The 7 Best Bars for Birthdays in NYC
Although it may seem like they know everything, there are a few key pieces of information that most New Yorkers know to be true. First of all, the dollar slice that you can get on every corner of this city is enough of a reason to pick up and move here immediately. Second of all, you can rely more on your barista than you can on the New York City Subway. And third of all, NYC is the best city to celebrate your birthday.
Celebrating your birthday in Manhattan is an incredible and memorable experience, as long as you pick the right place. No matter your party size or personal preference for food and cocktail bars, we have scouted out the 7 best birthday bars NYC so you can create happy memories with your closest friends. Check out our list of NYC birthday bars below and get your party planned with the best food and drinks.
Check out our Best Birthday Bars in NYC
The Garret
Multiple Locations
The Garret is a reliable option for parties of all kinds. With multiple locations, it’s more than easy to book any of their awesome spots. The East Village and Nolita locales have a traditional dive bar vibe. The drinks are great and reasonably priced, the music is bangin’, there’s a great wine list, and the bars themselves are a perfect size. The Garret in the West Village is, in essence, a wood paneled speakeasy, located above the restaurant Five Guys. Be mindful it is definitely small, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less fun. Lastly, located in the back of The Garret East is Borrachito–a petite taqueria, so you can have your cocktail and eat your tacos, too. You can book space/tables at most of The Garret’s locations, all without a down payment or a minimum, giving you ample opportunities to get your party started.
The Frying Pan
Pier 66 at Hudson River Park
If your birthday is between May-October, The Frying Pan is the boat birthday you didn’t know you needed. This boat is docked at Pier 66 at Hudson River Park, making it all for the stunning views and not for seasickness. Forget a rooftop bar. This off-land option offers plenty of room for your guests to roam around, get drinks, a bite to eat, and take in the surrounding vista. A must would be a pitcher of sangria. Also a must would be getting there early, as the picnic tables at this popping location can get crowded. However, due to the enormity of the boat, no one will feel too cramped. Enjoy both a shrimp cocktail and a regular cocktail while living your best summer.
Blue Ribbon Kanpai Garden
SIXTY LES Hotel - 190 Allen St, New York, NY 10002
Blue Ribbon Kanpai Garden is another great spot to host a party for when the weather gets nice. This gorgeous rooftop and upstairs balcony can almost always be found with a perfect amount of people. Again, this spot has no required minimums or down payments required for hosting a gathering, so feel free to let loose with those invites! The staff is more than a pleasure to work with, and they will reserve a few long tables for your day extravaganza. In addition to having access to the indoor beer bar, the outdoor area offers craft beer options and, more importantly, delicious handrolls (try the fried chicken) and small plates. Feel free to bring your party over to the further end of the roof, where ample ping-pong and board game options are available. The only thing they are missing are pool tables.
Little Branch
22 7th Avenue South, New York, NY 10014
If you’re in the business of having an exclusive birthday celebration, look no further than Little Branch. This gem of a place is literally unrecognizable from anyone walking past it. From the normal passerby, this is just another random door on a corner in the West Village. However, upon entering and proceeding down the stairs, you are transformed to another world. Note that this cocktail and wine bar is lit only by candles, but that only adds to the surrounding speakeasy vibe. Another perk; there is amazing live music available every night of the week. Unfortunately, Little Branch is known to many others, so private rooms and tables here can fill up quickly as it’s one of the top lounges in NYC for birthdays. If you and a few friends are in the mood for some truly delicious drinks and a unique atmosphere, this is your spot. Try the birthday bottle service.
Spritzenhaus
33 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
This bar isn’t located in Manhattan, but in case you have been living under a rock, Brooklyn is where it’s at, and when your party’s top priority is open space, Spritzenhaus is the way to go. This beer garden is a German hotspot serving up delicious beers and German-style eats while playing a great and eclectic mix of soul and classic rock music. You can customize your own sausage order by picking and choosing your ingredients before it’s placed in a pretzel bun, leaving you a free hand to enjoy your $7 brew. Reserving a spot here is quick and easy due to the amount of space that this bar provides. They will even store your birthday cake free of charge and provide plates and utensils for your guests – happy birthday to you!
Ghost Donkey
4 Bleecker Street, New York NY 10012
This Mexican-inspired tequila and mezcal bar will fulfill all your birthday party dreams. The music in here is fast paced and pumpin’, and combined with the fun and colorful ambiance, you will definitely want to bring out your dancing shoes for a great time. The walls and ceilings are showered with thin strings of lights, making for a great photo op. The drinks are slightly on the pricier side, but for their unique taste and gorgeous presentation, they are very worth it. Get the frozen margarita as you shimmy and slide with your friends. On a side note, the truffle nachos are a dream in and of themselves; do yourself, and your friends, a favor and order two of these to accompany your cocktails. You will thank us later.
Hope you enjoyed our list of the best bars and restaurants for birthdays in NYC. What better way to visit all the lounges in NYC for your birthday than by renting a party trolley where dance parties and an open bar of craft cocktails are encouraged. NY Trolley can take you to all the best birthday bars in NYC in a single night - from Alphabet City and the flatiron district in the east side to Royal Palms shuffleboard club in Brooklyn! Now go celebrate!