The best birthday restaurants in the Upper West Side

Nestled along Amsterdam Avenue in the heart of the Upper West Side, Jacob’s Pickles offers a modern rustic take on Southern cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for anyone wanting home-cooked comfort food on their birthday. Renowned for its handcrafted, housemade pickles, this charming eatery invites you to relax on plush green leather seating, savor a chilled craft beer, and indulge in signature dishes like crispy fried chicken biscuits and rich, creamy mac and cheese. For gatherings, the intimate back dining room provides a refined space, accommodating up to 60 guests for either a sit-down dinner or a buffet-style experience.

In a courtyard that once served as the lobby of an 1890s hotel is The Milling Room, a spacious venue for hosting birthday celebrations for guests up to 100. Guests are invited into this refined, tavern-inspired atmosphere, with its elegant curved skylight and cozy ambiance. Here you can indulge in elevated dishes for brunch or dinner, like eggs benedict and handmade pasta, before or after a visit to the American Museum of Natural History right across the street.

There are three private event spaces to rent: The Endicott Room (28 seated, 35 standing), The Tavern, and The Main Dining Room (100 seated guests with a dance floor).

For those wanting a beach-inspired birthday celebration without leaving the city, Playa Betty’s on the Upper West Side brings coastal San Diego vibes to life. This vibrant Mexi-Cali restaurant serves up an irresistible array of dishes, including flavorful tacos, sizzling fajitas, and mouth-watering enchiladas. Complement your meal with a refreshing selection of beer, wine, or one of their signature beach-themed cocktails, like the frozen Paloma. You can’t miss Betty’s Margarita— it’s made using a secret recipe so delicious you’ll be tempted to order another.

Sarabeth’s has been a cherished restaurant with multiple locations across Manhattan for over four decades. The Upper West Side location offers a refined space for birthday celebrations, featuring semi-private dining for up to 50 guests and a full buyout for up to 80. Whether you come here to enjoy their much loved pumpkin waffles with a mimosa (or two) or an intimate dinner with savory steak and a signature cocktail–the blackberry bourbon smash is a must-try–Sarabeth’s promises a sophisticated, unforgettable birthday dining experience.

After a stroll through Central Park, make your way to Ella Social, a chic restaurant on Columbus Avenue in the Upper West Side. This trendy spot offers a menu of Latin and Mediterranean-inspired dishes and an extensive selection of natural wines and inventive cocktails. Indulge in a brunch pairing of a shakshuka Andaluz s with their signature Salome espresso martini, or enjoy a dinner of kofte sliders with chimichurri mayo complemented by a mezcal, pineapple, and jalapeño elixir.

Ella Social provides a variety of options for birthdays: a full venue buyout for 75 seated guests or 90 standing, the semi-private dining room for 50 seated or 70 standing, and the intimate back room for 25 seated or 30 standing guests.