Birthday dinners sound fun in theory, but let’s face it—15 of your “closest” friends sitting around a crowded table, having stale conversation, and nibbling on stale bread is nobody’s version of a good time.
Disclaimer: the entire right side of the table wouldn’t dare touch a carb.
Just when we thought birthday celebrations were a thing of the past, a new dining concept enters the scene: the kind where it’s completely socially acceptable to chug from a bottle of wine, belt the wrong words of the entire Mama Mia soundtrack, and recklessly dance on tables until you shut the entire place down.
These new party spots are completely revolutionizing the New York City dining experience, and we are absolutely here for it.
See Also: Inside The Secret Restaurants Of NYC, From Hidden Burger Joints To Caviar Speakeasies
Except when Lexi breaks her ankle in her six-inch Manolo’s. But that’s a totally different story.
Keep reading for the rowdiest restaurants in NYC, from 12 Chairs, to HaSalon, and beyond!
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Multiple Locations/Website
Not only is Kyma home to some of the best Greek food in town, but it’s also responsible for throwing some of the wildest dance parties in all of NYC. You’ll probably get hit on by a guy with slicked-back hair and a way-too-tight navy suit, but hey, at least you’ll get a free round (or two) of tequila shots. The crowd will go wild when the sparklers come around, eliciting a sense of euphoria rarely found outside of a downtown club. Katie and Dani will take obnoxious pictures with the caption, “A really lit night!”
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735 10th Av, Manhattan/Website
When it comes to dancing on tables, nobody does it like HaSalon. This critically-acclaimed Israeli spot offers two seating options: the first is very tranquil and low-key, and the second is incredibly upbeat and alive. As the clock strikes 11, the dining room transforms into the hottest nightclub straight out of Tel Aviv: paying homage to Israeli culture, while simultaneously putting a fresh, New York spin on things. The only thing that could possibly rival the high-energy environment is the impeccable food. Order the 12-foot noodle. You’ll thank us later.
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189 Hester St, Manhattan/Website
It may not be the most original place to have your birthday party, but it sure will be the most fun. Serving heaping portions of Italian food, ranging from massive Mozzarella Sticks, to melt-in-your-mouth Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Puglia is the perfect place to stuff your face and jam out to ’90s throwbacks. Although this Little Italy hotspot does serve hard alcohol, we recommend skipping the liquor and ordering an exorbitant amount of wine for the table. The bottles are particularly cheap, and they happen to go down like water.
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26 Greenwich Ave, Manhattan/Website
Definitely the underdog on this list, Le Baratin is a more low-key spot to have a very high-key birthday celebration. Although we don’t typically associate sophisticated French food with dancing on tables, this casual West Village bistro defies all our expectations and then some. If you’re not ordering the Steak Frites, any (or all) of the Mussels, and multiple rounds of espresso martinis, then you’re not getting the full Le Baratin experience. Oh, and you better embarrass yourself (and everybody around you) with your obnoxious Tiktok dances.
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Multiple Locations/Website
What appears to be a quaint Israeli restaurant on the outside, is actually a roaring Gatsby-approved party on the inside. Similar to HaSalon, 12 chairs brings the vibrant party culture of Tel Aviv straight to the streets of Manhattan. The restaurant is always packed to the brim–fair warning, you’re guaranteed to see your ex-best friend's sister's cousin–which is a testament to how unparalleled the experience really is. The vibes at 12 Chairs are so unbeatable, you will definitely leave with a smile on your face and a new friend named Sammi Cohen you met in the bathroom line. Oh, you’ll probably also stuff those mouthwatering Lamb Arayes in your pulse.
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357 W 16th St, Manhattan/Website
Described as a “vibrantly gold venue amidst the Chrome facades of West 16th Street,” Noir is the hottest multi-level supper club in town. Modern classic cocktails and elevated Asian cuisine is served in a 1920’s-inspired setting, leading diners to believe they’re in for a classy night. Think again. The moment the DJ starts playing blaring techno music, you are immediately transported to the wildest beach club in Ibiza. Guests are not only allowed, but strongly encouraged, to dance their hearts out while shoving garlic fried rice in their mouths. Be careful, somebody may even start swinging from the golden chandeliers.
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Multiple Locations/Website
Don’t be fooled, this no-frills Neopolitan eatery isn’t as innocent as you might think. Similar to Puglia, Patrizia's serves gigantic family-size portions of decent Italian food and almost as much wine as a Napa Valley Vineyard. But definitely not as refined, of course. The second Sophie hears Sweet Caroline over the loudspeaker, she stands up on her chair, screams “this is my song!” and waves her napkin so vigorously that it slaps Kayla in the face. “Ow! Watch the new nose!” If you’re washed up and want to relive your college glory days, Patrizia’s is the perfect place to do it.
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34 E 52nd St, Manhattan/Website
Known as the "the power broker's lunch and entertainment industry's dinner," this family-run Tuscan eatery has a little something for everybody. Even the wild 20 somethings who are here for a good time, not a long time. Although a bit more hush-hush than the other spots on this list, Fresco By Scotto knows how to throw a party. Or as Anabelle and Emma call it, "a rager." Diners can expect high-quality Italian food, wine, music, and of course, company.
Photography by: Axville
