Where to Throw a Playful 70th Birthday Party in Los Angeles

From barcades to bowling alleys, this guide has ideas for an adult birthday celebration that feels like a kid's dream.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 10:00am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeated grid of vintage arcade game controllers, bowling balls, and karaoke microphones in vibrant neon hues, capturing the playful and sophisticated elements of an adult birthday celebration.A playful pop art celebration of the nostalgic activities and elevated dining experiences that can make a milestone birthday party feel like a return to childhood.Los Angeles Today

Marla Levine is looking to celebrate her 70th birthday with a party that combines fun activities like scavenger hunts, escape rooms, and karaoke with gourmet-quality food. The Los Angeles Times provides recommendations for venues that can accommodate 20-30 guests and offer a mix of nostalgic games and upscale dining options, including EightyTwo barcade, Break Room 86 karaoke lounge, and Highland Park Bowl.

Why it matters

As people reach milestone birthdays, there is a desire to recapture the carefree spirit of childhood through playful activities. This story taps into that sentiment by suggesting Los Angeles venues that allow adults to indulge their inner kid while still enjoying elevated cuisine, creating a unique and memorable birthday celebration.

The details

The article recommends several options for Marla's 70th birthday party in Los Angeles. EightyTwo barcade in the Arts District offers vintage pinball and arcade games along with nearby Michelin-recommended restaurant Manuela for farm-to-table American fare. Break Room 86 in Koreatown is a nostalgic speakeasy with private karaoke rooms, live DJs, and an ice cream truck, plus the rooftop restaurant Openaire for elevated California cuisine. Highland Park Bowl is the oldest functioning bowling alley in LA, with a vintage aesthetic and a short walk to Checker Hall for Mediterranean-inspired food. For larger groups, the article suggests exploring escape room experiences at Hatch Escapes, which can accommodate around 10 people at a time.

  • Marla Levine's 70th birthday is coming up.

The players

Marla Levine

A 70-year-old Los Angeles resident looking to throw a playful birthday party with a mix of nostalgic activities and gourmet food.

Danielle Dorsey

The Los Angeles Times senior food editor who provided a recommendation for the Break Room 86 karaoke lounge.

Josiah Citrin

The Michelin-starred chef behind the Openaire rooftop restaurant, which is recommended for the birthday celebration.

Hannah Pilkes

An actor-comedian who described Checker Hall, the neighborhood bar and restaurant near Highland Park Bowl, as her "favorite bar in all of L.A."

Todd Martens

A Los Angeles Times writer who covers theme parks and immersive experiences, and provided a recommendation for the Hatch Escapes escape room venue.

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What they’re saying

“Entering the bar feels like you've stepped through an '80s time machine with vintage arcade games, stacks of box TVs with static-fuzzy screens and tape cassettes decorating the walls.”

— Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times senior food editor

“It has the best cocktails and it almost feels like you're in New Orleans when you step inside. It has a beautiful patio overlooking Highland Park. The decor is funky and kitschy yet classy; it's magical.”

— Hannah Pilkes, Actor-comedian

What’s next

Marla will need to decide on the specific venue and activities for her 70th birthday party, as well as coordinate the guest list and catering.

The takeaway

This story provides creative ideas for adults looking to celebrate milestone birthdays by embracing their inner child through a mix of nostalgic games, activities, and elevated dining experiences. The recommendations highlight how Los Angeles offers a variety of unique venues that can accommodate both playful and sophisticated elements for an unforgettable birthday party.