If there’s a large number of birthdays coming up, there might be a search for festivities in the near future. Whether it’s a chill birthday having a casual dinner, experiencing a private dining experience, or looking for something a little more crafty it’s bound to be a special day. Keep reading for more information to celebrate birthdays in Northern New Jersey.
Agave Maria | 170 Washington Avenue, Belleville
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Agave Maria is located on Belleville’s bustling Washington Avenue. Coming from the Newark side, drivers will see its colorful mural on the side of the building — something that can’t be missed. The festive ambiance carries both inside the restaurant and on its rooftop bar serving outstanding margaritas and Mexican food. Agave Maria also has an option on its website for planning parties. Private dining experiences are available above the first-floor restaurant.
The Barrow House | 1296 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton
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Located on Van Houten Avenue, The Barrow House takes reservations and also has private dining space available. The space is modeled after a traditional hall + parlor home. This colonial-era farmhouse fills all plans of a rustic atmosphere. There are five different rooms to choose from: The Barn (up to 45 guests), Steller’s Hall (up to 45 guests), The Game Room (up to 28 guests), The Study Parlor (up to 30 guests), and the Root Cellar (up to 18 guests). If looking for offsite options, The Barrow House also has a catering menu.
Read More: How to Celebrate a Bachelorette Party in the Montclair Area
Bolero Snort Brewery | 316 20th Street, Carlstadt
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Beer lovers will enjoy this brewery located in Bergen County. Bob Olson, who created a series of beers called “Bob’s Beers,” turned this creation into Bolero Snort Brewery. In addition to being a brewery with almost 30 original beers on tap like Jersey Wit (Belgian Style Wit with Coriander, Lemon, Orange Peel, and Grains of Paradise), and Arcobaleno (Italian rainbow-inspired stout with Raspberry, Almond, Cocoa, and Vanilla), it also has space for events. Party planners can view its Host An Event tab to book an event in either the private room or the outdoor beer garden.
Cowan’s Public | 229 Centre Street, Nutley
Named after a local favorite, John Cowan, Cowan’s Public dates back to 1938. The building opened as a bar as early as 1934. The space’s history can be felt as soon as patrons walk through its doors. The ambiance and space are excellent for smaller celebrations. Cowan’s has two spaces for private parties: the bar (which can hold up to 70 people, and has seating for 50), and the salon (up to 23 guests). There is also the option to view the space through a virtual tour.
The Cranford Hotel | 1 South Avenue, Cranford
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Another location on this list with some history to it is The Cranford Hotel. Established In 1882, the restaurant has multiple vibes inside. Whether it’s meeting with friends for game day, enjoying casual dining, or having a private dining experience The Cranford Hotel can cater to all. The website has a Special Events section that allows planners to look into creating a great party for up to 65 people.
Doin’ Dishes | 50 Church Street, Montclair
If looking to take a DIY route for a birthday celebration, then look no further than this Montclair staple. Located on Montclair’s beloved Church Street, Doin’ Dishes is a lot more fun than it sounds! Bring ceramic creations to life through paint at this artistic studio. Doin’ Dishes has a variety of options to choose from. Options include painting coasters, mugs, bowls, dishes, treat jars for pets, ornaments, and more. Planners can make reservations for a party or a small reservation for a night out. Tuesday evenings are BYOB for “Grown-Ups Nights.”
Faubourg | 544 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Faubourg has some great dining options to celebrate a birthday. Aside from the usual reservation, this is another location on the list that also has private dining. There are six spaces available both indoor and outdoor for private dining: Salon Saint Honoré (up to 16 people with wide windows overlooking the restaurant below), Salon Saint Germain (up to 40 people), Salon Saint Germain Plus Lounge (up to 60 people), Full Patio (up to 120 people), Back Patio (up to 40 people), and Patio Balcony (up to 16 people). For those looking to spontaneously celebrate, Faubourg has about five small cocktail tables available specifically for those looking to dine without a reservation. These are first come, first served.
Felina | 18 Prospect Street, Ridgewood
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If looking for a more industrial vibe, try planning a party at Felina in Ridgewood. Located in a historic bank, this restaurant serves Italian food and handmade pizzas to its diners. Its website has a tab for Private Dining that includes options for private and semi-private dining. Here patrons will “sit amongst the safety deposit boxes and the iconic vault door.” Felina also has classes available in the event the party has an educational twist. Classes include Mocktail vs. Cocktail, Pizza Making Class, Espresso Martini Cocktail Class, and more.
Fiorentini | 98 Park Avenue, Rutherford
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This contemporary eatery in Rutherford prides itself on serving authentic Italian food from farm to table. There are a few menus to choose from if celebrating here: a seasonal menu, a brunch menu, and a chef’s tasting menu. Some options include Tuscan Salami Board, Wild-Caught Chilean Sea Bass (with celery root puree, radicchio, salsify, and chianti sauce), and Risotto Milanese by a Florentine Chef. The chef’s special menu will hold seven courses, over the course of three hours. There is also a Private Events tab on the website to inquire about a more intimate dining experience.
Glassworks Crafting Studio | 151 South Street, Suite B, Morristown
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Celebrants can strengthen their creative sides by planning a birthday gathering at Glassworks in Morristown. Create glass fusion masterpieces that can be used in the home or displayed as decor. Glassworks has options for a variety of price ranges. Parties are available for children, adults, corporate events, and field trips. Glass options include picture frames, dishes, pencil cups, cheese boards, and more.
Halifax | 225 River Street, Hoboken
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Regardless of the time of day, Halifax is ready for a birthday celebration. Whether it be breakfast, lunch, midday, dinner, brunch, or just dessert, this place has a menu for all of the above. Tables can be reserved through Resy on its website. There’s also a Private Events tab on the website that provides more information about these accommodations. Staff will work closely with those interested to curate a dining + beverage package that works best for the group.
Hudson + Co | 3 2nd Street, Jersey City
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Guests will enjoy a beautiful view of the NYC skyline over a birthday dinner at Hudson + Co. This Modern American restaurant sits on Jersey City’s waterfront. There are five different spaces on the property for private dining: Stage (up to 25 guests), Henry Room (up to 35 guests — 30 seated), Lounge (up to 55 guests), Main Dining Room (up to 60 guests), and Terrance (up to 150 guests — 120 seated).
Jockey Hollow Bar + Kitchen | 110 South Street, Morristown
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This beauty of a restaurant sits in the Vail Mansion in Morristown. Jockey Hollow prides itself on using only the freshest of ingredients and no chemicals in their food for an all-natural dining experience. The Private Events tab on the website shows there are six spaces within the establishment available for renting for private dining. One is more stunning than the next. Rooms include the Rathskeller (up to 72 guests seated — 120 for cocktail reception), The Oyster Bar (up to 70 seated — 130 for cocktail reception), Washington Room (up to 32 guests), Arnold Room (up to 24 guests), Speedwell Room (up to 24 guests), and The Vail Bar — “a glam 1920’s-style cocktail lounge.”
Lefkes Estiatorio | 495 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs
Lefkes Estiaorio serves Mediterranean dishes inspired by Greek classics. Menus are available for brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour. Some menu items include a raw bar, Cod Fish Plaki (Oven‐baked Atlantic cod served over potatoes stewed in tomato sauce), and Australian Lamb Chops. There are also sushi menus available for diners. Visit the Plan Your Event tab to receive more information about private dining for a birthday celebration. Lefkes Estiatorio also has a catering menu in case the party is held off-site.
Make Wine With Us | 21 Curie Avenue, Wallington
Guests will bring home something to remember the special day at Make Wine With Us. This 10,000-square-foot facility will turn guests into wine experts through an entertaining and educational wine-making process. The process consists of a few steps. First, guests must select their grapes. After the selection, grapes need to be crushed and pressed. Then a process known as “racking the wine” happens to remove fermentation before wines are bottled and labels are applied. Wines that can be made are a variety of reds, whites, red blends, and white blends.
The MC Hotel | 690 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
If looking for something local to the Montclair area with lots of options, then stop by The MC Hotel while brainstorming birthday venues. This hotel has a few options for gatherings. If looking for something private, The MC Hotel has five different spaces available. The Exhibition Ballroom will serve for a larger gathering, while the Pinnacle Boardroom, Circle Squared Gallery, Gallery I, + Hampshire Suite serve for more intimate gatherings. The MC Hotel also has a built-in restaurant. Reservations can be made in the Allegory Restaurant or at the Alto Rooftop where dinners can soak in the NYC skyline from a distance.
Medieval Times Dinner + Tournament | 149 Polito Avenue, Lyndhurst
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A birthday celebration like no other can be found at Medieval Times. For some this may be a blast from the past, for others maybe it’s on the bucket list. Cross it off by experiencing Medieval Spain. A tournament of top knights, majestic creatures, and a feast of roasted chicken, garlic bread, buttered corn, and more is waiting for birthday attendees and their guests. There are also vegetarian options available. Medieval Times has booking options for groups. There are six different group birthday packages to choose from.
Mud Clay Studio | 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Mud Clay Studio is a pottery-making studio with classes for all ages. If looking to make a special birthday gift, try Mud Clay Studio’s Claydates for adults. These BYOB events are for friends and couples, and there is also a possibility to book a private class or six or more guests.
Mulligan’s Pub | 159 First Street, Hoboken
If looking for a fun night out with an open bar, then give Mulligan’s Pub in Hoboken a call. With large TVs and a football (both American + European) spot, Mulligan’s Pub is a place with character. No matter what night of the week a birthday can land, Mulligans can accommodate with a 3-hour private party package. The space includes a private room, with a private bar + bartender. Mulligan’s suggests calling or emailing directly with private party reservations.
The Roosevelt | 356 Paterson Avenue, East Rutherford
Located in East Rutherford, The Roosevelt Restaurant, Lounge, + Speakeasy lets all dinners get on with their inner Gatsby. The decor includes vintage wallpapers, a mahogany bar, crystal chandeliers, velvet chairs, gold drapery, + more. The Private Parties + Events tab on this website shows the three spaces available for private dining: Lucy’s Parlor (a tucked away speakeasy that seats up to 60 guests), The Dining Room (a formal dining area seating up to 75 guests), and The Hide Out (seating capacity is 6 guests — only two seatings available per night).
Turtle Back Zoo | 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
The Turtle Back Zoo has been a staple of Essex County since its opening in 1963. There are a few different options to celebrate here. For group reservations, planners can book this for groups of 15 or more people. There are few spaces available to rent as well. Options include the carousel patio (up to 15 guests), Gazebo (up to 15 guests), a classroom (up to 50 people), and a private picnic area (up to 70 people). For those looking for something a little more grand, there is also an option to rent Carousel Plaza. This space holds up to 350 people and is available after-zoo hours from 6PM-10PM.
Vine + Oak Tavern | 100 South Avenue East, Cranford
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Owners of Fiamma Wood Fired Pizza in Westfield + Millburn came together to create this modern space mimicking the vibe of an NYC eatery. The menu consists of American + Mediterranean options. Under the Event Packages tab, planners can take a virtual tour of the space. It can accommodate events for up to 200 people choosing from multiple rooms.
See More: Where to Celebrate a Birthday in Hoboken + Jersey City
Yestercades | 151 East Broad Street, Westfield
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If looking for a blast from the past for birthday celebrations, then book some time at Yestercades. This space has every video game a guest could ever imagine. From skee ball to Pac-Man, pool tables to over 20 different pinball machines, and 80s classics to modern-day gaming consoles there’s not much this place is missing. The best part is guests can leave their change at home! As patrons walk in, they’ll pay for an all-night or timed wristband. The other best part — after a certain hour this space is BYOB. Finish the party by playing games after dinner or bring the party here. Party packages for a private room and pizza can be found on Yestercades party package flyer. There are also three other locations in Red Bank, Somerville, and Metuchen.
Zeppelin Hall | 88 Liberty View Drive, Jersey City
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Zeppelin Hall has options for all levels of party planners. For those not up for planning much, stop by with a group when the weather is warm and enjoy a gigantic pretzel and beer on its outside patio space. Private space is also available. Options include the Private Room (up to 125 guests), and the Main Room (up to 40 people). Private party service is buffet style and the party menu can be found on the website. Zeppelin also mentions it can accommodate groups of 400+ people — call for more information. One last thing — this place has free parking in Jersey City.
