The best birthday party places in Brooklyn give your group games to play, food to share and a bar to gather around, all in one room. SET Lounge & Billiards does exactly that on McDonald Avenue, with American pool, Russian pyramid billiards, ping pong and darts, a full kitchen, signature cocktails and private events that start at $70 per person. This guide covers what makes a great group birthday spot, the game-based ideas that keep everyone moving, the food and drinks, the family policy for parties with kids, and exactly how to book.
What makes a great group birthday spot
A great group birthday spot gives people something to do together, not just a table to sit at. When your friends or coworkers arrive on different schedules, a venue built around games keeps early arrivals busy and gives late arrivals something to jump into. SET works for birthdays because the games, the kitchen and the bar are all under one roof, so nobody has to leave for dinner or drinks. You can rack a game of pool, order a plate of food, watch a match on the big screens and keep the party in one place from start to finish. If you want a room that does all of that, the party venue in Brooklyn page walks through our space.
Birthday ideas built around games
Build the party around a game and the night plans itself. Each game sets a different tone for the group.
- American pool. The classic choice, easy for beginners and competitive enough for regulars. $10 per hour per player with two or more players.
- Russian pyramid billiards. An Eastern European cue sport with larger, heavier balls and much tighter pockets than American pool, so it rewards precision and patience. Learn more on the pyramid billiards page.
- Ping pong. Fast, social and great for a bracket-style birthday tournament. $10 per hour per player.
- Darts. Quick head-to-head games for the guests who want to keep the energy up. Darts run $10 per hour per player.
Want to keep the bill simple? The $20 Unlimited Games deal covers pool, ping pong and darts every day until 7 PM, which is ideal for a daytime birthday that runs long. There is a one hour minimum on all games, and students get a discount on daytime games with a valid ID, so ask staff when you arrive.
Food from a full kitchen
You do not have to order in, because SET runs a full kitchen. That means your group eats where it plays, with no delivery apps and no leaving to find dinner. Order shareable plates between games and keep the food coming as the party grows. Please note there is no outside food or drink allowed, so let SET handle the menu for the group. The McDonald Avenue kitchen has its own menu.
Drinks and the bar
Guests who are 21 and older need a valid ID to drink. The McDonald Avenue location has its own full kitchen and bar, with appetizers, salads, signature cocktails and draft beer to keep the table fed between games.
Private events
SET hosts private events starting at $70 per person. A private booking gives your birthday a defined plan for games, food and drinks so you are not improvising on the night.
The under-21 policy for family parties
Minors are welcome at SET earlier in the day when a parent or guardian is present, which makes daytime birthdays the right window for family parties. Guests under 21 are not admitted after 8 PM on Friday and Saturday, so plan a kids or family celebration to start and finish before that cutoff. Anyone 21 and older still needs a valid ID for alcohol at any hour. Booking a daytime private event is the cleanest way to run a family birthday, since the $20 Unlimited Games deal also runs until 7 PM and pairs well with an afternoon party.
How to book
Book a birthday by calling the venue directly. Private events are arranged by phone.
- McDonald Avenue (Gravesend): 1828 McDonald Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223. Call (718) 758-5999. Open Sun to Thu 2pm to 2am, Fri and Sat 2pm to 4am. This is the original SET venue, with billiards, ping pong, darts, a full kitchen and a bar.
When you call, have your date, headcount and the games your group wants in mind, and ask about the private event package that fits your budget. Some events carry a cover charge, so confirm the details when you book. Whether you want a competitive pool night or a corporate outing with food and drinks, SET gives your Brooklyn birthday a home for the whole party.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a birthday party at SET Lounge cost?
Private events start at $70 per person. Individual games run $10 per hour per player for pool, ping pong and darts, and there is a $20 Unlimited Games deal every day until 7 PM. Call the venue for package details.
Can kids come to a birthday party at SET?
Yes. Minors are welcome earlier in the day when a parent or guardian is present, which makes daytime the best window for family parties. Guests under 21 are not admitted after 8 PM on Friday and Saturday, so plan a kids birthday to finish before that cutoff.
What games can we play for a birthday?
SET offers American pool, Russian pyramid billiards, ping pong and darts. There is a one hour minimum on all games.
How do I book a private birthday event?
Book by phone. Call McDonald Avenue at (718) 758-5999 with your date, headcount and the games you want. Ask about the private event packages when you call.