By: Amy Rosner and Jordan Budney By: Amy Rosner and Jordan Budney | August 28, 2023 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
Finding the perfect space to host an ultimate birthday bash can be tricky, but renting out the perfect venue is the ideal way to celebrate your big day. From sophisticated soirees to electric events, embrace the party in these intimate spaces packed with plenty of family and friends. No city knows how to throw a blowout party quite like NYC, and these bars do it better than anyone else. Check out our recommendations for the best bars to rent out for your birthday in New York City.
See Also: Where To Have Your Birthday Dinner In NYC
112 E. 11th St. / 212.888.1095 / Website
Don’t worry, this little sister is the coolest kid on the block and won’t crash your party. Described as sultry and seductive with historical references dating back to the 19th century, this velvet-laced speakeasy is the perfect spot to dive into the unknown pleasures. Nestled in the Moxy Hotel, Little Sister Lounge is an underground bar on the map but strays away from being cliche. Heads up, you may have to flash a pretty penny and know the right names to rent this hot spot.
189 W. 10th St. / 646.687.4609 / Website
Combining a cozy and chic interior with relaxed bar vibes, cuddle up and celebrate with your favorite craft at this neighborhood favorite. Located in the heart of the West Village, this laid-back gastropub is a great place to start your night off strong and gives great access to the West Village once you're ready to mobilize. Featuring weekly unique drinks along with crafty seasonal and year-round cocktails ranging from nitro espresso martinis to their iconic “Green-Witch” with gin, saffron and toasted rosemary, Due West continues to wow every guest. Plus, their brunch and dinner bites like their steak tacos and breakfast nachos go perfectly with every sip.
107 Eldridge St. / 212.257.4072 / Website
Stop and smell the roses at this Lower East Side local pub and let your birthday extravaganza blossom and bloom. This 1970s-inspired basement bar draws inspiration from “cheeky Australian watering holes, charming Midwest American diners and the timeless allure of classic bars,” making it stand out from the rest of the garden. More commonly known for its vintage decor and Instagram-famous pool table, The Flower Shop has delicious drinks, fun music, and the freshest floral vibes. Plant this seed in your mind for the next celebration and watch how it grows into the best birthday yet.
249 Eldridge St. / 212.777.5153 / Website
Calling all party animals! Unleash your inner birthday beast at this intimate nightclub that draws all the buzz. This hip nightspot features zebra-printed ottomans surrounded by bamboo and mood lighting, making it the perfect choice for those who like to go all out on their birthday. Bust out the cheetah print and the luxurious leather jackets and boogie to the diverse dance music as you refill their Prosecco on tap. We recommend renting out the entire space for the best birthday bash but don’t miss out on their special after-hours because that is truly Where The Wild Things Are.
271 11th Ave. / 212.981.6188 / Website
If you are stuck between pairing your birthday look with high heels or cowboy boots, this bar is the apt happy medium designed for you and your closest 74 friends. Described as a “New York bar with a southern accent,” Porchlight is the perfect blend of hip and cozy that marries hospitality, soul, drink and food of the ever-evolving South with the hustle and bustle of the city. Featuring one-of-a-kind drinks like their “Campfire Old Fashioned” featuring Cocoa-Infused George Dickel Rye and Marshmallow, or the “PTO” including Peach, Tomato and Olive Oil Ketel One Vodka, this bar melds together city and country life. Pair these drinks with homestyle dishes like Chicken Soup with Buttermilk Herb Dumplings or Andouille Cheddar Puppies that will have every guest talking about this birthday blowout for weeks.
133 7th Ave. S. / 212.675.6220 / Website
Named after a traditional fishing boat used off the west coast in Ireland, this four-story Irish pub is a West Village standout with an East Village soul. Offering two different floors for private events with catering and open bar options, Galway Hooker has everything necessary for an unforgettable party, making it a safe bet for your big night. Serving traditional bar food like pigs in a blanket, burgers and a sizeable beer and cocktail menu, set sail for a marvelous birthday voyage without ever leaving home. Also, the fireplace and billiards are the finishing touches to making this place fun and somewhat nautical.
Multiple locations / Website
Staying out of trouble on your birthday can be hard, but there are no rules at Raines Law Room. Embodying the definition of modern luxury, this speakeasy was named after a law set in 1896 to keep New York liquor consumption under control, ironic enough. Now with two locations open in New York, this plush prohibition-inspired lounge is synonymous with all things chic and embodies some of the most aesthetically pleasing spots in all of Manhattan. In addition to hosting your next birthday, guests will surely not pass on their hands-on cocktail classes or consider having their “Raines on the Road” 1959 Airstream Pacer cocktail bar for their next event.
174 8th Ave. / 646.868.8422 / Website
The early bird may get the worm, but the Jungle Bird always gets the booze. Located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood and named righteously after the signature welcome drink at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton in the early 1970s, this tropical bar is a birthday party hotspot. The upstairs space, called “The Canopy Room” has both tables and a dance floor, allowing your guests to dance the night away, or catch up with an old friend over a delicious margarita. Trade in the cockatoo for one of their creative cocktails, like the “Show Me The Banana” with Giffard Banana and Saint Luna Moonshine or the “Devil I Know” made with Tanteo Jalapeño Tequila and Passion Fruit Puree. This bar is guaranteed to host the best “bird-day” ever.
150 Broadway / 212.725.4300 / Website
Shout it from the rooftop, it’s your birthday! Flaunting the largest all-year outdoor and indoor bar and event space with over 33,000 feet of multi-purpose space, this exquisite penthouse is located in the heart of New York City’s Flatiron district, making it steps away from the Empire State Building. The highly experienced staff boasts creates unforgettable memories meticulously curated to fit your vision and provides catering, audiovisual, decor arrangements and more. Their menus range from a hefty list of frozen margaritas to an entire sushi menu, so leave the birthday stress to the team and kick back in this lush life. 150 Broadway / 212.725.4300 / Website
Multiple locations / Website
Who says private birthday events need to be upscale and chic? Let loose as you play Donkey Kong, Frogger, and more classic arcade games while casually sipping and eating legendary cocktails and gaming snacks specially made at every location. Barcade is the originator of the arcade bar concept and with each location featuring around 40 to 75 video games and pinball machines including 25 to 30 American beers on draft, this place guarantees tons of laughter, friendly competitions and fun. Even though you may be a year older, celebrate this birthday by connecting with that inner kid at heart.
Whether you are trying to channel your showstopping and ritzy side with luxurious lounge space and beverages or living it up by dancing all night or playing games, New York is proud to host your next private event to help you create the ideal day. Besides, age is an issue of mind over matter. If you do not mind, it does not matter.
Photography by: Bernard Bodo / Getty Images