Dining Out with Out of State Guests.

Not sure about the "decent night life" part but for a family dinner with great food and atmosphere I recommend Grand Lux Cafe at the Galleria. It's lush but casual and the food is amazing. It's grander than Cheesecake Factory (done by the same guy) but it's their next level up, the food is tons better and is a great place to take out-of-towners.

I also recommend Maggiano's, it's roomy and you can do family style dining (easier for everyone involved).

I would have to agree Magic Time Machine is quite the experience. I can almost guarantee your out of state guests have never experienced anything like it. They also have a disco upstairs on Sat nights (maybe Friday too, I went on Sat) Have a great time!

We love to go to Joe's Crab Shack. It has an outdoor playground for the kids. We sit on the patio and let the kids play while we eat.

I like the rain forest cafe. It is located in Grapevine mills Mall. It is an unique experience.

R.

Love and War in Texas (Plano and Grapevine) has great Texas atmosphere and is very kid and large-group friendly. They sometimes have music on weekend nights. http://www.loveandwarintexas.com/

We like to go to Christina's. It is a Fine Mexican Restuarant. There is one located in McKinney in the Eldorado Plaza close to Pier One and there is one in Frisco. It is a fun atmospher. If you order drinks with your meal they will bring out a shot of Mexican coffee at the end. That's fun. Also right next door is the Lavender House Tea Room. That may be a nice place for your daughter's party. They are really sophisticated during the day, but at night they really jazz things up. They have a jazz band that plays. You can look at their menu online.

Hibachi Rock in Allen. Food prep is a show at your table. The fancy knife twirl, fire, etc. Japanese food and very tasty. A hole in the wall spot that is very popular. McDermott/Alma behind carwash and Capital ONE

Enjoy
Susan