Where To Go When You Don’t Want To Make A Big Deal About Your Birthday, But Actually Kind Of Do

And just like that, your birthday is a month away. But after schlepping 28 of your friends in a bus to Medieval Times a few years ago and sending one friend to the ER because of a previously unknown horse allergy, you’ve decided you want to keep it low-key this year.

Or do you? As your special day gets closer, the feeling of missing out on a you -themed celebration starts to creep in. So change of plans—you’re doing a birthday dinner. But it’s not going to be a big deal. Definitely not. Something low-key and easy, but still sort of special, so you can wear those shoes you just bought. Believe it nor, such in-between-type situations do exist— here’s where we'd send you.

THE SPOTS

K-Team BBQ

Korean barbecue is an ideal option for group birthdays, but it usually comes with a decision: Do you want a chaotic room filled with USC undergrads and cheap bulgogi or a high-end meat parade with a sobering final tab? K-Team is perfectly in between. This casual, pork-centric Ktown spot from the Park’s BBQ team delivers the bubbly energy its iconic sibling sometimes lacks, plus an a la carte menu that won’t blow your budget (even with some soju, meals tend to be $50-60 per person). Be sure to get the optional kimchi fried rice at the end, which is cooked on the cast iron skillet with all the crispy leftover meat.

Ryla

There's a good chance you're too old for a bar-hopping birthday, but sometimes you want to keep up the going-out facade anyway. Ryla provides the perfect cover. This excellent Japanese and Tawainese spot in Hermosa Beach conveniently sits a few hundred feet from the Hermosa Pier (and its many drinking spots), but is still a destination unto itself: the dining room is dark and sexy, and the menu is a mix of shareable dishes like hot chicken karaage and white sesame caesars, plus ramen and sushi options. And if you decide to call it a night after dinner, their roomy cocktail bar is great for a group nightcap.

Taylor's Steakhouse

You've decided the vibe this year is "classic steakhouse," but without the reservation down payments and $20 valet. Taylor’s in Koreatown is perfect for just such an occasion. This under-the-radar steakhouse has been around since the 1950s, serving thick cuts at reasonable prices in an old-school environment—get ready for big red booths—that still feels sophisticated. The waitstaff is sassy, everyone dining here is in a big group, and the bar makes some of our favorite Manhattans in town. Book a table upstairs for a quieter meal, or downstairs to be closer to the bar.

Yangban

Since it opened in 2021, this Arts District spot has reinvented itself on two (three?) occasions, with each iteration inching closer to the upscale Korean-American restaurant it is today. And though there's now full table service and a more fleshed-out menu, it’s still a great option for a low-key birthday hang, especially when you want the specialness of a tasting menu spot without the financial commitment. Center your meal around the larger hot dishes like the sweet and tangy chicken wings and tableside stone pot rice, and save plenty of room for the buffalo soft serve. It beats any birthday cake.

The Old Place

The Old Place is an iconic LA restaurant, but due to its remote location in the mountains above Malibu, many people haven’t even heard of it—let alone eaten there. That’s good news for you and your plan to trick friends into going all out for your birthday. The historic saloon (it’s been standing since the early 1900s) feels like you stepped into the first level of Westworld , but instead of killer robots, expect good beer and wine, live music, and a steak that puts most pieces of meat you've had on La Cienega to shame. Also, there’s a private dining space in the back.

Cobi’s

Cobi’s is a Southeast Asian spot in Santa Monica that toes the line between a cute date destination and a place to gather a group of friends and let loose. A meal here can get loud—expect soul and reggae to be thumping all night—and you might not be able to hear the person across from you, but no one will mind because the ​food is that good. The menu is full of bold spins on shareable Indonesian curries, juicy pork dumplings, and a kanpachi crudo with coconut milk so sweet and savory, you’ll forget about the Susie Cake waiting in the car. If the group is really big, book a communal table on the tropical back patio.

Everson Royce Bar

You just want some drinks with your friends this year. And some good food if they have it. And a fun atmosphere. But nothing crazy, you know? Stop torturing yourself, and just reserve a table at ERB. The Arts District bar/restaurant is the Old Reliable of LA patio spots, with a relaxed party atmosphere that always manages to match your mood. Which, we all know, will be slightly needy on your birthday. They also have incredible cocktails, a large selection of wine and beer, and bar food that’s worth navigating the Arts District parking situation.

Mazal

Mazal is a restaurant that proves big group dining doesn’t have to be some monstrous chore. The casual Israeli spot in Lincoln Heights has a homey, string-lit back patio, a natural wine program with most bottles falling in the $60 range, and an all-vegetarian menu full of easily shareable dishes. We recommend going all-in on the spreads (hummus, madbuka, babaganoush) and rounding out your meal with a fresh Israeli salad, a big plate of couscous, and the Jerusalem bagel toast, which comes with melted provolone, spicy schug, kale, and pesto.

Jones Hollywood

The trick to making a big group work at Jones is skipping the main dining room area and taking over the back cafe space that’s far more casual and feels more like you’re in a highway diner in Jersey than an Italian restaurant in West Hollywood. Because the room is slightly removed from the rest of the restaurant, it serves almost as semi-private dining if your group is big enough. Which is handy, because you accidentally/not accidentally invited your entire yoga class today. Then go to town on all the martinis, chopped salads, and skillet spaghettis you and your friends can handle. Don’t forget the apple pie after.

Lasita

We’ve been fans of this Filipino spot since its very first iteration as Lasa, a BYOB pop-up that dates back to 2017. While the interior, service style, and menu have changed over the years, the food delivers the same bright and spicy flavors and the warm space is just as ideal for a fun, family-style dinner where you can linger over excellent remixed Filipino dishes and a few bottles of natural wine. For birthdays, our move is to put a rotisserie chicken and pork lechon on the table, load up on every sauce and side, and make our way through their top-notch but affordable wine list (most bottles fall under $70).

Shamshiri Grill

Open since 1981, this Westwood landmark is one of the oldest restaurants in Persian Square, and home to a sprawling, lively dining room that can accommodate any size birthday dinner imaginable. We consider their tahchin—a baked basmati rice cake layered with yogurt, saffron, and barberries—to be an essential dish of the neighborhood, and their earthy, spicy curry stew isn’t far behind. Plus, both are perfect for passing around the table. From there, load up with tahdig appetizers, kabob platters, and steaming plates of sabzi polo. Tell everyone to expect leftovers.