Best 21st Birthday Ideas in NYC

Turning 21 is a big deal. Yes, you can finally legally drink and that is all well and good, but more importantly, you are a real-life, full-time, official adult. Maybe you’re jumping for joy and reaching for that legal drink. Maybe you’re crying in a corner, wondering where all the time went. Either way, the combination of both reactions does solidify your adulthood. So, welcome! 

Turning the big 2-1 is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone that deserves some heavy celebrating. Whether you’re looking for a big bash, an intimate event or a perfect-sized affair, we’ve got you covered with some great options for celebrating your 21st birthday throughout NYC. 

Square Diner

33 Leonard Street, New York, NY 10013

The Square Diner looks like a normal diner would; from the outside, you can see the classic booth seating arrangements, the wood-paneled interior and the normal accouterment found in most diner settings. However, at night, this TriBeCa staple can turn into your own party venue. For $60 a person, the Square Diner can host you and all of your guests for a night of fun and unlimited food and drink options, with great music to boot. This under-the-radar birthday option is great for reserving an all-inclusive spot at a relatively cheap price. 

Picnic in Central Park

Various Locations

Feeling like doing something more low-key for your 21st? Central Park is, and always has been, a New York Classic for any event. Grab your red-and-white checkered blanket and your favorite cheese/meat combo and head to areas like Sheep Meadow, Bow Bridge or, for something a little different, Belvedere Castle up on 79th Street. Central Park never disappoints, especially on your special day. 

Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club

514 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Yes, we know that you are only turning 21, so there is no reason to act any older than that. But, don’t knock shuffleboard until you try it. The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club is a 17,000 square foot hotspot in Gowanus, Brooklyn that is eagerly waiting to host you and all of your friends for a day of birthday fun. Although it is primarily a first-come-first-serve establishment, they offer reservations for groups of 10 or more, as well as a variety of beverage packages for any sized clan. 

Comedy Cellar

117 Macdougal St #1267, New York, NY 10012

If you’re in the mood for some quality entertainment, head downtown to The Comedy Cellar, the infamous spot in Greenwich Village, home to all-things funny since 1982. The schedule varies but shows typically run from around 7:00 - 12:15 pm on weekends, giving you ample options to host your birthday squad. Tickets and reservations can be bought and made through their website. Pro tip: During their weekly shows, some big names in comedy have been known to drop by late night for some practice. Stay late and see for yourself!

Puglia

189 Hester St, New York, NY 10013

If you haven’t heard of Puglia, it’s important to put down what you’re doing and to read the next few lines with your full attention. Puglia is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant, a place where you can get delicious pasta and other Italian specialties. It is also a rockin’ party. The pre fixe menu of all-you-can-eat (and drink) for $50 a person is a celebration in and of itself. The restaurant blasts great music as they work the crowd of visitors, encouraging everyone to get up on their chairs, sing, dance and, most importantly, twirl their napkin around. Join in on the fun for your birthday dinner with family style pizzas at one of the best NYC restaurants!

Pier 25 Mini Golf

225 West St, New York, NY 10013

Bring your birthday party back to your roots and head to Chelsea Piers for some good-ole’ mini-golf, everyone's favorite childhood pastime. This is a great, no-reservation-needed option for slightly larger parties, mostly under 20 people. The mini-course is a total of 18 holes, including a nearby concession stand for necessary snack breaks. After you’ve finished, take a stroll up and down Pier 25, the longest pier in Hudson River Park, where you can indulge in any of their other offerings, such as the volleyball courts or the skate park. 

Kick Axe Throwing

622 Degraw St, Brooklyn NY 11217

For those soon-to-be 21-year old’s that consider themselves to be a little bit more on the adventurous side, Kick Axe Throwing in Brooklyn sounds right up your alley. This lodge-themed bar offers both food and drink to their axe-enthusiast visitors. Make sure to wear closed-toe shoes when you arrive about 20 minutes before your party starts to get those waivers signed. The spot can host your 8+ party on almost any day of the week. Time to get throwin’!

Barcade

Various Locations

Barcade is exactly what it sounds like - a bar and arcade had a baby, and it resulted in locale for many good times (and birthday opportunities) for groups of all sizes. Since their original spot opened back in 2004, they have quickly expanded, now with 8 locations all over NYC with more still to come. The East Village location is a blast! Bring your friends and family in for some good beer, and some Pac-Man practice. 

SPIN New York

48 East 23rd St, New York, NY 10010

Forget rooftop bars. We all know that no event is really fun unless ping-pong is involved. Bring your birthday squad to SPIN New York, this ping-pong and bar combo you didn’t know you needed until now. Monday - Thursday, this hot-spot near the Empire State Building offers $9 unlimited pong-pong after 9:00 pm, as well as various weekend social packages. Challenge your friends to a ping-pong tournament and show how much you’ve learned about this fun game in your 21 years. 

Curious how you can get your closest friends and family to all of these celebratory locations, while still keeping the party rolling? Celebrate your 21st birthday party with The New York Trolley Company, a one-stop-shop for all your transportation needs for a unique and fun New York City-exclusive experience. Perfect for big groups on your special occasion. Dance the night away on the trolley dance floor as tour all the bars in NYC.