Top Spots For Guys' Night Out

By Luke Field

Every group of male friends has a tradition or routine when they get together.  For me, a typical guy's night involves fantasy, table top role-playing games, a marathon of The Star Wars films (the originals, not the new abominations), and an animated discussion of which super power we all would most like to have (mind control, duh).  Every once in a while, though, it's nice to emerge from the gaming dungeon and trek into Philadelphia for an excitingly new man outing.  Here are a few options for your very own guy's night out, which I have named "The Mad Men Special" and "The Sportsman's Delight," respectively.

Parx Racetrack

3001 Street Road
Bensalem, PA 19020
215-639-9000
Hours: Gates open 11:00 a.m.
Price: varies on your budget
www.parxracing.com

While it is a bit further out, the Parx Racetrack and Casino is a classy establishment and well worth the trip. You have the opportunity to bet on live races and races all throughout the country. Parx is very open to novice bettors; they have a newcomer's guide on their website with all the information to transform you from a sucker to a winner. With the Casino not far off, a trip to the Parx complex will scratch your gambling itch.

Groom Barbershop

The Arts Condominium, Lower Level
1324 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-545-2626
Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Wed: 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Cuts $20-28; Shaves $35
www.groomphilly.com

Man Men's Don Draper looks good all the time and you should too. This local barbershop specializes in classic hair-cutting techniques and offers straight-razor shaves. Groom has the look and feel of a 60's era barbershop, complete with a soothing jazz soundtrack. The knowledgeable staff is more than capable to give you any style you want. Make your appointment ahead of time.

Mahogany on Walnut

1524 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-732-3982
Hours: Mon to Tues: 4:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; Wed to Thu: 12:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; Fri to Sat: 12:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.
Website & Reviews

Cigar and whiskey is a classic combo. Mahogany offers 140 selections of whiskey and over 25 different varieties of cigars. Designed in the style of an old English library, the lounge area is a great place to relax pre- or post-dinner. Stop in to Holt's Tobacconist on the ground level and bring your own favorite brand. And for the true cigar aficionados with deeper pockets, private humidors are available for a $700 annual membership.

The Continental Mid-town

1801 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-567-1800
Hours: Lunch: Mon to Fri 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Dinner: Sun to Wed 5:00 p.m.-11:00pm, Thu to Sat 5:00 p.m.-Midnight; Brunch: Sat to Sun 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Website & Reviews

The Continental would be the premiere place for Sterling Cooper's cadre of advertising executives. The restaurant is creatively designed to resemble the nightclubs and lounges of the 1960s. While their menu is extensive, the real treat for your man outing is Continental's impressive martini list. Take your drink up to their tremendous roof top deck, absorb the beautiful sights of Philadelphia at night, and enjoy the company of your swell group of friends.

Go Vertical Indoor Rock Climbing

950 North Penn Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-928-1800
Hours: Mon to Fri 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sat to Sun 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Price: For climbing parties of 8 or more $23 a person, for 3-7 people, $28 a person
Website & Reviews

Newsflash: guys like sports. While most guys won't become pro, there are plenty other athletic outlets for the amateurs of the world. Go Vertical is the largest indoor rock climbing facility on the East Coast. They have 250 active climbing routes at all times and add 20 different routes each week. Classes are offered for beginners and they allow walk-in supervised climbs. Organize a climbing party and compete American Gladiator-style with your friends.

Sketch Burger

413 East Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19125
215-634-3466
Hours: 7 days a week 11:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Website & Reviews

What's the best thing to do after burning tons of calories while climbing walls? How about stuffing your face with on insanely awesome burger? Sketch Burger has elevated the American Classic from basic, backyard bar-b-que fare to sophisticated art form. Top it off with a thick milkshake and you are guaranteed to leave heavier than you came. Also, don't forget to create your own burger-related drawing. If it's good enough, it may end up on the wall.

Pep Bowl

1200 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-952-BOWL
Hours: Mon 12:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; Tue 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; Wed 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; Thu 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; Fri 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; Sat 1:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Sun 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Price: $3.50 per person per game, $3.00 shoe rental
Website & Reviews

If you aren't ready to attack the rock wall, there's always the classic stand-by with bowling. A quaint, 6 lane alley located in a South Philly basement is the perfect spot for a guy bowl. If you rent a lane in advance, you can bring your own beverages, and make sure you do call in advance because PEP has a very active league schedule. Also, a side benefit of bowling at PEP is you will be assisting the non-profit organization that provides vocational training and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

McGillin's Olde Ale House

1310 Drury Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-735-5562
Hours: 7 days a week, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.
Website & Reviews

For an authentic, truly Philadelphia bar experience, you can't beat McGillin's, the oldest continuously operating bar in the city. There is a rustic charm to the downstairs bar area. Mostly everything is made of wood and the close proximity of the tables will force you to get friendly with fellow diners. An impressive list of local beers on tap is topped off with the very own brand, 1860 IPA. There are plenty of televisions, making it a fine spot to watch any sports game. Also, McGillin's hosts one of the best karaoke nights in the city every Wednesday and Sunday. Overall, this bar is a great spot to meet with old friends and make new ones.