The top 19 birthday party ideas in Toronto by neighbourhood

Need birthday party ideas? Many Toronto venues offer plenty of space for you and all of your friends to let loose as you celebrate your continued existence on planet earth. From grungy dance halls to basement shuffle board courts and comedy clubs, these places are sure to please on your special day.

Here are my picks for places to go on your birthday in Toronto.

ANNEX
If you're itching to dance the night away, look no further than the tried-and-true Dance Cave, located just above Lee's Palace. It's an ideal place for those who feel young at heart and best of all, you don't need to pay cover if you show a student card on Friday and Saturday nights.

BLOORCOURT
Laugh off your birthday blues at Comedy Bar and hear from Toronto's up-and-coming comedians. It's easy - and very affordable - to book out space for a large group here too.

CABBAGETOWN
There's plenty of seating at Stout Irish Pub along with an impressive selection of craft beer for you to try. This east side spot also has board games on hand if you tire of making small talks with those acquaintances who you didn't think would actually show up to your party.

CHURCH WELLESLEY VILLAGE
You're pretty much guaranteed to have a good time at Crews & Tangos, but you'll need to get there early to beat the line. If you're a summer baby, you can also take advantage of bar's backyard patio.

DANFORTH
Tiki bars are all the rage in Toronto and The Shore Leave on the Danforth fits perfectly into this tropical craze. Spend your night sipping on rum-infused drinks and imagine celebrating your next birthday on a Polynesian beach somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

DON MILLS
The Shops of Don Mills may not be the most exciting place in the GTA, but if you don't feel like schlepping downtown, the northern-most Toronto Bier Markt will have you imbibing on pints of exotic beer all night long.

DUNDAS WEST
Spice up your big day with salsa lessons at Lula Lounge on Dundas Street West. This music venue and club offers lessons on Friday and Saturday nights as well as on Sunday afternoons, meaning you can make your birthday a weekend-long affair.

HARBOURFRONT
For sweeping views of Lake Ontario, you'll want to venture to the Amsterdam Brewhouse. While it might a little touristy, this space can easily accommodate large parties and group bookings.

JUNCTION
The Junction City Music Hall will let you rock out to great local music and it'll also satisfy your craving for nostalgic fun thanks to its collection of retro pinball machines and arcade games.

KENSINGTON MARKET
Impress your friends by shepherding them to the hidden Cold Tea in the Kensington Mall. This place fills up quickly, so arrive early. Or, trek here in the summer months and dance your special night away on the backyard patio.

KING WEST
Do feel like dancing or sipping on locally brewed craft beer? Avoid this difficult decision and do both at the Mascot Brewery/Odd Thomas multiplex on Mercer Street.

LITTLE ITALY
You're one year older, so start preparing for your retirement with a few rounds of shuffleboard and bocce ball at Little Italy's Track & Field Bar. To be safe, reserve a lane before heading out for the night.

PARKDALE
Sample chef Matty Matheson's menu at Parts & Labour and then head downstairs and work it all off at a sweaty basement dance party.

PORT LANDS
Make like a lumber jack and learn to throw an axe on your next birthday. BATL Grounds, with multiple locations, lets you BYOB (for free) because drinking and wielding sharp objects is always a good idea.

RIVERSIDE
Head to the city's east side for the laid back country bar Boots 'N' Bourbon Saloon. This venue accepts reservations, even on weekends. And if you head over on a Thursday night, you can treat your friends to line dancing lessons.

SCARBOROUGH
Whether you relate to Katniss Everdeen, Merida or Robin Hood, you can always mark your birthday with a friendly game of bow-and-arrow tag at Archery District.

WEST QUEEN WEST
If you don't want to throw a house party but still want to maintain that relaxed vibe, take your friends to Apt. 200 on West Queen West.

YONGE & EGLINTON
Rent out Korean Cowboy's second floor party room if you want to host a private soirée - with Korean bar food and small plates - in midtown Toronto.

YORKVILLE
Regardless of the season, you can hang out on the rooftop patio at Hemingway's. This bar is usually packed with a diverse range of people and it's an ideal spot if you're seeking a low-key drink with a small group of friends.

Photos by Hector Vasquez, Jesse Miln and Ben Johnson.

by Amy Grief via blogTO