Whether it’s a surprise or not, it is important to celebrate birthdays with friends. Planning and executing a successful birthday party for a loved one is one of the few times each year that we’re able to express the importance of our friends to them in a direct way. In the rough and tumble of city life, these opportunities become even more important. Whether for 5 people or fifty, here are ten LA hot-spots that are ideal for holding a birthday bash. A birthday isn’t just another night to go out and party hard, and in identifying these ten top picks, I’ve tried to choose places that will allow for plenty of serious fun, while avoiding the chaos and noise of the big clubs. For my friends, these spots strike the right balance. Your mileage may vary. It’s also been my experience that dinner makes a firm foundation for any birthday bash, so all of these picks feature top-notch eats. Where your party leads from there is really up to you. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, your friends will appreciate the attention and time you put into their special day.
1 – Luna Park:
672 S La Brea Ave
(323) 934-2110
http://www.lunaparkla.com/
Luna park might be considered “slumming” by a few of the LA elite, but the bright atmosphere and tasty menu make this a great place for a birthday dinner, even if the party moves on for the post-dinner hours. Luna Park offers a varied menu – mostly American – and a well-stocked bar. The specialize in mojitos, so if the muddled mint is your thing, you’ll likely be in heaven. They also make a house Sangria that is to die for – and available in pitchers for the group. You can make reservations and even order out right from the Luna Park web site.
2 – Blue 32
1332 Hermosa Ave # 1
Hermosa Beach
(310) 376-2600
http://bluethirtytwo.com
A tad trendier in décor than Luna Park, Blue 32 is a delight for the senses. The menu features an array of salads, sandwiches, burritos and other classic American fare at reasonable prices. For a luscious spin on classic mac & cheese, try the “mac daddy and blue cheese,” available either as a side or starter. You can thank me later.
3 – Weiland Brewery Underground
505 S Flower Street
213-622-1125
http://www.weilandbrewery.net/WBRunderground/
Being a beer guy, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include at least one brew pub on the list. For the beer connoisseur in your life, a brew pub makes the perfect party spot. Weiland has two locations in the city, with the Underground being by far the best – its downtown location leaves your options wide open for the festivities to follow. The bar is spacious, simple, and low-key, and is a great place to hang out and enjoy a few hand-made beers with friends and family. Call ahead to ensure that there’s not a big game on TV the night of your party, as the sports fans gathered around the plasma screens may overpower (and far outnumber) any group you might bring in for a few brews.
4 – The Abbey
692 N Robertson Blvd
West Hollywood
http://www.abbeyfoodandbar.com/index.php
On the classier side of the coin, the Abbey is a fantastically festive, yet refined place to spend your celebratory time. Phenomenally attractive indoor and outdoor dining areas and bars make The Abbey an attractive option for the night long. The Abbey touts their menu of “Modern American Comfort Food,” and they deliver on their promise. Smaller parties might enjoy sitting in the curtained and semi-private cabanas. The Abbey might also be a good place to recover the morning after your party, as they offer a full breakfast menu.
5 – Big Wangs
1562 N. Cahuenga Blvd
Hollywood
(323) 469-2449
http://www.bigwangswings.com/
Taking a huge and slightly tongue-in-cheek step back from the trendy, Big Wangs offers a home-town bar atmosphere in the big city. Plasma TVs, jukeboxes, and pool tables are all they need by way of “décor” at the Wangs, and if you find that “charming,” you may be missing the point. The name of the game here is pizza, beer, wings, and pitchers of margarita. It may not be typical Los Angeles, but this is the way the real people party.
6 – Dolce Enoteca e Ristorante
8284 Melrose Ave
Phone: (323) 852-7174
http://www.dolcegroup.com/
Sleek and slightly cramped, Dolce Enoteca e Ristorante is a foodie’s dream party location. Traditional Italian fare graces the menu here, but the reason it made my top party-spot list is the “Prix Fixe” menus offered for parties of 9 or more. These pre-arranged menus allow for the traditional Italian multi-course, family-style meals that your birthday boy or girl may only have dreamt of.
7 – Tatou
333 S Boylston St
(213) 482-2000
http://www.tatoullc.com
Tatou calls calls itself a “Supper Club,” and delights in bringing the best of both dining and nightlife together under one roof. This may, indeed, be the ultimate spot for a birthday party, offering a full pan-asian dinner menu with multiple bars, video games, dance floors, and even a professional recording studio. Tatou is pricey, but you only live once, right? Be warned, this is one of the only places on the list that enforces a strict “trendy,” dress code.
8 – Cha Cha Cha
656 N Virgil Ave
Phone: (323) 664-7723
http://www.theoriginalchachacha.com/home.php
For the Island lovers among us, Cha Cha Cha offers a breath of fresh air. Mexican and Caribbean cuisine, empanadas, sangria, and hand-made desserts await within, surrounded by a slightly over-done Island ambiance. Cha Cha Cha is a well-known tourist stop, so as with just about every place on this list, reservations are a really good idea.
9 – Nyx & Nox Lounge
3900 W 6th St
Phone: (213) 251-8886
http://www.orchidlosangeles.com/index_s.php
It take all kinds, I know, and Nyx & Nox, coupled with the Orchid Club just upstairs makes for the kind of party evening that you’ll either love or hate. After dinner (delicious seafood and more traditional American food, as well), what could be better than karaoke in a private room? The staff is friendly, the atmosphere, fun and inviting. Warm up your vocal chords and head out for a night to remember, for better or worse.
10 – King King
6555 Hollywood Blvd
Phone: (323) 960-9234
http://www.kingkinghollywood.com/
Two words – Live Music. The mix of music is pretty eclectic, so check the website or call ahead to find out who’s playing on any given night. The caliber of the musicians is always excellent, though. If the birthday boy or girl in your life is a live music buff, this may well be the place for your party. King King is an LA staple, and with good reason. Check it out.
With minimal time and effort, you can make your loved-ones truly feel the love. Take them out for a night on the town, and you’re sure to build great memories together.
