Boston's Best Birthday Party Bars

25 Boylston Pl (The Alley), Boston, MA 02116 (map)

Two words: mechanical bull. Partygoers can also be found saddling up on the dance floor and bumping and grinding to pop and hip-hop between the liquor cabinet-lined walls at this Boylston Alley hot spot. FYI, birthday party planners: The venue, which charges a modest cover, is only open on Friday and Saturday nights.

Quincy Market At Faneuil Hall Mkpl, Boston, MA 02109 (map)

Hand a long-time staffer a condom and get ready for an orgasmic drink experience at this notorious joint. Good-humored guests will also get a laugh out of having their hair tied up with balloons and being forced to wear giant paper hats emblazoned with suggestive slogans, such as "Easier to Get Into Than a Community College."

186 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA 02134 (map)

Certainly one of the area's chicer nightlife venues, this is the destination in Allston to step it up and dance. There's a small cover on Friday and Saturday nights, but it's waived for birthday party guests who book in advance. The club will also decorate and reserve tables for your celebration, and for groups exceeding 20 people, provide a complimentary cookie cake and bottle of champagne.

7 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215 (map)

Guests dancing on tables while slurping margaritas out of massive mugs is a regular sight at this Fenway-adjacent club, whose slogan is "Spring Break 52 Weeks a Year." Ladies, inquire about Girls' Night Out party packages, which waive the usual cover charge for groups of eight or more.

50 Dalton Street, Boston, MA 02115 (map)

Grab a drink, then hit up the bowling lanes or billiard tables at this colorfully lit Back Bay sports destination. Birthday groups can sign up in advance for the VIP Lanes package that includes reserved lanes and food and drinks while you bowl.

9 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 2215 (map)

This low-key, Fenway piano bar with a low weekend cover gets visitors singing and bopping along to tunes ranging from Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" to "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-A-Lot. For groups larger than six, the venue offers a birthday package that includes a reserved table, cake and champagne toast.

28 Kingston St, Boston, MA 02111 (map)

This centrally located bar is a fantastic spot for a bash, especially in the intimate downstairs vodka lounge area, a private space with more of a cocktail and small-plates backdrop. Call ahead to take over the whole room, or you can reserve the cavernous tables for your sprawling group, privy to more than 150 types of vodka.

1680 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map)

Taking the banger to Cambridge? Head to the West Side, where you can spread out over the front and the back of the room. Tables are easily pushed together, making a section of the restaurant just for you. There's something for everyone on the grazing menu, and the superb cocktails keep coming at this neighborhood bar.

1 First Ave, Charlestown, MA 02129 (map)

At this casual French bistro, call to reserve the back dining room for your partying guests, gratis. Grab pommes frites or a cheese plate in this laid-back joint with an open kitchen. Beer and wine only, but if inspired, you're not far from a Charlestown pub crawl.

1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118 (map)

No literal bull-riding here (for that, see Liquor Store, below), but there's a wild streak running through this South End tapas spot. You and a group can take over the long communal table in the center of the dining area, and small plates (from tortilla espanola to Rioja-braised short ribs) are the textbook ideal for sharing amongst a crowd. Order a couple pitchers of sangria and pop some bottles of cava ... Ole!

916 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215 (map)

A truly epic drink list. The sassy lil' sister of Sunset Grill pours it right with 38 beers on tap and no less than 69 (coincidence?) tequilas. Saddle up with your crew to the Cantina's long tables and bang out a night to remember with Tex-Mex grub (full menu available past midnight) and more margaritas than you can shake a salt-rim at.

315 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 (map)

Central Square's beloved too-cool-for-school-they're-truant lounge is a guaranteed go-to for a scenester-packed gathering. For the guest of honor, they'll reserve a whole section of the bar for your party. Tote along your baked good of choice, and the servers will dole them out when you wish.

69 Bromfield St, Boston, MA 02108 (map)

Imagine bumping elbows with convivial patrons, as you always do at Silvertone, except that this time, everyone surrounding you is a familiar face. Thus is the magic of securing the private room at one of the city's most bustling downtown watering holes. Await a night of good people, good music and too many of its signature Happy Meals.

528 Commonwealth Ave (Hotel Commonwealth), Boston, MA 02215 (map)

In this swank, speakeasy-type brasserie, reserve the back dining room for your posse at no extra charge. The vibe's fancy enough to make you feel haute, but laid-back enough that anyone can come in any attire. Meander to the bar for fantastic vintage cocktails or ('urp) birthday shots.