6 Unique Ideas for Celebrating Your 21st Birthday in Midtown NYC

Turning 21 in the Big Apple? Switch things up from the standard club scene with 6 unique ideas for celebrating “twenty-fun” in the Midtown Manhattan area. Try one, all, or any combination of suggestions from this list to ring in your birthday your way!

1. View From the Top

Soak up sweet scenic views of the city at a fun rooftop bar and lounge! With warm weather on the horizon, an outdoor atmosphere with good music, great cocktails, and aesthetically pleasing décor is the perfect way to celebrate. Check out Magic Hour at Moxy Times Square for an exceptionally unique experience. This rooftop bar and lounge has an urban amusement park theme complete with a mini-golf course, carousel-style seating area, and other fun features for a night of Insta-worthy photo ops. OR expand your options and explore these other suggestions for best rooftop bars in Midtown!

2. Show Stopper

Plan a more intimate celebration with a few close friends by going out for the classic combo of dinner and a show. Splurge on tickets for that Broadway play you’ve been dying to see or look into cheaper but equally entertaining options like a comedy club or drag show. For a truly unique experience, try Truffles: Jazz, Murder & Dinner Theater for an interactive murder mystery musical comedy dinner theater show! The options are endless with this one, allowing you to personalize your experience and make your birthday a night to remember!

3. An Eggcellent Idea

Eat (and drink) your heart out with a boozy brunch! Bottomless mimosas? Yes, please! Perfect for those who want to get the party started early in the day and let the good times roll into the afternoon. The Horny Ram located in Midtown East offers a fun brunch menu and bottomless drink special every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm for $19. An hour and a half of unlimited drinks for less than $20, SAY WHAT!? Enjoy the most important meal of the day with a few of your close friends or book a private or semi-private party if you really want to go all out! For an all-inclusive boozy brunch that covers drinks and an entrée, check out The Crooked Knife or Tonic East. Still too basic for your taste? Spice things up with a Cuban & Chinese cuisine inspired brunch at Calle Dao!

4. Game Changer

Re-live some of your favorite childhood memories at the grown-up version of an arcade or bowling alley birthday party. Strike out at Frames Bowling Lounge or Bowlmor Times Square with some fun and friendly competition on the lanes. Visit Dave & Buster’s or Barcade for the ultimate gaming experience and drink while you play! Check their websites for upcoming events and happy hour specials when planning your visit!

5. Hitting A High Note

Karaoke by itself is fun but mix in some cocktails and the party just got even better! Adding a few drinks to the equation will have everyone feeling like Beyonce and singing/dancing like there's no tomorrow! Live out your pop star fantasies at a fun Midtown karaoke bar like Duet 35, The Spot, 5 Bar, or Radio Star. All options have happy hour specials and private rooms available to accommodate any party size. Belt out your favorite songs with your best buds and hit those high notes!

6. Mission Impossible

Want to keep a low profile on your birthday? Harness your secret agent detective skills and challenge yourself and some friends to an escape room! Try popular Midtown locations like Escape the Room, Exodus Escape Room, or Mission Escape Games with room themes ranging from horror and sci-fi to Victorian mysteries and masquerades. Check out this list of the best escape rooms in NYC for more options! Follow your victory, or defeat (it happens), with a round of drinks at a nearby bar to toast a job well-done!

Cheers to 21! Drink responsibly (or get a little reckless) but most importantly, have fun!