Chefs Table At Brooklyn Fare
One of the most sought-after seats in Manhattan is at chef César Ramirezs 44-seat restaurant, Chefs Table at Brooklyn Fare. Two years after opening, Chefs Table became the first restaurant in New York City to receive three Michelin stars outside of Manhattan. The lauded establishment has since relocated from Brooklyn to Hells Kitchen on 37th street, but the same Japanese cuisine made with French techniques is there. The 12- to 14-course, seafood-focused tasting menu unfurls over approximately two hours in dishes with premium ingredients such as beluga caviar, black truffle, wagyu beef, abalone, and more. It all adds up to a fine dining experience worthy of very special occasions.
Dining at the restaurant: The restaurant is currently operating at 35 percent capacity with only six seats at the counter and eight at tables. The best seats are definitely at the counter, where you can witness the art of preparation and plating as the dishes come alive. Dress up for this one, as the dress code requires formal business attire, with a suit jacket and dress shoes required for men.
Takeout: This restaurant does not offer takeout.
Row Boats In Central Park
There is nothing more romantic than spending a leisure summer afternoon boating on the lake in Central Park. The good news is that from May to September, 10:00 AM to dusk, Loeb Boathouse, located on the East side of the Park between 74th and 75th Streets, will begin to rent out rowboats and gondolas for only $15 per hour.
There are a $20 deposit and $4.00 for each additional 15 minutes beyond the hour. Each boat can hold up to 4 people. Also, the Loeb Boathouse is a lovely restaurant to stop for a refreshing cocktail or lunch.
For The Superstar Singer Have A Karaoke Night
A karaoke bar is a fun place to embarrass yourself and have fun with your buddies, especially after youve all had a few drinks. Sing to your hearts content surrounded by your greatest supporters who capture your tunes on their phones and post them on social media. For an upgraded singing experience, at Arlenes Grocery, you could sing your favorite hits with a live band and backup dancers.
If you have a big enough living space or a small enough inner circle, you could invite your guests over to your house for a private, less embarrassing karaoke night. All you need is a microphone and some music. You could also make up some dancing moves and pretend to be backup singers for your friends.
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Charter A Hot Tub Cruise
If your idea of a birthday for the books involves spoiling yourself in luxury, a Hot Tub Boat Cruise from Sea the City is right up your alley. And whether you want to throw a special party with friends or want to buy out the whole hot tub for you and a special someone in your life, this 90-minute excursion allows you to take an unforgettable ride down the Hudson. Each of our hot tubs can accommodate eight people at a time and additional deck seating is available upon request.
Plan A Poolside Soiree
Not all birthday activities have to involve moving about, and you can still have a blast with your closest friends at home by hosting an outdoor pool party. If you dont have a backyard pool to throw the soiree, you can head down with some friends to the glass-bottomed pool at The Beach at Dream Downtown. There you can smash fare like pork belly carnitas with salsa verde and chicharrones washed down with some large-format cocktails.
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Have A Relaxing Evening At A Concert By Candlelight
For some people, birthdays tend to bring more stress than fun, or if youre someone whos more into low-key activities, this classic Candlelight concert is perfect for you. Set in the gorgeous Sixth Floor Loft, this concert series invites everyone to relive the greatest works of classical music, from Vivaldi and more, in an intimate atmosphere. Grab your tickets here.
Treat Yourself To A Spa Day
If youre looking for 30th birthday party ideas in NYC that feel luxurious, a spa day is in order. Feeling stressed about turning 30? Well firstly, dont! Secondly, thats something a spa day can definitely help with. Ease your way into turning 30 by spending your birthday at one of NYCs fabulous spas, massage parlors, or salons. Its a good way to treat yourself like the special birthday person you are! Looking for a good deal? We recommend checking out Groupon for access to some more exclusive spots.
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Celebrate On A Sailboat
Trade the hustle and bustle of Manhattan for the relaxation of the Hudson River. Drift along the harbor aboard an authentic tall ship or classic schooner, surrounded by entertainment of your choice. These exquisite outings typically feature boat rides with wine tastings, sushi, live music, hors doeuvres, craft beer, lobster, or dazzling sights and sunsets. All of which sound like pretty phenomenal ways to spend a birthday.
For The Competitive Person Go Axe Throwing
Axe throwing is an exciting activity that can relieve stress and create fun memories with your loved ones. Its as simple as it sounds throw an axe, hit a target and earn points. Whether youre strong or havent worked out in years, everyone can enjoy this exhilarating sport while celebrating your special day.
For a one-of-a-kind experience in New York City, check out Live Axe, a Viking-themed, chic urban lounge that features axe throwing cages. You can book a private event at the only axe throwing venue in Manhattan, where well show you how to throw an axe and help keep the party going with drinks and food. On your birthday, connect with your friends and make new ones by trying something youve never done before.
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Best Things To Do In Nyc With Kids: Fun Family
- Christina Rado
New York City. Theres no place like this one in the whole world. At least, thats what the movies and our friends living in the Big Apple tell us.
They have proudly proclaimed it to be the greatest city in the world. Even if youre skeptical because its self-declared, theres a reason Sinatra sang about it.
Its certainly a great holiday destination for the entire family.
To help you navigate it, weve put together some of the best things to do in NYC with kids.
Stroll Through Socrates Sculpture Park
You can easily spend a day at this five-acre, open-air art park in Astoria with your loved one, wandering among the art exhibits, sunbathing, reading, or enjoying the amazing views of the East River and Manhattan. Best of all, it is free and open year-round.
Also, there are many free family-friendly activities here, for instance, the Saturday Sculpture Workshops, Halloween Lantern Workshop, the Summer Solstice Celebration, and Queens Green Day. If thats not enough, there are also free fitness classes, like yoga and tai chi in the summer.
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Industria 39 S 5th St Brooklyn
If youre on the lookout for a blank canvas loft event space that you can easily transform to fit a theme or color scheme, check out Industria. The warehouse-style party venue is located in the heart of Williamsburg and is an industrial-chic lovers dream. Inside youll find exposed beams, massive windows, glossy concrete floors, and little else . Its 3,400 square feet and can fit up to 300 guestsperfect for live music and a dance party. P.S. thanks to its size, its also great for weddings.
For The Playful Person Host A Game Night
Game nights always bring people together, especially on your birthday. Whether you have your friends over for a game or rent out a place in New York City, you can play some board games or video games while munching on some snacks and sucking down some delicious drinks. Porchlight in Chelsea has a game room where you could fit 45 people to play vintage games like cards or darts and grab a bite to eat.
If youre more into technology, you could host a video gaming tournament to celebrate your special day. Choose games that even beginners enjoy, so all your guests can have a fair shot at winning the competition.
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Watch A Famous Broadway Show
Broadway is the bright beating heart of NYCs performing arts scene. Watching a Broadway show is an experience like no other, fun guaranteed. There is no better place in the world to watch worldwide famous musicals, such as Aladdin, The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Jersey Boys, and many more!
New York Transit Museum
Boerum Pl & Schermerhorn StBrooklyn, NY 11201 694-1600
Whether youre near the Grand Central Terminal or in Brooklyn, you can catch a glimpse of the New York Transit Museum for a touch of history. This is a decommissioned subway station which has interactive exhibits to teach children about the history of subways.
You can learn about fare collection and construction of a subway. You can also get close to vintage subway cars and buses while youre here.
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Take A Road Trip To Try Real Race Car Driving
Kick off a new age by hitting the open road. Venture from the crowded streets of Manhattan and head to nearby race tracks for the freedom of wide-open asphalt! Let adrenaline flow freely by driving real Sprint Cup style stock cars, or peeling out of pit road with a set of exotic wheels with a driving experience.
Embark On A New York Helicopter Tour
What better way to celebrate your special day than by ticking something off the bucket list? Grab a ride over the skies of New York in a helicopter for views that youve never experienced before, and finally learn what it feels like to be an important celebrity. Youll be flying with experienced pilots and skip the traffic as you spot the famous sights from above. For the memories made and the photos captured, the price is a steal, and when youve done it once, dont be surprised if you fancy another ride. Go on, treat yourself. Youre turning 30 after all, so you need to make this special day an unforgettable one.
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Work Out At Rumble Boxing
Lets switch things up a little bit from all the sightseeing in the city
When you are into fitness and want to take up on a challenge, join a class with your friends and family at Rumble. Rumble is HIIT , strength training, metabolic conditioning, and uppercut throwing cardio in one class.
Boxing classes are fun things to do in New York with a group because you can join the locals working out but also switch things up a little bit from all the sightseeing. When you are very active and sporty back home, come join Rumble for a class with your group of friends. You wont need much equipment either. Gloves are free, but you have to buy hand wraps for $5 . Classes are $36 each.
Have A Spa Day At Citywell
More of a low-key birthday type? Have a day of self-care at CityWell, a hidden gem of a bathhouse in Gowanus. The space may look unassuming from the sidewalk, but walk through to the backyard and youll find an oasis complete with a hydrotherapy hot tub, two saunas, an outdoor rain shower, a fire pit and a hammock. Book a private party and bring up to 11 friends .
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Enjoy A Burst Of Color
Drab, gray winters can be a drag, but the Color Factory NYC has reopened with limited capacity and can help chase away the winter blues just in time for your birthday. The experiential art exhibit is committed to immersing you in the joy of color in a clean, safe, and healthy environment. Its a feast for the eyes and your tummy, and youll get individually wrapped treats and mochi ice cream by My/Mo while discovering and having the time of your life.
Go Back In Time At A Roller Disco
Wanna party like its 1978 and try Stayin Alive while youre at it? If so then this is easily one of the best things to do in NYC for your birthday.
Because a roller disco is a great, budget-friendly way to hang out with friends and feel like youre going back in time as you rock those sick bell-bottoms and channel your inner John Travolta.
Youll also love that the city has a few different roller discos for you to choose from, like the always popular Lola Stars Dreamland Roller Rink.
Yeah, its a super rad weekly event that runs from the end of spring through the middle of autumn. It can also be found inside Brooklyns ever-awesome, Prospect Park.
So, feel free to roll on up any Friday evening and skate until you can skate no more inside their 16,000 square foot covered roller rink.
Plus, this mega-awesome facility overlooks Prospect Park Lake and is home to the green roof terrace, where you order plenty of beer and wine at Bluestone Cafe.
Whatever you do though, dont forget to wear some 70s-inspired attire to really take the experience to the next level!
What? Want some NYC birthday ideas that are a little more exclusive in nature? If so then try The Roller Waves roller disco pop-up!
Its basically one glorious extravaganza that features fun DJs, live bands, and delicious cocktails, among other things.
Plus, The Roller Wave has also been known to host silent roller discos an experience where everyone wears headphones and selects their own music,
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Spend The Night Glamping
Image via Collective Retreats
Similar to a staycation, glamping is one of our more unique 30th birthday party ideas in NYC. We say unique because theres not many places you can go glamping in NYC, but thanks to Collective Retreats on Governors Island you can escape the city for an island oasis. Theres plenty of activities to do once youre there, but our favorite is the culinary classes fueled by the organizations farm-to-island cooking philosophy. Surrounded by greenery, stars, and the twinkling lights of Manhattans skyline, youll be glad you escaped for your birthday.
Reserve A Private Lawn Or Patio At The Greens
Image Via The Greens
When you want to spend your birthday out and about but dont want to spend your birthday around other people, book a private lawn or patio. The Greens lets you reserve the perfect outdoor or indoor space to spend time with your loved ones basking in the soon or sipping on cocktails on a patio. With great views of the city and access to bars and restaurants for the after party, The Greens brings you the vibes you want without dealing with a crowd. Until youre ready for one, of course!
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Sugar Hill Childrens Museum Of Art & Storytelling
898 St Nicholas AveNew York, NY 10032 335-0004
If your kids are fans of art and stories, this one in Harlem will make their day. It is spread over 17,000 square feet on two floors of an affordable housing project. It was designed by British architect David Adjaye and is meant to entertain and educate kids of ages 3-8.
Throughout the year, you can find storytelling series and art exhibitions here. There are many workshops and you can enroll them in an education curriculum if inspiration strikes.
Meet Up For Book Club Irl
The Strand bookstore has been a landmark on Fourth Avenue since 1927, but what you may not know is that its constantly hosting events with big-name authors. Basic admission is the cost of the book, so plan ahead and snag your tickets for incredible front-row access to your favorite storytellers. If youre based in Brooklyn, check out the endlessly cool events at Books Are Magic, a store owned by best-selling author Emma Straub.
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Gotham Hall 1356 Broadway New York
Located in Midtown, the former location of Greenwich Savings Bank has been transformed into the magnificent Gotham Hall. The historic establishment is a versatile space for any type of event. The Oak Room provides an elegant space for birthday celebrations of up to 75 guests, while the Grand Ballroom is more suitable for weddings or corporate functions with its 800 person capacity.
Work with an event manager, dedicated staff, and other offered services to assist in hosting the party of the year. Gotham Hall is unique, sophisticated, and sure to be a memorable experience for everyone in attendance.
The Best Restaurants In Harlem
Outdoor hot pot on a roof sounds like a dream we once had when we fell asleep on the C train. But its real, at least when you go to Xiang Hot Pot. This Flushing spots patio is located on top of the New World Mall, and their all-you-can-eat hot pot costs around $50 per person. Sodas and juices are included in the price and theres a bar inside with unlimited starters like noodle dishes and dim sum. Try the option called spicy bear – the Sichuan-pepper-filled broth comes with an edible bear sculpture made out of butter.
Al Di La in Park Slope is where you go for a birthday dinner with six-ish people who will, at some point during the meal, take turns saying their favorite things about you . The comfortable dining room is candlelit, and full of seemingly ancient wooden tables. You should fill said table with regional specialties from the northern part of Italy. Weve never been disappointed with any of the pasta, whether thats the tortelli filled with ricotta or the homemade black ink spaghetti with spicy octopus confit.
If we could move into Thai Diner and spend the foreseeable future consuming their creamy khao soi, phat see ew, and fried chicken laab, we would. Unfortunately, thats not an option at this time. But you should try it for a night, especially when its your birthday and your friends are paying for all of your spicy tamarind margaritas.
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