New York City has no shortage of fantastic venues perfect for celebrating a young person’s coming of age. While our list of ultimate party venues is as varied as it is comprehensive, one current of commonality runs through them all: each one promises a distinct affair to remember—regardless of what kind of tone you want to set.
LET’S EAT
Apella Event Space, at Alexandria Center at 450 East 29th Street, can hold up to 300 guests for a cocktail reception, 250 seated theater style, and various other setups for smaller events. All food and beverage is exclusively catered by Tom Colicchio’s restaurant Riverpark and sandwich shop ‘wichcraft. Contact: 212-706-4100 or events@apella.com
Benjamin Steakhouse prides itself on providing perfectly choreographed events. So allow their expertise in service and cuisine to ensure that your family’s special day is complete success. From beautifully marbled cuts of dry-aged beef and delicious seafood to unbeatable charm and service, Benjamin Steakhouse is a great way to set the scene for a festive dining and celebratory experience for groups from 15-200 people. Contact: 212-297-9177 or events@benjaminsteakhouse.com
Guastavino’s window-filled building under the Queensboro bridge at 409 East 59th Street was named for the distinctive terra cotta tiles adorning its arches and vaults. The look is classic New York—these are the same tiles that are in the subway stations and Grand Central Terminal. Contact: 212-980-2711, guastavinos.com
Opia Restaurant at 130 East 57th Street in Midtown has adjoining rooms which means you can host from 14 to 300 people for a sit-down dinner with dancing, or just serve drinks and passed appetizers. Price per person varies depending on menu and number of guests. Contact: Jimena, 212-688-8448 or jimena@opiarestaurant.com
The Sea Fire Grill boasts chic and inviting decor, impressive menu options, and excellent service—all of which contribute to a sophisticated, memorable, and flawless event. A myriad of spaces are suited for parties of 10-150. Located at 158 East 48th Street. Contact: 212-935-3785 or events@theseafiregrill.com
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Arena at 135 West 41st Street in Bryant Park has New York’s largest programmable L.E.D. lighting system and is home to some of Fashion Week’s swankiest affairs. Great for budding fashionistas to celebrate their milestone. Contact: Gina La Rochelle or Anthony Coppers, 212-278-0988 x103 or events@arenanyc.net
Blue Man Group at the Astor Place Theatre is great for bar or bat mitzvahs. This unique theatrical experience is a form of entertainment like nothing else, guaranteed to be an outing that your group will never forget. Party packages—which include discounted tickets, the name of the mitzvah child on the L.E.D. Screen, and a merchandise item for each guest—are available for groups of 10 and up. Located on Lafayette Street between 4th and Astor. Contact: 212-260-8993
Columbus 72 has remained one of the city’s perennial nightclubs for the past 40 years, and the space at 246 Columbus Avenue recently underwent its first huge renovation. Featuring two dance floors, two lounges, and upholstered lounge furniture, the venue offers a state-of-the-art sound system and six large flat-screen TVs to liven up the scene of any party. Contact: 212-769-1492 or events@c72nyc.com
Hudson Terrace at 621 West 46th Street is a turn-of-the-century upscale nightclub. Overlooking the Hudson River, this midtown Manhattan landmark can host up to 400 guests in one of its party spaces, which include an old-world salon, an outdoor garden terrace, and an open-air retractable rooftop garden lounge. Contact: 212-315-9400 or info@hudsonterracenyc.com
Melrose Ballroom, located at 36-08 33rd Street, Astoria, has a large three-floor venue that can seat up to 1,000 people. The first-floor ballroom seats around 700 and the second-floor mezzanine seats another 100, with the lounge on the third floor also available for use. Catering options are available through the Melrose Ballroom. Contact: 718-255-6921 or info@melroseballroom.com
Tenjune occupies a former garage in the Meatpacking District. This subterranean lounge oozes urban cool with zebra-prints, a horseshoe-shaped dance floor and a bar covered in leather. Located at 26 Little West 12th Street. Contact: 646-624-2410 or events@emmgrouping.com
LOFTY IDEAS
The Glasshouses at 545 West 25th Street offer a blank canvas of windowed walls. Choose from a room with 11- or 14-ft ceilings; the starting price to rent either space is $7,500, and both hold 150 people for seated dinners or 200 for cocktail receptions. Contact: Yumi Han, 212-242-7800 x19 or yumi@theglasshouses.com
eSpace at 635 West 42nd is a clean, modern space just steps from Times Square that can hold up to 600 guests for a seated dinner. Teens will be thrilled to discover the wireless Internet access with which they can post real-time updates of the evening. Contact: 212-967-7003 or espaceny.com
The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers at Pier 60 is a waterfront space that can hold 160 to 900 guests for a cocktail reception and 350 for dinner with dancing. Floor-to-ceiling windows have sweeping views of the Hudson and the lights of New Jersey. An outdoor patio makes this a perfect spot for a warm weather cocktail hour. Contact: Meredith Barsky, 212-336-6146 or barskm@chelseapiers.com
Tribeca 360 provides breathtaking panoramic views of Manhattan in over 30,000 square feet of space. In addition to offering views of the scenic cityscape for miles, the minimalistic décor of the architecturally designed venue is highly versatile. To top it off, a 3,000-ft hickory wood dance floor can be enjoyed by up to 700 people at 10 Desbrosses Street. Contact: 212-625-2600 or inquiries@apogeeevents.com
SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT
Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center at 431 East Main Street in Riverhead will take your guests on a private journey through the ruins of the Lost City of Atlantis. The adventure continues in your choice of aquatic-themed rooms. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the petting tanks and shark exhibits. Contact: Johanna Zucaro, 631-208-9200 x220 or jzucaro@amwny.com
Hard Rock Café at 1501 Broadway is ideal for a party that really rocks. Every room in the venue is filled with music memorabilia, and you can rent the café’s indoor/outdoor space overlooking Times Square. Contact: John Pasquale, 212-991-1287 or john_pasquale@hardrock.com
Deb’s Family Disco at Club Arena at 135 West 41st Street, Bryant Park, is a colorful space known for catering to families. They offer a club, catering, DJ, dancers, performance artists, as well as photography and food, so you can focus on the important stuff, like what to wear. Contact: 212-586-7425 or familydisco.com
The Craft Studio (and its prime UES location) can now be rented out for mitzvah parties with a fun and creative feel. The venue has disco balls and high ceilings, and can be transformed to suit any theme, with plenty of space for additional furniture, tables, and decor. Plus, there’s a huge menu of craft stations to select from and space for up to 75 people. Contact: Lindsay Peers, 212-831-6626 or craftstudio@verizon.net
New York Hall of Science at 47-01 111th Street, Queens, offers an out-of-this-world setting. Holding your affair in their North Wing gives your guests an opportunity to explore outer space, dance with the stars, and even check out the interactive exhibits. Contact: Jennifer Brunjes, 718-699-0005 x371 or jbrunjes@nysci.org
Providence at 311 West 57th Street has a 13,500-square-ft space featuring three levels and four bars to cater to any preferences and tastes. Formerly a church and studio where Sinatra, Hendrix, Streisand, and Stevie Wonder recorded their music, this space provides for a grand party. Features include a state-of-the-art sound system, intelligent lighting, plasma displays, and projections screens, all designed to add personalized special effects to the party. Contact: 212-505-7400 or metronomenyc.com
World Yacht Destiny at Pier 81 features a dance floor, walk-up bar, and dining configurations at which guests can enjoy food from some of the tri-state area’s best kosher caterers. The ship is ideal for medium-sized groups and has a relaxed lounge deck that provides the perfect spot for dancing under the night sky. Located on the Hudson River at West 41st Street, the yacht hosts up to 250 people. Contact: 212-630-8100
LET THE GAMES BEING
SPiN New York, which is partly owned by Susan Sarandon, takes ping pong out of the suburban basement and transports it to a sleek and hip setting. Now imagine that setting transformed in a mitzvah party for kids, with all the dancing and hoopla, plus something else that you can’t get anywhere else: lots of ping pong fun and games. Contact: 212-982-8802 or info@spinyc.com
USTA Tennis Center’s President’s Dining & Lounge overlooks Arthur Ashe Stadium, giving tennis fans the wow factor. Located in Flushing Meadow Park, the stadium is home to the U.S. Open and the largest outdoor tennis-only venue in the world. Up to 300 guests can be entertained with dinner and dancing. Prices start at $11,000 to rent the space. Contact: Jennifer Matthews, 718-595-2420 or matthews@usta.com
Yankee Stadium at East 161st Street and River Avenue in the Bronx is a dream come true for baseball aficionados. The Legends Suite Club extends from home plate down each baseline for unparalleled views of the ball field. Or try the Great Moments room, which is adorned with images of historic plays in Yankees history. Contact: 646-977-8400 or events@yankees.com
Dave & Buster’s at 234 West 42nd Street, 3rd Floor. Everyone can let their inner child out at this 31,500-square-ft gaming venue. D&B can hold parties for as few as ten or as many as 1,200 guests. Contact: Benjamin Maddy, 646-495-2011 or benjamin_maddy@daveandbusters.com
Lucky Strike Lanes at 624-660 West 42nd Street. They’ll have fun to spare at Lucky Strike Lanes. Hold your party in the main bowling area or rent the ultra-private Luxe room for fetes up to 200 people. Contact: Matt Miller, 646-829-0180
Clyde Fraizier’s Wine and Dine, brought to you by former New York Knicks star Clyde Frazier, is a perfect spot for basketball-loving bar and bat mitzvah kids. This 10,000-square-ft restaurant, located at 485 10th Avenue, features a free-throw court in addition to the typical dining room and bar and lounge spaces. 42 TV screens, a nine-screen video wall, and treats by a Latin-focused culinary team rounds out the entertainment offerings. Contact: Walter Rauscher, 212-842-1110 or rauscherw@arkrestaurants.com
Bowlmor Lanes Union Square/Greenwich Village Country Club at 110 University Place is the only indoor spot in New York where you can play mini golf, bocce ball, bowl, drink, and hit the dance floor all in one night. Contact: 212-255-8188 or bowlmor.com
CHIC CHOICES
Angel Orensanz Foundation at 172 Norfolk Street was built in 1849 and is the oldest surviving synagogue building in New York. They don’t build them like this anymore—the interior was designed to resemble Paris’ Cathedral of Notre-Dame and the sanctuary was designed to resemble the Sistine Chapel. It can hold up to 250 for a sit-down dinner with a dance floor (for 300 guests, add $500). The price ranges from $15,800-17,800 Monday through Thursday and $19,800-21,800 Friday through Sunday. Catering not included. Contact: Maria Neri, 212-529-7194 or orensanzevents@aol.com
Broad Street Ballroom at 41 Broad Street retains all the elegance from its original use as a banking hall. The 5,700-square-ft ballroom is wrapped in a 220-ft mural chronicling the history of commerce by sea. Features include a state-of-the-art AV system perfect for showing a photo montage and seating for up to 300 guests. Contact: 646-624-2524 x360 or raquel@broadstreetballroom.com
Bryant Park Grill at 25 West 40th Street is situated behind the New York Public Library and overlooks Bryant Park with an attractive, modern interior. The space can hold up to 150 guests for an evening of dinner and dancing. Contact: Walter Rauscher, 212-206-8815 x106 or rauscherw@arkrestaurants.com
The Edison Ballroom, the former Times Square Supper Club, retains its Art Deco style in a space that can hold up to 600 people. Use their kitchen staff or bring in your own. Prices range from $100-180 per person. Contact: Sean Campbell, 212-201-7650 or sean@edisonballroom.com
Eventi offers a sleek and chic setting in a scene-defining neighborhood located at 851 Avenue of the Americas. Popular features include the Big Screen Plaza, a giant multimedia art screen, to display footage or branded logos, distinctive catering, a large veranda terrace, a sit-down dinner for 250, and much more. Contact: Lisa Benoit, lisa.benoit@eventihotel.com
The Garrison offers private rooms with natural light. The elegant interior design by Tony Chi is purposely classic and neutral, flexible to fit any theme. Located just an hour north of NYC, The Garrison is easy for your guests to reach on your family’s big day. Creative cuisine from Chef Vin Mocarski’s kitchen is tailored to your event. There’s room for playfulness, like retro dessert stations featuring homemade versions of Twinkies and Oreos. Contact: 845-424-3604 X15 or info@thegarrison.com
Harmonie Club at 4 East 60th Street is the second oldest social club in New York City, dating back to 1852. Its posh Beaux Arts design outside and traditional wood paneling inside make this locale a classic choice. Contact: 212-355-7400
Home Studios is a conveniently located loft in the heart of Manhattan. With 14-ft ceilings and maple floors, the 4,000-square-ft space at 873 Broadway offers classically simple furniture, in addition to an elegant ambiance and access to top caterers for privately hosted parties. Contact: 212-475-4663 or info@homestudiosinc.com
The Liberty Theater at 233 West 41st Street in Times Square was originally built in 1904 and for many years was home to some of New York’s finest theatrical productions before undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation in 2007. It’s now a restaurant and event space that can accommodate parties of almost any scale. Contact: William Curran, 212-997-1015 or wcurran@tshgrp.com
The Penthouse Lounge at 230 Fifth embraces modernist décor from the 1940s with beveled peach mirrors and antique couches and cocktail tables crafted by famed artisans. The spacious 8,000-square-ft venue can seat up to 600 guests and boasts panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline from its perch between 26th and 27th Streets. Contact: 212-725-4300 or susie@230-fifth.com
Slate has the ultimate lounge vibe, brimming with comfortable oversized plush chairs and sleek sofas. Resembling a large living room, the highly social atmosphere features a wall-to-wall line of 12-ft doors that lead to a VIP lounge and the Studio dining area. The 16,000-square-ft venue at 54 West 21st Street accommodates various party sizes, and the staff kindly offers to honor special requests. Contact: 212-989-0096 or info@slate-ny.com
Stage 6, Steiner Studios at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, 15 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, is located in a major movie production studio. The modern ballroom has walls of paned glass offering dramatic views of lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn and Williamsburg Bridges, and the Empire State Building. The venue can hold 150-600 people for dinner and dancing. All catering must be done through Abigail Kirsch Productions with prices ranging from $150-250 per person. Contact: 718-237-1919 or steinerstudios.com
Union Square Ballroom combines understated modernism with chic warmth. The venue located at 27 Union Square West offers state-of-the-art sound and light technology, vaulted acoustic ceilings, and recessed perimeter floor lighting. Seating up to 400 guests, the “blank palette” design of the room allows for creative décor and room design. Contact: 212-645-1802 or unionsquareballroom.com
W New York Union Square is an innovatively re-mixed space that is home to a 2,300-square-ft Great Room. With ceilings that are 23 feet high and opulent turn-of-the-century décor, the room at 201 Park Avenue South still boasts detailing from the original 1911 Guardian Life Beaux-Arts building and can accommodate up to 200 people. Contact: 212-253-9119
A GOOD DEAL
202 East can host up to 120 guests on the second floor of a two-story townhouse on the Upper East Side. Located on East 77th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, the space’s discreet appearance allows for a great deal of privacy. The refined décor features light gray, gold, and turquoise color motifs that create a soft environment, further enhanced by wall-mounted candles, adjustable lighting levels, and high vaulted ceilings. Food is not provided at the venue and must be catered from elsewhere. Contact: Doug Russell, 212-861-4330 or russell@202east.com
DOROT, Inc., at 171 West 85th Street, offers the Susan Resnick Fisher Auditorium, a beautifully renovated party space that holds up to 60 people and is available on evenings, weekends and some holidays. Add a DJ, some pizza, and you’re all set. Perfect for a kids-only dance party. The room rental charge is a bargain at $200 an hour. Contact: Judith Logan, 917-441-3753 or jlogan@dorotusa.org
