Congrats, you made it another year! That means it's time to party. There's so much to do in The Bay Area, the choices of food, booze, and music can be overwhelming. Let us take care of the planning and pick any one of these spots for a sure to be awesome birthday!
San Francisco
Foreign Cinema is a go-to for birthdays, because let's face it, most of us can't afford it any other time. So grab your parents and some friends and put the tab on them 'cause it's your birthday and you don't have to treat yo' self, they should!
El Mansour is a hidden secret in the Outer Richmond that not many people know about. This Moroccan restaurant has BOMB food accompanied with belly dancers, and a moroccan decor, which means cute floor cushions and dim lighting.
This cute and funky bar is probably one of the hippest places in the city, with vinyl records lining the walls of the restaurant, and a giant sign that says BE AMAZING above the bar. They often have a DJ spinning and a perfect lounge area for you and all your friends to party in if you get there early enough! Their cocktails are amazing and so is the food. Try the Loving Cup Cocktail, you'll want three.
Getting drunk on your birthday is usually the goal, and Tonga Room's giant punch bowls are sure to do the trick. Have a Hawaiian themed birthday and head over here to enjoy the indoor rain, band playing in the middle of pool, and their giant cocktails.
You're never too old for Slosh Ball, I don't care what anyone says. It's like kickball but better because you play with a keg. Grab a keg, a ball, and all of your friends and head to Golden Gate Park for some drunken birthday fun.
Throw on your best seventies threads and hit the roller floor. This church turned roller rink, will take you back to funky town. You'll probably fall on your ass a few times, but it's worth it. Get the crew together and celebrate your birthday with a blast from the past.
Karaoke can be embarrassing when it's around a bunch of strangers, but it's REALLY fun when it's just you and your drunk friends in your own private room. Come here for food, drinks, and your own private karaoke booth. It will definitely be a birthday you'll never remember.
East Bay
Homeroom (400 40th St, Oakland)
Did someone say mac 'n' cheese?? There is an endless supply of gooey good stuff here and so many different kinds to choose from. Plus, your birthday is one of the few times you can stuff your face with mac 'n' cheese and not feel bad about yourself.
Comal (2020 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley)
This Mexican style restaurant is the perfect stop for food or drinks or both (DUH). Their margaritas are the best, and they have a pretty cute patio area to drink them in. They also have a lot of interesting modern twists on traditional drinks. You can't go wrong with bomb cocktails and bomb Mexican food on your birthday.
Day drinking on your birthday, real original! But yeah, you're going to want to and this beer garden/patio is just the place. They've got corn hole, christmas lights, quesadillas, and beer. So get over there and have the best damn birthday ever.
The Uptown (1928 Telegraph Ave, Oakland)
Stop by Uptown for the Hubba Hubba Revue and take a walk on the wild side. What better excuse than a birthday to see a live burlesque show? If it's something you haven't done before, now's the time to give it a try.
Plank (98 Broadway, Oakland)
Bowling?! Beer?! Bocce Ball?! What more could you ask for? There's no way your birthday could suck with all of that, so get your friends, get an Uber and head on over. Enjoy some food and some beers out on one of the greatest patios in Oakland, then head inside and let the games begin.
Be a kid again and spend your birthday at Six Flags, screaming your face off. A lot of people either don't know or forget that there's a Six Flags just a ways North. Churros, roller coasters, and beers await!
North Bay
The Bay Area is blessed to have an abundance of Lagunitas Beer and it all comes from the brewery in Petaluma. Spend your birthday drinking beer, eating some yummy food and listening to live music on the brewery's outdoor patio.
Bocce ball with a view! This waterfront restaurant is an awesome place to spend a birthday filled with pizza, beer, wine, and bocce ball.
Wine Tasting (Sonoma and Napa)
Hit up any of the wineries in Sonoma or Napa, there's tons. There probably isn't a better way to spend your birthday than drinking wine and eating cheese. Treat yo' self.
SOUTH BAY
K1 Racing (160 Beacon St, south San Francisco)
Racing go karts around a giant indoor track, can we get a hell yeah? Head down to the South Bay for an adrenaline packed night of go kart racing, a fun and innocent way to spend your day of birth.
Paper Plane (72 S 1st st, San Jose)
This bar located in San Jose is spicing up the area with its new and unusual cocktails. The easygoing atmosphere and creative cocktails make it a must go to for birthday drinks!
Round 1 (385 Sunvalley Mall, Concord + 2200 Eastridge Loop #2094, San Jose)
The sky's the limit at these sprawling entertainment experiences. They've got bowling, karaoke, pool, ping pong, darts and of course, a full arcade that'll have you feeling like a kid again. Grab a drink (or two) and choose your own adventure!
Written by Lindsay Mamet
Hungry for a birthday brunch? Check out our Guide to Bottomless Mimosas, Brunch Bites, and Bloody Marys!
