Dad, Pops, Papa, Pa. Whatever you call the man responsible for your existence, it’s time to celebrate him this Father’s Day. But before you default to the same old shirt and tie routine, consider taking him out for a fun (and unusual) day out. From cold brews and BBQ to a habanero-eating contest and a totally decadent time in a dream sports car, here’s a quick hit list of some places that might show Dad a good time this Father’s Day.

I Love Dad @ Mercado Paloma – Downtown LA
If you really want to heat things up this Father’s Day, check out Mercado La Paloma for the “I Love Dad” festivities going on Sunday 11am-5pm. The community marketplace will have tons of food including a habanero eating contest from Chichen Itza restaurant starting at 2pm. Whoever can eat the most habaneros in 20 minutes will win a $200 gift certificate to the restaurant. There will also be live music, salsa dance lessons with DJ Pollo, autographs by former Dodger Kenny Landreax, an art exhibit curated by Xamanism, a burrito making contest, neck-tie tutorials and more. www.mercadolapaloma.com

The Counter – Multiple locations nationwide
Attention all Dads! On Sunday, June 17 all dads get a FREE burger at The Counter. Simply tell your server that your dad is a BFD (Big Freakin’ Deal) and Pops will get one standard 1/3 lb. burger with included toppings for free. (As long as he’s accompanied by a paying guest.) Available at all Counter locations except Miami airport. www.thecounterburger.com

17^th Annual Dia de San Juan Festival – Long Beach
Celebrate Dia de los Padres and Puerto Rico all at once at the annual San Juan Festival on Sunday. Held at the Queen Mary Events Park from 10am-7pm, the festivities include performances by NG2 plus Choco Orta, Tabaco Y Ron and La Bomba Mix. There will also be vendors selling Puerto Rican food and souvenirs. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, $15 for children ages 11-14, and free for kids 10 years old or younger. www.fiestalegre.net

ION Rooftop Bar & Lounge – Downtown LA
Nothing says “Happy Father’s Day” like outdoor grilling and ice cold beer. On Sunday, ION Rooftop Bar and Lounge — located on the 4th floor pool deck at the JW Marriott Los Angeles LA LIVE — is hosting their weekly Blues & BBQ event on the outdoor poolside area with a performance by classic soul band Jason Joseph and the Spectacular, plus plenty of brews and ‘cue. www.lalivemarriott.com

Street – Hollywood
Whether sitting in the modern-industrio space inside or on the outdoor patio, this street-food destination is making Dad’s Day special with global grilling favorites like Malaysian sticky ribs, spicy chicken wings, crispy shiso shrimp and wood-oven roasted bratwurst. (Don’t worry, if you’re a veg you can opt for the Swap Meat platter.) To wash it all down there’ll be a global beer flight. Because sometimes Dad needs to break away from the ol’ Bud and Coors routine. Dinner is $35 per person, beer flight is $12. www.eatatstreet.com

Magnolia Bakery – Mid-City
Cupcakes are a bit girly by nature, but that doesn’t mean Dad wouldn’t love a little sweet treat. For $24 you can get the Tool Kit, a dozen mini vanilla and chocolate cupcakes adorned with Magnolia’s cute edible tools, or for $10 you can pick up Dad’s Toolbox, which includes one chocolate fudge brownie and one chocolate chunk blonde. www.magnoliabakery.com

Thompson Hotel – Beverly Hills
If you want to go all out for Pop this Father’s Day (and have the funds to back it up) then consider the Dad’s Getaway packages at the Thompson Hotel in Beverly Hills. Dad can put the pedal to the metal and experience a truly decadent trip just in time for the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance, the annual Father’s Day event featuring a wide variety of vintage and racing cars and motorcycles. After a nice long drive in a fancy sports car, Dad can head to the hotel bar for complimentary gin martinis and then retire to the his suite. Valid for booking stays through June 30, 2012. Package includes four different options including Dad’s ‘Audi’ Getaway ($449/night), Dad’s ‘Mercedes’ Getaway($649/night), Dad’s ‘Porsche’ Getaway ($999/night) and Dad’s ‘Bentley’ Getaway for a whopping $2,399 per night! www.thompsonhotels.com/special-offers/getaway

Sevilla Restaurant & Nightclub – Long Beach
Rather than taking Dad to a movie, step it up and grab a front row seat for “Murder at the Conga Club” an interactive murder mystery show at Sevilla Restaurant & Nightclub in Downtown Long Beach. (The show goes on every Sunday until the end of September, so if you can’t do Father’s Day, there’s always another week.) It might seem a little macabre, but hey, it’s one way to give Dad a gift to die for. Tickets are $69, which includes the show, three-course dinner, beverage and gratuity. Call 562.528.0606 and mention “Fathers Day Gift” for $5 off. www.murderatthecongaclub.com