Guys night out: 10 places to hang with your brohams
It might not sound pretty, but sometimes the guys need to get out and do their thing . . . without any ladies. So fellas, if it's time to do things dude-only, here's a breakdown of a few spots where men can enjoy some seriously manly things.
PONY UP
When | Where: Generally 1 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays through July 26, then Sept. 11- Oct. 25 at Belmont Park, 2150 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
Info: 516-488-6000, nyra.com
Cost: $2-$5 grandstand and clubhouse admission; $2 parking
The image of the cigar-chomping, program-slapping guy putting money down on a sure thing might be a bit of a cliche, but getting the guys together to watch the horses run at this classic track will still make for a manly day. Bring your own coolers, and set up in the park area behind the grandstand - or get dressier with a reserved seat in the clubhouse, where $38 buys parking, admission, a program and full luncheon.
Also try: Farther east, guys can follow the action on the tracks - as well as any number of sporting events - at the OTB Race Palace in Plainview, which serves food, too, (1600 Round Swamp Rd., 516-572-8200).
RACK 'EM
Where: Raxx Pool Room, Bar & Grill, 510 Hempstead Tpke., West Hempstead
Info: 516-538-9896, raxxpoolroom.com
There are any number of places to shoot billiards - but here, you and the boys can make your own bash behind the black curtains in the VIP pool room. There's a nice TV, darts to throw - even an audio /video system to play CDs and DVDs you bring along. It costs $40 per hour for up to 10 people, and you'll need to commit to three hours and leave a $100 deposit to reserve the space). Relatively reasonably priced bottle service available.
ROLL THE DICE
When | Where 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Wednesday-Sunday on Majesty Casino Cruises, 361 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport
Info: 516-377-5825
Cost: $20 cover
For local cardsharps, the only legal place on Long Island to find gaming is on late-night television. However, this casino boat heads out into waters where Vegas-style gambling is completely legit- meaning you can play slot machines or wager on table games including roulette, blackjack and craps.
CRASH ALL NIGHT
Where: Riverhead Raceway, 1785 Old Country Rd., Riverhead
Info: 631-727-0010, riverheadraceway.com
Cost: $20-$28 for spectators
While some guys soup up their cars for competition (or just to cruise down Deer Park Avenue in the summer), others go head-to-head and bumper-to-bumper in this fan-favorite, last-car-standing demolition derby battle that takes place at least one Saturday a month. The runs can center on all sorts of makes - from 4-cylinder engine cars to police vehicles and taxicabs. If you want to drive yourself, there's a $50 entry fee (includes one pit pass) - winners can score up to $400.
MAN vs FISH
Where | When: 11 p.m.-3 a.m. Fridays and Saturday aboard the Laura Lee, Captree State Park, Babylon
Info: 631-661-1867, lauraleecaptree.com
Cost: $53 ($50 in advance)
A late weekend night out with the guys could translate into an out-on-the-water adventure. The charter boat's crew provides the bait and tackle for striped bass fishing.
Also try: Although the idea of shark fishing may sound a little more dangerous than your average clam dig, Montauk-based Capt. John Krol with Movin On Charter Service runs trips July-September with fishing for all different species of fish and sharks, which are usually Blues, Makos and Threshers . . . usually ($900 up to 4 passengers, $1,400 up to 6, 631-668-4502, movinoncharters.com ).
PUFF INDOORS
Where: Maxis Cigar Shop, 749 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square
Info: 516-505-1489, maxiscigarlounge.com
It's not the healthiest choice, but if your bunch of gents prefers to gather en masse to watch a game on TV with fine cigars in hand - this is the place to do it. The indoor cigar lounge has a walk-in humidor, a pool table, video games, a television and a BYOB policy (as long as patrons are responsible).
HEARTY BREWS
Where: Black Forest Brew Haus, 2015 New Hwy., Farmingdale
Info: 631-845-4715, blackforestbrewhaus.com
While there's something to be said for gathering the guys for cheap suds and card games in the basement - but getting out and sampling some high-grade brew adds some serious class to a guys' night out. Here, the brew is produced on-site according to the standards of its German mother company Privatbrauerei Hoepfner (in business since 1798), so rest assured that golden Black Forest Hefeweizen wheat beer or strong, malty Maibock is a gusto choice.
Also try: The Brick House Brewery has live music and karaoke nights - but its big ale-making vats in the front window are decidedly the centerpiece of the operation here (67 W. Main St., Patchogue, 631- 447-2337, brickhousebrewery.com ).
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