Great Escape: Dinner And Fun In Johnston And Nearby

This week, we have some suggestions for some inexpensive, casual fun, and as always, it's right in your backyard — after all, why waste time and gas when you can have just as much fun nearby?

• is a casual restaurant with a cheerful decor offering a large menu which includes pizza, calzones, and sandwiches.

• offers a wide selection of chinese food in a casual environment.

• is the type of establishment where you can spend your entire evening. Besides a full menu of sandwiches and appetizers, it also offers billiards, a bar, and team trivia on Friday night.

• Are you in the mood for sushi? If you are, you might want to check out . If you don't like sushi, don't worry. There are plenty of other items to choose from.

• offers a casual dining experience and a bar to get some after-dinner drinks.

Once you've had your fill at one of Johnston's restaurants, the last thing you should do is go home. Check out these ideas:

• offers Cosmic Bowl every Saturday and Sunday night from 7 p.m. to midnight. There's nothing quite like bowling, music and black lights.

• For the golf fans out there, the Rhode Island Convention Center is hosting the Southern New England Golf Expo this Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $7.

• If you're in the mood for a concert, Slightly Stoopid and Fishbone are playing at Lupo's this Friday. The show starts at 8:30 p.m., and tickets are $25 in advance.

• This Saturday, Providence College hosts Cincinnati on the court at the Dunkin Donuts Center. The game starts at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $14.

• Do you like the Dave Matthews Band? If you do, tribute band Big Eyed Fish will be playing  at the Lighthouse Bar at Twin River Friday at 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.