Where the boys are

Red meat, booze, and sports are not exclusively manly domains. But let's face it: A serious Guys' Night Out usually lands somewhere in the vicinity of those key ingredients. Here's my list of in-the-know spots to sate the craving for one or all of the above:

OLD GUARD HOUSE INN
953 Youngsford Rd., Gladwyne
610-649-9708; www.guardhouseinn.com
3 bells

The varnished-log dining rooms festooned with antlers, muskets, and pewter mugs give this Main Line institution the Ye-Olde-School manly look, as the volunteer firefighters hanging at the clubby bar can attest. But it's the spot-on classic Continental fare that Albert Breuers has presented for 30 years (with his native German flair) that keeps this Old World haunt performing at an admirably high level. Few places can answer the retro craving for snapper soup, crisp martinis, and wiener schnitzel quite like the Old Guard does.

BOBBY FLAY'S STEAK HOUSE
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City
609-317-1000; www.theborgata.com
(not formally rated)

When the road trip heads to A.C. in search of beef and gambling glory, celeb chef Bobby Flay's namesake grill is one of the better bets. With its boldly spiced Southwestern twist on the steak house and a colorful, whimsically designed dining room (with mesquite-wood ribs that frame the ceiling like a giant carcass!), this spot adds a festive take and some vibrant personality to the old concept of casino dining.

TONY LUKE'S
39 E. Oregon Ave.
215-551-5725; www.tonylukes.com
(not formally rated)

If the cheesesteak hunger doesn't grab your inner Philadelphian during a game in South Philly, the late-night munchies eventually will. In either case, this quilted-steel, neon-lit institution beneath the I-95 overpass has the perfect answer on a crusty roll. It's certainly the best of the big-name cheesesteak palaces, and the hefty old-time sandwiches, whether a steak or juicy roast pork, are at their most convincing with "Italian" grace notes of garlicky greens and sharp provolone.

MONK'S CAFE
264 S. 16th St.
215-545-7005; www.monkscafe.com
2 bells

The mussel pots, burgers, and frites have become a shade less reliable over the years, but there's no doubting the continued status of this influential Belgian bistro as one of America's greatest beer bars. Whether you seek an encyclopedic list of lambics, rare Belgian drafts, or English strong ale from a wooden cask, chances are Monk's can quench the thirst. There are plenty of other fine taphouses in town now, of course, but this is where Philly's exotic beer craze really started to flow.

ST. STEPHEN'S GREEN
1701 Green St.
215-769-5000; www.saintstephensgreen.com
2 bells

Raise a pint of craft stout with your pals and watch the game at this cozy slice of Dublin in Fairmount. The woodwork, fireplaces, and booths create an authentic atmosphere for watching UEFA Champions League "football" (not to mention the Eagles) on one of the numerous flat-screen TVs. Ex-New Wave chef Ben McNamara turns out one of the more satisfying gastropub menus in town, from spot-on Guinness-battered fish and chips to refined risotto crab cakes with lemon beurre blanc and one of the best steak-frites values around. Don't forget to bring your darts.

THE WHIP TAVERN
1383 N. Chatham Rd., Coatesville
610-383-0600; www.thewhiptavern.com
(not formally rated)

Pull up a stool, fork into a stewy crock of lamb shepherd's pie, and watch the ponies run on "Race Night" at this handsome English pub in the rolling heart of Chester County horse country. The Brit cuisine from chef Jason Ziglar aims for authenticity, with classics like Bubble and Squeak, but so does the crowd: That could very well be a famous Derby trainer or steeplechase jockey nibbling on Toad-in-the-Hole the next stool over.

PICANHA BRAZILIAN GRILL
6501 Castor Ave.
215-743-4647; www.picanhagrill.com
2 bells

Save the fancier Brazilian chains downtown for clients. Go with your hungry friends to this low-frills neighborhood churrascaria in the Northeast, where adventurous carnivores come for a genuine samba flavor without the fine-dining flash. Unlike the gas-fired competition, this grill cooks its myriad skewered meats over real charcoal for an immigrant Brazilian crowd that savors its beef. It's a great value, where you can pay by the pound or go unlimited for $22. It's also BYOB, so bring the limes and cachaca for caipirinhas by the pitcher.

SWEET LUCY'S SMOKEHOUSE
7500 State Rd. (north of Cottman)
215-331-3112; www.sweetlucys.com
2 bells

Every guy should know his way around a smoker. Short of that, he should know his way to the nearest barbecue joint. There are some promising new options starting to smoke around town, but Sweet Lucy's has been Philly's most consistent pit to date, especially for vinegary Carolina-style pulled pork and tender smoked chickens. So take a quick detour off I-95 to this casual counter-service room in a converted warehouse for a messy ribfest that brings a true down-home country flair to the great Northeast.

MAHOGANY ON WALNUT
1524 Walnut St.
215-732-3982; www.phillycigarbar.com
(not formally rated)

Grab a stogie and a snifter and settle into clubby decadence in one of the wingback chairs at this luxury cigar bar on the second floor over Holt's. If the waitressed trays of Davidoffs and Macanudos don't move you, the stunning array of spirits will, as Mahogany boasts one of the city's premier collections of high-end Scotch and whiskey, from fine malts (Bruichladdich) to rare bourbons (Woodford Reserve Sweet Mash). Caution: Unless your smoke-phobic mate is out of town, be prepared to shower off when you get home.