best group bday spots in nyc
Pictured: STK Meatpacking
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Aria Wine Bar: Aria stands out because it is possibly the only place with an “all-women wine list,’ that is, only wine from female vintners. So the girl power in this place is very real. It is also quintessentially West Village with its very tight, intimate quarters, and rustic decor. However, they do have larger tables for groups as well as an isolated long table in the downstairs cellar. Also, they tend to bring out sparklers with the cake so the birthday girl is bound to feel extra special.
Tijuana Picnic: “One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, FLOOR” sound familiar? You’ve probably seen shots of this fluorescent sign (from Tijuana Picnic) on your instagram feed more than once. And the sign doesn’t lie; people come here because they want to drink, making it a perfect spot to celebrate a birthday. The Asian-Mexican fare also happens to be good, and the ambience is retro and sexy. The cherry on top? After dinner, you can bring your party downstairs to Tico’s Tequila Bar, which houses 45 tequilas and 40 mezcals, need we say more?
Palma: You can’t find a place more charming than Palma. Its romantic garden room instantly transports you to Italy, with walls covered in flowers and a retractable glass ceiling that illuminates the stars at night. It is great for a birthday dinner because they have have multiple options for groups: there is a quaint dining room in apperitivo di palma (its wine bar) as well as a closed off carriage house in the back of the restaurant for private parties.
Miss Lilys: Step into the colorful caribbean outpost that is Miss Lily’s. It is great for birthdays because of the festive, beach shack atmosphere. It’s dinner menu is very unique with must try items like the coconut crusted jerk corn, fried plantains, and jerk pork belly, so you know your guests are bound to try something different. If a boozy brunch is more your style, ML has a great deal with 2 hours of unlimited drinks and 1 entree for only $30. Run, don’t walk to this caribbean oasis.
Pulqueria: Pulqueria has been around for a while but still retains it’s “secret” hidden gem appeal. Tucked away in a Chinatown alley, you will not see a sign for Pulqueria. Instead, look for a set of sketchy stairs leading to three doors, only one of which will open to the underground restaurant. This Mexican restaurant is surprisingly big and fits groups comfortably. When you are finished with dinner you can move over to their bar for great drinks, music, and dancing. Make sure to order a “pineapple bomb,” their famous frozen margarita drink that comes in a full-sized pineapple (making it perfect #forthegram).
ABC Cocina: If you are a fan of ABC Kitchen, you will love ABC Cocina. It has all the extraordinary food, service, and trendy decor of ABC Kitchen but without the formality or long wait, making it perfect for a group dinner. The latin-american tapas are perfect for sharing so make sure to order a bunch. Wine ‘n Dine favorites include the guacamole, fish tacos and jalapeno margarita. But still save room for dessert, because churros.
Catch: There are so many reasons to love Catch: the food, location, and rooftop being the most significant. It has been a Meatpacking staple for a long time now, but we don’t see ourselves getting sick of it anytime soon. Their crispy tuna rice cakes and lobster mac and cheese are easily some of the best in the city. And there is nothing like sipping on a the “Kali” blood orange jalapeno-infused margarita on the rooftop with your friends. After dinner, you can keep the party going at the club upstairs or hop to a different club nearby–making it super convenient for a birthday night out.
