MARIETTA. Lots of stone and wood give credence to Aspens' name, and Western influences color both decor and cuisine. Beef reigns, and it's top-quality, available in cuts that range from a 7-ounce filet to a 20-ounce rib-eye. Accompany one with a hefty baked potato or maybe white cheddar grits or asparagus. You'll also want to get a good bottle of wine, and Aspens makes it easy with its well-stocked cellar. If red meat doesn't suit, there's pork, chicken, lamb and seafood to be had. For added value, check out the early-bird option (not available Saturdays).

BUCKHEAD. Highbrow wheeling and dealing is always on the slate at this long-lived Buckhead steakhouse, which is characterized by an outstanding menu and a decor that pays homage to Atlanta's rich history. Favorite entrees include petit filet mignon, a perfectly cooked bone-in rib-eye and a deliciously mammoth 20-ounce New York strip. Couple your meal with a side dish such as roasted garlic mashed potatoes or fried onion rings ­ you'll easily see why Bone's enjoys such revered status. Superb service, an excellent wine list and a large, cigar-friendly bar round out its impressive offerings.

BUCKHEAD. With its deep red walls and menagerie of mounted, stuffed animals, this restaurant aptly honors its name. The hearty menu continues the theme, offering game entrees, seafood dishes, and terrific, juicy steaks, all accompanied by fresh, creative sides. Wild boar chops are one of the more unusual options, along with elk, and they're joined by bacon-wrapped shrimp, local trout, and hefty pork chops enlivened with an apple-cider reduction. The well-attended bar offers stout drinks amid dark, rustic surroundings.

BUCKHEAD. Chops, a swanky local favorite, is often frequented by power brokers and features hushed tones and a well-stocked display case. Steaks take center stage, of course, and you can choose from a range of cuts and sizes. Side dishes are also noteworthy, going beyond run-of-the-mill salads and baked potatoes to include creamed spinach and walnut-raisin bread. If you want something lighter, opt for the Lobster Bar downstairs, which offers the featured crustacean along with yellow fin tuna, almond-crusted swordfish and grilled sea scallops. The wine list is excellent.

BUCKHEAD. Carnivores thrill to this fantastic restaurant, which serves skewer after skewer of roasted meat in an all-you-can-eat bonanza. Brazilian gauchos present steak, pork, chicken, lamb, and sausages, all 15 cuts expertly seasoned and exquisitely cooked. They're only the main feature, though, of a meal that includes a magnificent salad bar and side dishes that range from fried bananas to rice and beans. A rustic, upscale interior sets the scene for this decadent binge. Fixed price meals run approximately $30 for lunch and $45 for dinner. What a feast!