Looking for a restaurant that’s anything but ordinary? Whether you’re throwing a themed birthday bash, planning a unique engagement dinner, or just want to wow your guests with something unexpected, New York City’s quirky restaurants deliver big on personality and flavor. From retro diners and immersive fantasy spaces to music-themed joints and dining-in-the-dark experiences, NYC’s offbeat dining scene is bursting with creativity. And with Tagvenue, it’s easy to find and book quirky restaurants for your events.
First things first, you should think of the budget you have for the event. This will determine many things, such as the guest list, venue size and location. Remember to book the space at least a few weeks in advance. Also, New York is a busy city with plenty of people celebrating something every day, so it’ll be useful to have a few dates in mind for your party. Typically, the most sought-after times for booking unique restaurant venues are weekends, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings. These days are popular for birthdays and other celebrations. Additionally, seasonal peaks in late spring through early fall see higher demand due to the pleasant weather, making outdoor spaces especially attractive.
The cost depends on the purpose of the space you’re renting, but a lot of them offer special packages with prices varying from $30 up to $65 per person. Other venues charge hourly fees - rates start at $300 and can get as high as $2000 per hour. Some places can be even rented out for the entire day for an average of $15000 per day. (Based on data from Tagvenue.)
There are plenty of areas in New York that you should check out for quirky venues.
If you’re based in Manhattan, we suggest you have a look around Tribeca, Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea and SoHo. For any Brooklynites we recommend checking out the quirky spots in Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, and Williamsburg. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed with the selection of quirky spaces in Queens, especially those located in Astoria and Flushing.
For exclusive venue hire, consider the Full Venue at La Victoria, located in the Meatpacking District. This venue has a large space with a two-floor layout, perfect for large events. Another fantastic option is the Entire Venue at La Caverna, located on the Lower East Side in Manhattan, which provides a lively atmosphere that allows you to make a grand statement for your celebration.
If you are planning smaller, more private events, partial venue hire options are also available. The Bar Society First Floor in the Financial District of Manhattan, has a cozy yet stylish space ideal for casual get-togethers or private parties. The Cassette Room at Black Tap NYC in Midtown Manhattan also provides a dynamic, retro-inspired environment with a fun and energetic vibe perfect for birthdays and after-work parties.
Unique venues offer more than just food—they give your guests a full experience. The themed decor, unusual menus, and immersive settings make every gathering feel special, whether it’s for 5 people or 50. These spots are especially perfect for:
Birthday Parties
Whether it’s a colorful kids’ party or a grown-up dinner in a rock’n’roll-themed diner, a quirky setting sets the tone for a fun, memorable celebration.
Check out: Everything's Jake – Greenwich Village
Engagement Parties
Match your theme (romantic, bohemian, sci-fi, or fantasy) with a venue that leans into the weird and whimsical.
Check out: Saint James - Luxe Lounge w/ Exposed Brick – Bushwick
Cocktail Competitions
Host a “Battle of the Bartenders” night with custom drinks and a friendly vote. Rent a bar-style venue and bring in a pro—or let your guests go head-to-head.
Check out: The Gin Mill – Upper West Side
Dining in the Dark
Sensory, intimate, and memorable—this trend adds a fresh twist to dinner. These venues offer pre-set menus in completely dark settings, heightening taste, smell, and conversation.
Check out: Copinette – Midtown Manhattan
Film & Literature-Themed Restaurants
Have a tea party with Alice or dine in a spooky, Jekyll-and-Hyde-inspired setting. Perfect for fans looking to live out their favorite fictional worlds.
Music-Inspired Spots
From rock-themed diners to jazz-era supper clubs, NYC offers immersive music venues perfect for fans of any era or genre.
Animal-Themed Cafes
Cat cafes and dog-friendly diners let guests enjoy good food while hanging out with four-legged friends, great for casual get-togethers or animal-lover meetups.
Retro Diners
Blast some old-school tunes, put on 80s attire, and dine like it’s 1975. These nostalgic spaces are perfect for themed dinners and throwback parties.
Looking for unique wedding venues in New York City that deliver elegance with character? Skip the cookie-cutter banquet halls—these spaces offer historic charm, stylish design, and just the right amount of wow for a truly memorable celebration. Here are five standout options from your dataset that haven’t been listed before: