Support Us Button Widget
Culture

Party like a local: How to celebrate a birthday in Austin

You can have your cake and eat it too — here’s how we recommend spending a birthday in ATX.

September 9, 2024 • 
Morgan O’Neal
An outdoor bar and seating area in the evening, filled with people enjoying drinks and conversation. The setting features long wooden picnic tables under string lights and a large ceiling fan. The bar area is partially enclosed with a wooden slatted design and illuminated by round hanging lights. In the background, a building with purple lighting and a sign that reads 'COSMIC' adds to the vibrant atmosphere.

City Editor Morgan spent her birthday at Cosmic Saltillo last year with a group of friends.

Photo by ATXtoday

It’s birthday season in the US — the most birthdays fall in between July and October.

Whether your birthday is coming up or you’re planning a bash for a friend, there are plenty of ways to celebrate another lap around the sun in Austin.

If you’re gathering all of your besties

An indoor bar space filled with people sitting at long communal tables, watching a sports game on a large screen at the back of the room. The ceiling is industrial with exposed beams, and hanging lights are interspersed with potted plants. The atmosphere is lively and social, with patrons enjoying drinks and conversation in the spacious, rustic setting.

Play card games, dig into a pizza, and sip beer + cocktails at Central Machine Works.

Photo by ATXtoday

  • Cosmic Saltillo + Cosmic Pickle | With plenty of picnic tables and a photo-worthy ambiance, these coffee-shop-cocktail-bars keep larger groups caffeinated, buzzed, and well-fed. They’ll even pop your cake in the fridge until you’re ready to blow out your candles.
  • Central Machine Works, Jester King Brewery + Lazarus Brewing Co. | Does the birthday king or queen prefer a cold beer over a cupcake? These local breweries offer plenty of seating, food for drinks-turned-dinner-parties, and robust beer selections to keep conversation flowing.

If you love intimate celebrations

Sushi Bar-27.jpg

The bites and service at Sushi | Bar ATX will make you feel like it’s your birthday any day of the year.

Photo by Zenko Photography

  • Sushi | Bar ATX | Surprise someone on their special day with a snazzy sushi experience. This high-end restaurant only seats 10 people and each guest tastes 17+ flavorful courses for $159.
  • Trona | If cocktails are the way to their heart, celebrate at this moody bar with tables for two. The interior vibe is equally artistic and cozy, which creates the perfect setting for a night worth remembering.

If you want to begin the day with a bang

The original Kerbey Lane location in Austin's Rosedale neighborhood.

You’re looking at the first-ever Kerbey Lane location in Austin’s own Rosedale neighborhood.

Photo courtesy of Kerbey Lane

  • Kerbey Lane All Day Cafe | Kick off your best year yet with a breakfast as unique as you — just stick some candles in the monthly and seasonal pancake specials at this local mainstay.
  • Paperboy | You’re never too old for a homemade strawberry vanilla pop tart. Grab one (or two) and a cold brew martini for a boozy birthday brunch.

Have an idea for a birthday celebration in Austin? Give us the ultimate gift — send us an email.

More from ATXtoday
A bakery display case filled with an assortment of cupcakes in various flavors and colors. The cupcakes are topped with sprinkles, frosting swirls, and other decorative elements. Behind the cupcakes, there are several full-sized cakes stored under glass covers. Labels indicate flavors like lemon and strawberry, and the store interior features teal accents
Food
Where to get birthday freebies in Austin
Party like it’s your birthday with these gifts from nearby businesses to you.
October 4, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A fake skeleton decoration pops out from behind a dark bar at the Black Lagoon Halloween-themed pop-up bar. In the background, neon green, purple, and orange lights add to the scary vibes.
Business
Enter if you dare: Halloween-themed Black Lagoon pop-up bar coming to Austin
The spine-tingling pop-up will take over King Bee in east Austin from Wednesday, Oct. 9 to Thursday, Oct. 31.
October 3, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A hand holding a burger in a dimly lit room with colorful, twinkling lights in the background. The burger is a double patty with cheese and pickles on a fluffy bun.
Food
10 spots to grab a late-night meal in Austin
Sometimes you get the munchies late at night, so we’re helping out with a list of spots that stay open late around Austin.
October 3, 2024
 · 
STAFF
The Austin skyline, as seen from the shore of Lady Bird Lake
Culture
How much of Austin have you experienced?
Tally up your Austin experience score based on how many landmarks, music venues, and festivals you have visited since living in the Capital City.
October 2, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
An aerial nighttime view of the densely packed festival crowd illuminated by vibrant stage lights, surrounded by trees and glowing booths, with city lights visible on the horizon.
Events
Fill out your ACL schedule with City Editor Figi’s recommendations
Plus, you’ll want to find your friendly neighborhood city editors at ACL for a chance to answer some trivia questions and win a friendship bracelet.
October 2, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A nighttime aerial view of downtown Austin featuring the proposed development of I-35, with green spaces, pedestrian paths, and modern architectural structures brightly lit. In the foreground, a colorful circular structure glows with pink and orange lighting, surrounded by trees and people walking. A light rail train is visible on the left, moving along the tracks. The skyline in the background shows tall buildings, including a Hilton Garden Inn and other lit high-rise buildings, while cars travel along the highway on the right side. The cityscape is vibrant and modern, showing a lively urban scene at night.
City
Feast your eyes on the (potential) future of central Austin
Pending Austin City Council approval, Our Future 35’s vision plan for Austin could become a reality.
October 1, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
ATX_Esther-Follies-October-2024.jpg
Business
Stamp passports, win prizes: 10 longtime businesses to visit in October
During Legacy Business Month, locals are invited to celebrate Austin’s community fixtures through a competitive challenge.
October 1, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
ATX_ACLAerial by Roger Ho for ACL Fest 2022 W1_205037.jpg
City
Headlines you may have missed about ACL Festival
The world-famous music festival is just around the corner — read up on a few updates you may have missed recently.
September 30, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Looking up to the sky, the image frames eight of the new, petal-shaped structures that make up the canopy at the Blanton Museum of Art. They're painted white and filled with little holes, giving the impression of a starry sky.
Live
Austin’s most iconic landmarks
Consider these landmarks our Hollywood signs.
September 30, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
An outdoor sign for Shady Grove, a well-known spot in Austin, Texas. The sign has a rustic, retro vibe with the words 'Shady Grove' prominently displayed in neon letters. The text is styled with a rope design that adds a touch of western flair. Above the name, a smaller sign reads 'HAMBURGERS' in bold, glowing letters. Below, an arrow points to the right with the phrase 'STOP-A-WHILE' in faded neon. The sign is mounted on a weathered metal frame, with lush green trees in the background.
Food
Austin restaurants you miss the most
ATXtoday readers shared which local restaurants + meals they miss the most — and we think you’ll agree.
September 27, 2024
 · 
STAFF