills. You also get video games, air hockey and a photo booth. The eight 150-inch front projection screens positioned above the pins play music videos in sync with speakers positioned throughout the building.

They also have one of those antiquated machines that tests your grip strength for a quarter -- I was hoping to snag the highest ''He-Man'' rating, but had to settle for a modest ''Karate Grip,'' only two levels above the ``Wet Noodle.''

The Dude would appreciate the old-school-style snack bar outfitted with a Formica countertop and spinning bar stools -- and that heavenly smell of hot french fries smothered in ketchup.

Pompano Bowl is open to 2 a.m. nightly. If you're in-the-biz, you bowl free Tuesday nights; ladies bowl free every Thursday night. Click to www.pompanobowl.net for the complete price list.

If you're throwing more gutter balls than strikes, relax with a beer at the adjoining sports bar and say hi to bartender Nicole L., who doesn't forget a face or a customer's favorite drink.

Enjoy discounted drinks during the daily 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. happy hour. Chicken wings are 25 cents from 4 to 6 p.m. -- stick around Thursdays to play poker.

Joey's Sports Bar looks like a modernized version of a medieval room. The ceiling is tiled with squares of stained glass, walls are covered in textured, bright red paint and the room is lit by wrought-iron lanterns. Our current century is represented by the 32 black cushioned seats around the L-shaped bar with mock marble countertops. Along with a bunch of TVs, there's a video juke box and a picture of the Rat Pack perched over the two pool tables.

SeaEscape, Port Everglades, 650 SE 24th St., Fort Lauderdale: For less than it costs to fill up at the gas station, enjoy a night cruise complete with live entertainment, a full casino and a big buffet. Click to www.seaescape.com or call 877-SeaEscape for reservations.

Boomers! 1700 NW First St., Dania Beach: The roller coaster may not look intimidating as you drive by on Interstate 95 but it reaches speeds topping 55 mph, so I suggest riding on an empty stomach. If you opt for more control but still feel the need for speed, navigate hairpin turns in a hi-performance go-kart.

On the lighter side, putt around the miniature golf course or test your trigger finger in the gargantuan game room.

Goldcoast Ballroom, 1415 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek: Swing dance on Friday nights from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The $12 tab includes snacks and a chance to win a raffle and maybe an opportunity to poke fun at me and my two left feet.

Sublime Natural & Organic Restaurant & Bar, 1431 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale: Although my mom refuses to accept that I'm now a vegetarian, she's happy that I'm always happy when I go for cocktails at this posh, healthy haven. After all, it's something different.

COMING UP

• Tantric plays tonight at Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale. The band is joined by Vayden and Fosterchild. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $9.99.

• Crazy Fingers, The Dead cover band, takes the stage at The Dive Bar, 3233 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale at 10 p.m. Saturday; $5 at the door.

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