Birthday Restaurants for Rent in Washington, DC

Planning a birthday party in DC comes down to three things: the right guest list, the right restaurant and not having to clean up after. Whether you're organizing a dinner for 10 or a blowout for 100, the city offers no shortage of restaurant spaces where you can book a table, rent a room, or take over the whole floor. Here's how to pick one that fits your guest count, budget, and vibe.

Best Restaurants in DC for a Fun Birthday with Friends

• Talea – Northwest DC
  A stylish spot that handles groups well, Talea offers seating for 45 and a food-first setup with a $65 per-person package. It works well for birthday dinners where you want to enjoy a great meal without worrying about logistics.
• Johnny Pistolas – Adams Morgan
  With two spaces (50 and 80 seated), Johnny Pistolas is all about casual parties, tacos, and tequila. $20 per person gets you started, and the Adams Morgan location makes it easy to roll into late-night plans nearby.
• Code Red – Adams Morgan
  Looking for something more offbeat? Code Red offers a moody, intimate setup for 15 seated guests at $50 per person. Good for niche groups, small crowds, or birthday pre-games before heading out.

Where to Host a Sit-Down Family Birthday Dinner in DC

• Ambar Capitol Hill – Capitol Hill
  Seats up to 24 and serves up Balkan small plates with drink pairings, starting at $60 per person. The space is polished but relaxed, great for hosting parents, siblings, and family friends.
• Sfoglina Van Ness – Northwest DC
  Private room for 20 guests, Italian menu, and a $2000 minimum spend. Ideal for a low-key but refined dinner that feels like a treat.
• Barkada Wine Bar – Northwest DC
  For groups under 40, Barkada offers shared plates, curated wines, and a calm atmosphere. At $25 per person, it’s budget-conscious but still stylish enough for a special occasion.

Upscale Birthday Spots in DC for Adults

• Fiola Mare – Georgetown
  Want a setting that feels special from the first step in? Fiola Mare offers private rooms for 18–36 seated guests, waterfront views, and a spend starting around $1600. Seafood-focused menu and high-end service.
• Taberna Del Alabardero – Downtown
  Spanish fine dining in a private room for up to 30 seated. With tapas, wine pairings, and polished service, it's well-suited for milestone birthdays. Expect a minimum spend of around $1500.
• Le DeSales – Northwest DC
  A stylish dining room with French-American fare and a $2300 minimum spend. Seats up to 30 for a more formal birthday dinner near Dupont Circle.

Birthday-Friendly DC Restaurants with Drinks and a Dance Floor

• Vera Cocina and Bar – Northeast DC
  A flexible space for up to 80 seated guests, starting at $1000 minimum. With Latin-inspired cuisine and a layout that works for mingling and dancing, it's a solid pick for larger groups.
• Shaw’s Tavern – Shaw
  Classic American food, plenty of space (up to 55 seated), and a location close to nightlife. Spend starts at $1250, popular for dinner parties that lead into birthday toasts and live music.
• Pikio Taco – Northwest DC
  Lively, easygoing, and ideal for big birthday groups. Seats 100, holds up to 200 standing, and priced from $48 per person. Expect tacos, cocktails, and a good setup for long dinners that turn into longer nights.

Kid-Friendly Birthday Restaurants in Washington, DC

• Divino Restaurant & Multi-Event Spaces – Northwest DC
  If you're planning a birthday with plenty of movement, like games, dancing, or entertainers, Divino gives you the space and flexibility to make it happen. It seats up to 100 guests and rents by the hour at just $50, making it one of the best value options for kids’ parties with big guest lists.
• Ambar Capitol Hill – Capitol Hill
  Known for Balkan small plates, Ambar also offers a private room for up to 24 seated guests. While it’s often used for adult dinners, its comfortable space and shared-style menu work surprisingly well for family lunches or small-scale kid parties with parents. Starts at $60 per person.
• El Techo – Shaw
  Great for older kids or teen birthdays with family. This rooftop venue holds up to 85 seated and offers casual Latin-inspired menus. Pricing is flexible with a low listed minimum spend of $35, and the open-air layout adds energy and novelty without overwhelming younger guests.

Tips for Planning a Birthday Restaurant Party in Washington, DC

Plan around DC’s dining culture.
DC’s restaurants tend to fill up fast, especially in areas like Adams Morgan, Georgetown, and Capitol Hill. Weekend evenings are prime time, so if you're working with a smaller budget, consider a weekday dinner or an early afternoon reservation. You'll often get better rates and more availability.

Know what’s included.
Some restaurants charge a flat minimum spend that includes food and drink, while others price per person and add fees for setup or service. Ask if the price covers taxes, gratuity, and any rental fees (like cake cutting or AV use), so you don’t get caught off guard.

Check menu flexibility.
If you’re bringing kids or guests with dietary needs, make sure the venue can offer options—especially for allergies, vegetarian/vegan dishes, or gluten-free meals. Many DC restaurants are happy to customize, but they’ll usually need advance notice.

Use public transport to your advantage.
Metro access is solid throughout most neighborhoods in the city. If many of your guests rely on public transit, consider venues near Farragut North, U Street, or Navy Yard stations to make arrivals and departures easier.

Book early, especially in peak seasons.
Spring and fall are popular times for both locals and visitors to host celebrations. If you're planning anything around cherry blossom season, graduation weekends, or holiday weeks, lock in your space as early as possible.

Confirm policies on outside food or décor.
Want to bring your own birthday cake? Or decorate the room with a custom theme? Many restaurants allow this—but some will charge corkage or cutting fees, or limit what’s allowed in. Always check in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

Think about before and after plans.
DC has walkable areas with great spillover options. If your dinner ends early, you could plan a nearby group activity like drinks at a nearby lounge, a stroll by the waterfront, or even a late show at a music venue or comedy club. It makes the whole night feel more coordinated.