courtesy: Mars 2112

Mars 2112, New York

Take a trip to Mars without ever leaving Earth. This restaurant in the heart of Times Square is a space-themed family restaurant. It features a Mars bar, of course, where you can unwind with earthly cocktails before sampling the Martian cuisine. And what is Martian cuisine? Things like Nebula Chili Nachos, Terrestrial Tilapia and Milky Way Chocolate Mousse Cake. And the view is a landscape of the red planet. Don’t forget your space shoes. www.mars2112.com or (212) 582-2112.

courtesy: Typhoon

Typhoon, Santa Monica, CA

At first glance, the menu at this eatery overlooking Santa Monica Airport looks like standard upscale Asian fare. But take a closer look, and there they are! Insects! Amphibians! Yes, crickets, silkworms and scorpions have their very own section on the menu. They may be artfully stir-fried or covered in nice sauces, but they are what they are. If that’s too much, there’s plenty of familiar fare to choose from. www.typhoon.biz or (310) 390-6565.

courtesy: Safe House

Safe House, Milwaukee

This restaurant with a spy theme has been in operation since the 1960s, when the Cold War was at its height. You need a password to get in, and you’ll be on surveillance camera trying to do so. There are two-way mirrors to spy on your friends, and be careful you don’t get lost in the secret passageways. The clever (and yummy-sounding) menu includes “Spycialties” like “Soviet Defector” (pork ribs) and “Hail to the Chief” (ribeye steak), along with desserts called “Bond’s Bomb” and “Diplomatic Immunity.”  And if you order a “spytini”, your drink will be “shaken, not stirred” by traveling through a tube around the the restaurant.  There’s also a booth that looks like it’s just an ordinary place to sit, but … beware …  www.safe-house.com or (414) 271-2007.

courtesy: The Fort

The Fort, Morrison, CO

Take a trip back to the Old West at this restaurant in the Denver area that was painstakingly built to resemble a famous Colorado fort from the 1800s. The menu consists of what the pioneers ate, namely buffalo, elk and quail. With a modern twist in some cases. As in, buffalo empanadas. You can travel there not by horseback, but by chartered plane offered by a local helicopter service. www.thefort.com or (303) 697-4771.

courtesy: Mayan Adventure

Mayan Adventure, Sandy, Utah

It’s a jungle in there. This place near Salt Lake City seems like an average Mexican restaurant in terms of the menu — actually, it’s pretty extensive. But what sets it apart is the feast for the eyes. Fire dancers, four story, cliff divers, waterfalls. a jungle.

www.themayan.com or (801) 304-4600.