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29 L.A. Spots For An Unforgettable B-Day Bash

Around these parts, we deem our DOB something like a national holiday. Think about it: It's the one day of the year when unbridled egotism isn't totally gauche. But, it always seems like there's a mad dash when it comes to throwing the coolest shindig together.
Of course, you want your nearest and dearest to have a grand old time, too (no one likes a hooray-for-me-and-eff-you fete!), so a little planning with them in mind is key. But who has time for that? Well, that's where we come in. We've lined up the best sites for a killer birthday bash in L.A., so that you can focus on more important things (ahem, your outfit). Whether you're toasting your first legal alcoholic beverage or need some help trudging "over the hill," we've got something for every age demo and disposition — birthday spanking not included.
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nightlife
Photos (clockwise from left): Via Lure, Agency, Cliff’s Edge Official Facebook, AV
New Clubs

Lure
Lure promises to live up to it's illustrious name by mesmerizing your eyes and ears with a spectacle of lights and music. There will be plenty to keep your mind occupied, from a 14-foot fire sculpture (to keep you warm) while you knock back drinks at the main bar to the high-def LED walls that will catapult your mind into the fourth dimension. A birthday at Lure will have you feeling like Alice in Wonderland as you travel deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole.
Lure, 1439 Ivar Avenue (near De Longpre Avenue); 323-463-0004.

Agency
Everyone knows that you are going to be dancing and partying "like it's your birthday," and Hollywood’s Agency is blasting all the right tunes so you can light up the dance floor like a true dancing queen. This exclusive "invite-only" dance spot features only the best DJs spinning their freshest tracks for you and your crew to bust a move, making this birthday bash one for the ages.
Agency, 6021 Hollywood Boulevard (between North Gower Street and North Bronson Avenue); 323-463-7000.

AV
Your birthday is the one day out of the year that you get treated like a celebrity, so you need to party like one (right?). Celebrate another year of life and let AV serve as the coup de grâce to the plain and simple life of yesterday as you’re ushered into a realm of urbanity and class. Dance and commemorate the dawn of a new you and leave your mark inside one of L.A.'s most historic hot spots. You may not actually be Jayne Mansfield, but we promise you that after a birthday bash at AV, you will certainly feel like a “Playgirl After Dark.”
AV Night Club, 1601 North Cahuenga Boulevard (at Hollywood Boulevard); 323-466-1400.

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Other Notables:
Greystone Manor, 643 La Cienega Boulevard (at Melrose Place); 310-652-2012.
restaurants


Photos (clockwise from left): Via Hotel Bel-Air, Eveleigh, Providence, Lazy Ox Canteen

Fancy (And Fun) Restaurants

Cliff’s Edge
This is the perfect patio to take your tastebuds on a test drive in a mellow atmosphere. Culinary innovation collides with art at this Silver Lake eatery, and your palette will thank you for this refresher from the norm. So, say “cheers!” to the fact that you stuck it out for another year with a handcrafted cocktail and one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Cliff’s Edge, 3626 West Sunset Boulevard (at Santa Monica Boulevard); 323-666-6116.

Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air
Put on your fancy pants for this resto! By and far one of the most luxurious spots to dine in town, the newly renovated illustrious Bel Air Hotel will surely not disappoint even the biggest birthday diva. Wolfgang Puck brings the the CA farmers' markets straight to your dinner plate. A celebration in the private dining room (equipped with over 2,400 bottles of wine) is all you need to forge a lasting memory with friends and family.
Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air, 701 Stone Canyon Road (near Tortuoso Way); 310-472-1211.

Eveleigh

Ring in a new year (or drown your sorrows) in a pseudo-farm house right on bustling Sunset Boulevard! Eveleigh offers fresh European and American "country" inspired meals in rad rustic environs where you're bound to run into a friend your two (we always do). Nosh on a chicken schnitzel sandwich or satisfy your sweet tooth with warm chocolate-chip cookies and mint chocolate-chip ice cream.
Eveleigh, 8752 West Sunset Boulevard (at Sherbourne Avenue); 424-239-1630.

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Providence For all you seafarers, Providence has just what you need to whet your appetite on your special day. Offering an extensive selection of wild seafood and shellfish, Providence redefines the term “freshly prepared” with its pure and simple approach to preparing fish. Savor every morsel because every bite at Providence is a bite you won’t soon forget.
Providence, 5955 Melrose Avenue (near North Cahuenga Boulevard); 323-460-4170.

Lazy Ox Canteen
This spot is the pinnacle of fresh and wholesome. Local wine, local ingredients, and a passion for creating exceptional fare make Lazy Ox a notable spot for every self-proclaimed foodie. Celebrate with exotic renditions of your favorite meals (think burgers and braised short ribs) all bursting with new and unexpected flavors.
Lazy Ox Canteen, 241 South San Pedro Street (at East 1st Street); 213-626-5299.

Other Notables:
Cleo Restaurant, 1717 Vine Street (at Hollywood Boulevard); 323-962-1711.
Gladstones, 17300 Pacific Coast Highway (near West Sunset Boulevard); 310-454-3474.
Hatfield's, 6703 Melrose Avenue (at North Citrus Avenue); 323-935-2977.
WP 24, 900 West Olympic Boulevard (near Georgia Street); 213-743-8824.
bars
Photos (clockwise from left): Via One-Eyed Gypsy Official Facebook, The Edison, Villain’s Tavern Official Facebook, The Spare Room
Cool Bars

One-Eyed Gypsy
Music and drinks are at the core of every epic party and your birthday should be no exception. The One-Eyed Gypsy with its quirky, bohemian decor and creative take on bar food is the perfect mix. Genius drink concoctions like the "Midnight Cowboy" (Maker's 46, fresh green apple juice, strawberry rhubarb syrup, angostura, and castillan bitters) will surely quench your thirst.
One-Eyed Gypsy, 901 1st East Street (near North Vignes Street); no phone.

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The Edison
The Edison isn’t your average hotspot, but rather an innovative bar that seamlessly blends science, art, and industry in one setting. Located in L.A.'s first privately owned power plant, this industrial mecca is filled-to-the-brim with all original machinery that truly makes this spot electrifying. By the time 2 a.m. rolls around, you and your posse won’t be ready to bid adieu to this industrious haven.
The Edison, 108 West 2nd Street, #101 (near South Main Street); 213-613-0000.

Villain's Tavern

Villain's Tavern has perhaps the coolest décor in all of downtown (thanks to aesthete Dana Hollister), and the most unique live band, The Hootenanny, too! Rock out with a crazily concocted cocktail and munch on some bourbon bacon caramel corn while head-banging to your favorite rock or bluegrass anthem. Plus, there's a shuffleboard should you feel like placing some b-day bets. This watering hole has offbeat nailed down for those of you wanting to booze, yet still do something different.

Villain's Tavern, 1356 Palmetto Street (near Mateo Street); 213-613-0766.

The Spare Room

The Spare Room at the Roosevelt is one of the city's most renowned late-night hangouts. Entertainment is in abundance with its two-lane bowling alley and a bar stockpiled with a bevy of booze.

The Spare Room, 7000 Hollywood Boulevard (near North Highland Avenue); 323-769-7296.

Other Notables:
Black Market Liquor Bar, 11915 Ventura Boulevard (at Carpenter Avenue); 818-446-2533.
The Gaslite, 2030 Wilshire Boulevard (near 20th Street); 310-829-2382.
Happy Ending Bar, 7038 Sunset Boulevard (near South La Brea Avenue); 323-469-7038.
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relax
Photos (clockwise from left): Via W Hotel Hollywood, The Avalon, Scarlet Tea Room, Four Seasons Westlake
Take A Load Off

W Hotel Hollywood
For those of you looking for a little R&R on your big day, the rooftop pool at the W Hotel Hollywood is the perfect escape from our fast-paced metropolis. Take a refreshing dip or lounge in the bungalows as cabana boys wait on your every whim and need.
W Hotel Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Boulevard (at Vine Street); 323-798-1300.

The Avalon

Perhaps what you wanted most this birthday was a vacation, but you just couldn't find the time to take one. Luckily, the Avalon is all you need to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and retreat into a Kelly Wearstler-designed den of sheer elegance. If you're not down for a full-on staycation, kick back and unwind in the poolside cabanas, or even just have an intimate bite with pals at Oliverio.
The Avalon, 9400 West Olympic Boulevard (near South Beverly Drive); 310-277-5221.

Scarlet Tea Room

For all those needing an extra touch of class to make that birthday party perfect, here's the answer you've been searching for. With an impressive menu of loose-leaf teas and an array of delectable finger foods, any birthday party is a jolly good time here.
Scarlet Tea Room, 18 West Green Street (near South Fair Oaks Avenue); 626-577-0051.

Four Seasons in Westlake
Take some serious “me” time and unwind at one of L.A.‘s swankiest spas. Relax and regroup with a custom-blended aromatherapy massage or a Four Seasons signature facial.
Four Seasons Westlake Spa, 2 Dole Drive (at Via Rocas); 818-575-3000.

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Other Notables:
DTOX day spa, 17401 Ventura Boulevard (at Encino Avenue); 818-574-3700.
wierd
Photos (clockwise from left): Via Magic Castle, Culver Ice Arena, Beacher’s Madhouse, Moonlight Rollerway
Off-The-Beaten-Path

Magic Castle
Magicians at birthday parties are typically reserved for screaming seven-year-olds. But this members-only venue promises to forever change your perception about magic shows. The term “wizard” takes on a whole new meaning when the biggest names in magic perform at one of the most exclusive and revered magic institutions. With the flick of their wand, wondrous warlocks will leave you breathless and certainly give you something deeper to ponder on your special day.
Magic Castle, 7001 Franklin Avenue (near Sycamore Avenue); 323-851-3313.

Culver Ice Arena
We know it's in there: That competitive drive that wants to push and shove its way to glory — by any means necessary. So, display your inner dominance on the ice at Culver City Ice Rink where you can throw a birthday party that will feed your inner competitor. You don't have to play for the L.A. Kings (or even know how to skate) to battle your friends in a heated game of broom ball. Restore yourself to glory at one of L.A.'s last full-sized indoor ice rinks.
Culver Ice Arena, 4545 Sepulveda Boulevard (at Franklin Avenue); 310-398-5718.

Beacher’s Madhouse

Beacher’s Madhouse is unlike anything we have ever witnessed (think the circus on roids).

Beacher’s Madhouse, 7000 Hollywood Boulevard (near Highland Avenue); 323-785-3036.

Moonlight Rollerway

For those who want a far-out experience we highly recommend the Moonlight Rollerway. It’s one of the only spots in L.A. where you can slap on a pair of skates and groove to some funky disco tunes.

Moonlight Rollerway, 5110 San Fernando Road (near Hawthorne Street); 818-241-3630.

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