40th Birthday Party Venues for Rent in San Francisco, CA

Here are some top ideas and venue suggestions to help you plan a 40th birthday celebration you’ll actually enjoy.

40th Birthday Venues Worth Booking

San Francisco isn’t shy when it comes to style, just ask the fog, the food trucks, or anyone who’s ever queued up outside Tartine. From legendary music nooks to tiki lounges and cocktail dens, this city’s venues serve up a serious atmosphere. Here are three great picks to kick things off.

• Owl Tree – Downtown San Francisco
  Minimum spend per session: 2000 dollars
  Standing capacity: 50 Seating capacity: 40
  Just a short walk from Union Square, Owl Tree feels like a time capsule with its vintage charm and warm bar ambiance. It’s ideal for intimate mixers, birthday toasts, or casual business gatherings with a twist of old-school character.
• NocNoc – Hayes Valley
  Hire fee per day: 200 dollars
  Standing capacity: 95 Seating capacity: 50
  With trippy art, mismatched furniture, and a ceiling that glows, NocNoc is not your average party venue. It’s a great pick for creative meetups, themed nights, or anything that calls for a fun and unfiltered vibe.
• Rick & Roxy's – Cow Hollow
  Minimum spend per session: 500 dollars
  Standing capacity: 175 Seating capacity: 30
  This Cow Hollow classic is a crowd-pleaser with a relaxed energy and plenty of space to move. It’s a solid go-to for birthday bashes, casual receptions, or just about any gathering that needs good drinks and room to dance.

Still not sure of what type of venue you want for your celebration? The city is ready with exciting options for you and your crew.

Celebrate in Style at a Private Dining Room

If good food and great company are your top priorities, San Francisco’s private dining rooms are a go-to choice.

• Book an exclusive table at a Michelin-starred spot like Sons & Daughters or go for Burmese flavors at Burma Love.
• Many upscale restaurants offer chef’s table experiences, tasting menus, or wine pairings—ideal for smaller groups that want a refined vibe.
• Want to go interactive? Some venues offer private cooking classes or live culinary demos to add a twist to your dinner party.

Best for: Intimate dinners, food lovers, elegant celebrations.

Host a Laid-Back Party at a Bar

Don’t want to plan too much? Book a bar, order some drinks, and let the night unfold.

• Try tiki bars in the Mission District for a themed celebration with cocktails and dress-up potential. The Bamboo Hut in North Beach.
• Many venues offer private rooms, open bar packages, or in-house catering, so you don’t have to sweat the details.
• Bonus: No cleanup required, and your guests can just show up and enjoy.

Best for: Easy planning, big group energy, themed celebrations.

Book a Pool Party Venue

If your birthday falls in warmer months, nothing beats a poolside party with drinks, music, and maybe even a sunset yoga session.

• Some private estates and boutique hotels, like Chambers at the Phoenix, offer pool rentals with food & beverage packages.
• Ask the venue about music setups, outdoor games like pool volleyball, or even aqua fitness classes if you're going the wellness route.

Best for: Summer birthdays, family-friendly gatherings, casual daytime fun.

Plan a Napa Valley Day Trip

If you’d rather escape the city for your 40th, Napa Valley is just 90 minutes away and offers a classy way to celebrate.

• Try B.R. Cohn Winery for wine tasting with views or opt for a spa day followed by dinner at a vineyard estate.
• Add-ons like grape stomping, cooking classes, or private wine-pairing sessions make it a real experience.

Best for: Wine lovers, weekend getaways, relaxed but elevated vibes.

Rent a Bowling Alley for Retro Fun

Looking for something low-key but interactive? A bowling night can bring out everyone’s playful side.

• Venues like Plank offer private lanes, food + drink service, and customizable playlists.
• It’s also a great option if your group includes a wide age range—no special skills needed to have fun.

Best for: Active parties, groups that love games, nostalgic throwbacks.

SF Spaces with All-Inclusive 40th Birthday Packages

Many spaces in San Francisco offer all-inclusive birthday packages. You’ll find options that cover food, drinks, staffing, and even entertainment—so all you have to do is show up and celebrate. 

• Elixir – Mission Dolores
  Minimum spend: $2087 per session
  Standing capacity: 85 Seating capacity: 45
  One of the oldest saloons in the city, Elixir mixes historic charm with great whiskey and even better service. They offer private event packages that include bartenders, custom drink menus, and the option to bring in catering or coordinate with their partners.
• BuzzWorks – South of Market (SOMA)
  Minimum spend: $5000 per session
  Standing capacity: 300 Seating capacity: 150
  This is your go-big-or-go-home venue. BuzzWorks has massive space, multiple big screens, a full bar, and event packages that often include staffing, AV tech, and bar service. Perfect for milestone birthdays or big group celebrations.
• Marigold Private Event Space – Castro/Upper Market
  Minimum spend: $3860 per session
  Standing capacity: 82 Seating capacity: 80
  This sleek, versatile venue offers turnkey event packages that cover everything from tables and lounge furniture to bar service and cleanup. It’s a stylish choice for anyone wanting a polished experience without the planning hassle.

Affordable 40th Birthday Celebration Spots In SF

You’ve hit the jackpot. There are plenty of wallet-friendly gems in San Francisco perfect for a 40th birthday celebration. Whether you're toasting to four fabulous decades with friends, planning a themed bash, or keeping it low-key with good food and great company, there’s a venue here that fits the bill and the budget. Here are three standout spots to kick off the party planning:

• The Lost Church – North Beach
  Want something wildly unique with a touch of vintage theatre? The Lost Church blends live performance energy with a cozy, artsy vibe. For around $350/hour, you get a space with full AV setup and seating for 135. Perfect for a live band, storytelling session, or anything a little outside the box.
• Sazerac – Union Street
  Stylish, intimate, and easy on the wallet at just $500 per session, Sazerac is ideal for smaller gatherings with personality. Great drinks, a warm ambiance, and seating for 40—it’s a laid-back space to laugh, toast, and reflect on the wild ride of four decades.
• Sacred Taco Cantina – Union Street
  Tacos, tequila, and 180 of your closest friends? Yes, please. This Union Street gem offers big capacity at just $300 per session. It’s casual, festive, and built for a good time—with plenty of guac and margaritas to keep the birthday spirit going strong.

Planning Tips for a Memorable 40th Birthday in San Francisco

• Book early. Prime venues—especially restaurants with private rooms or popular bars—fill up fast.
• Think about the atmosphere. Rooftop bars for sunset drinks, moody lounges for cocktail parties, or scenic outdoor patios if you're going for chill vibes.
• Customize the experience. Ask about themed decor, playlists, signature cocktails, or photo setups.
• Focus on the honoree. Whether it’s your own birthday or you’re planning for someone else, the goal is to make them feel celebrated without the stress.
  
  Check out our 39 Fabulous 40th Birthday Ideas for 2025 for some inspiration.