Top Upper West Side Kids Birthday Venues

• Spaces for 50 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

The compact restaurant room that was previously John Dory is now a pizzeria: Mel's, the first restaurant of a new culinary complex here, squeezed snuggly to one side of the former Del Posto. Melissa J. Rodriguez, a former Del Posto and Daniel chef, is teaming up with Jeff Katz and James Kent of Crown Shy and Saga to create this enormous location. While its finely calibrated lighting will keep it "glowy and sensual," it will also be the kind of restaurant you can pop into just because you're hungry and it's Tuesday. Mel's is warmly decorated with orange tones and polished light wood, with a bar and dining counter that open into a back dining area and a massive wood-fired pizza oven in the center. Ms. Rodriguez explained, "Everything is cooked with wood. There’s no gas here." The pizzas begin with a Margherita base but quickly branch out to include mushrooms, smoked mozzarella, and sliced shallots, as well as kale, basil pesto, ricotta, and preserved lemon. Wood-fired dishes include roasted parsnips with robiola cheese, roasted maitake mushrooms with soppressata piccante, and charred shrimp, as well as major courses such as entire fish, whole roasted cauliflower, and strip steak. Dessert is not an afterthought or something to forego at this pizzeria. Consider a milk chocolate gelato with a dark chocolate sable swirl, salted caramel and fior di latte gelato with caramel sauce and shortbread crumble, or a Little Italy-inspired Italian rainbow cookie hot fudge sundae. To coordinate your private event, fill out the contact form on the Mel’s website.

• Spaces for 12-400 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Theater
• 6 Total Spaces

The Center for Jewish History in New York City illuminates history, culture, and heritage. The Center provides a collaborative home for five partner organizations: American Jewish Historical Society, American Sephardi Federation, Leo Baeck Institute, Yeshiva University Museum, and YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. The Center for Jewish History is home to the Lillian Goldman Reading Room, Ackman & Ziff Family Genealogy Institute, the David Berg Rare Book Room, and the Collection Management & Conservation Wing. Public programs create opportunities for diverse audiences to explore the rich historical and cultural material that lives within the Center's walls. The Center for Jewish History is conveniently located one block from Union Square. A unique venue for hosting dinners, conferences, receptions, family, and life-cycle events, it is surrounded by exhibition and gallery spaces.

• Spaces for 40-45 Guests

Heart Of Astoria Indoor/Outdoor space! Great location for your event, birthdays, celebrations, graduations, private parties, baby showers, corporate, classes and more!

Newly built retail-level event and production space conveniently situated at the bustling intersection of Broadway and 18th Street, a few steps from Union Square. This versatile venue offers a contemporary and dynamic environment ideal for a wide range of events and productions. With state-of-the-art amenities and a prime central location, our space is designed to cater to your every need, whether you’re hosting a corporate conference, a product launch, a private celebration, or a creative showcase. Explore our modern facilities, flexible layouts, and top-notch technical capabilities, all poised to elevate your event experience. Experience the epitome of convenience and sophistication in the heart of the city, at our Broadway and 18th Street venue.

Empire Cruises is the go-to destination for an unforgettable NYC party boat rental experience. Whether you're planning a memorable boat rental for a birthday party, a lively college party cruise, or a romantic boat rental for your wedding, we offer an array of options to suit any occasion. Our fleet of well-appointed vessels provides the perfect backdrop for any celebration, offering stunning views of New York City's skyline. With a focus on customer satisfaction and a commitment to providing an exceptional experience, Empire Cruises ensures that your event will be as unique and memorable as the city itself. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, our expert team will help you create a seamless and spectacular event on the water.

Mission Ceviche was created with the purpose of connecting the diverse people of New York City through the unique lens of Peruvian cuisine. Led by Chef José Luis Chavez, Mission Ceviche combines traditional flavors with modern techniques and unexpected twists to create an exciting menu that is just as healthy as it is flavorful.

• Spaces for 80 Guests

• Spaces for 500 Guests

• Spaces for 125-350 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 space at this venue

The Box House Hotel features incredible spaces for any event. The Rooftop, Penthouse, Two-O-Six, and Brooklyn Lantern combine to make The Box House Hotel an ideal atmosphere to host an array of events including intimate weddings, birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers, anniversaries, product launches, meetings, fundraisers, and much more.

• Spaces for 25-101 Guests
• 1 Bar

Another Country, named for the 1962 James Baldwin novel, is retro cocktail den in Union Square. Guests can enjoy cocktails, small and large bites, and a cozy atmosphere while listening to vinyl.

Located on the waterfront with sweeping skyline views, The Brant Event Space is a modern, light filled venue suited for everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. The design is clean and open, making it easy to shape the space around your event, while on-site solar and battery storage are thoughtfully integrated into how the building operates adding a meaningful sustainability element to the experience. The Brant is part of Solar One, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental education, workforce training, and advancing clean energy solutions across New York City. Every event held here directly supports that mission, helping to fund programs that empower communities, expand access to green jobs, and drive a more sustainable future.

OASES is a multi-sensory space that provides an evergreen escape from the pace of New York City. Ancient traditions for healing and wellness unfold in beautifully modern ways, providing room for rituals of food and drink, community, and design.

• Spaces for 75-150 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Italian Wine Merchants offers private spaces with a warm and inviting atmosphere, handcrafted seasonal and regional dishes, carefully selected and impeccably kept wines, and our professional staff to ensure your events are memorable. We will work with you to help create a memorable evening, preparing a customized menu that comprises both wine and food selections that are based on your preferences and budget. During the event, our culinary team and lead sommelier will briefly discuss the history and preparation of the Italian food courses, the origin and characteristics of the wines, and the nature of each pairing. A sommelier is available throughout the evening for further discussion with your guests.

• Spaces for 200 Guests

Union Square is the location of the Manhattan Penthouse. Palladian windows, which are found throughout the loft-like space and provide panoramic views of New York City, are installed throughout the building. The venue can accommodate up to 180 guests, making it an excellent choice for corporate functions, weddings, and other social events of all kinds. When Monika Nemeth finished college in Budapest with a major in Hotel and Catering Management, she went to work for Compexpo, where she organized conventions. Her next position was at the Hungarian Pavilion at the 1992 World Exposition in Sevilla, Spain. Monika arrived in the United States in 1994 and began working as the Catering Director at The Downtown Athletic Club in New York City. Her pleasant demeanor, professionalism, and graciousness serve to reinforce the positive attributes of our company. Brian Pancir received classical training at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. He worked as an apprentice in Michelin-starred restaurants throughout Europe before becoming Sous Chef at Jean-Georges for four years in New York City. Mr. Brian has worked as a private chef for a number of celebrities, has advised Trader Joe's and Golden Corral, has served as Culinary Director of Manhattan Star Academy, and has been voted Best Chef by Dan's Paper magazine. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys traveling the world in search of fishing opportunities.

Atmosfera is a space for unforgettable gatherings and inspired celebrations. Originally designed as an iconic photography studio, Atmosfera has evolved into a boutique event venue known for its refined charm and effortless versatility. Our thoughtfully cultivated space is ideal for hosting everything from intimate weddings and cocktail receptions to private dinners, creative workshops, and milestone events. What sets us apart isn’t just our elegant canvas—it’s the atmosphere we create. With an experienced hospitality team and an eye for detail, we go beyond simply offering a venue; we curate a complete experience that feels seamless, stylish, and full of intention. Rooted in creativity and built to bring people together, Atmosfera continues to be a home for dreamers, doers, and those celebrating life’s most meaningful moments. We’d be honored to help bring your next vision to life.

• Spaces for 70-500 Guests
• 4 Museums
• 4 Landmarks

The Whitney Museum of American Art is home to many of the most significant and exciting works of art ever created in the United States. Those works are now displayed in a breathtaking new space: a 220,000-square-foot building in New York City’s Meatpacking District, designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano. Located on Gansevoort Street at Washington Street, the Whitney Museum of American Art is nestled in one of the most prominent shopping districts in the world, surrounded by beautifully preserved buildings in New York City’s Meatpacking District. A special event at the Whitney Museum of American Art is one to be remembered. Corporate Members and individual donors choose the Whitney Museum of American Art to host their most intimate and high profile events in New York City. Corporate Members receive exclusive privileges to host Corporate Events in the Museum's rental spaces. Annual leadership donors of $100,000 and up receive exclusive privileges to host Social Events in select Museum spaces at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Cover Image by Ben Gancsos ©2016

• Spaces for 50-1,100 Guests
• 3 Event Spaces

U2, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam and Jane’s Addiction are among the superstar artists who have played at this legendary NYC venue. Located just one block east of Union Square and 2.5 miles from the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, this unique space is the perfect location to host your corporate event, product launch, cocktail reception, fundraiser or private concert. Irving Plaza accommodates 25 to 1,000 guests, and our talented staff handles every detail, so you don’t have to!

Art Bar has been a West Village institution for more than 30 years and is a welcoming spot for both locals and visitors. Grab a booth in the front bar if you want to be in a dynamic crowd and in a welcoming environment. Sink into an overstuffed couch in the back living room for a cozier place to unwind, where you can sit by the working fireplace and take in gallery exhibits from regional artists. A digital jukebox with thousands of music selections is available at Art Bar, which also features a daily happy hour and seasonal specialty cocktails. A wide variety of options are available on the meal menu, including vegetarian selections, and the kitchen is open late every day. Ready to host your next event at Art Bar? Please complete the form on our site if you have any questions about private event booking, and we'll get back to you right away.