Best Places in Philly to Celebrate a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah

7/14/24 - By Alyce Wilson

Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs are some of the most epic parties a kid can have (or go to!). Your new teen deserves the best, so we've gathered lots of great places for you to host this special birthday. From a former train station, to ballrooms, bowling, and more, there's sure to be something to please even the pickiest 13 year old.

Looking for more birthday party ideas? Make sure you check out our Birthday Party Guide for Philly Kids.

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Philadelphia

Platform Thirty at Beat Street Station — Manayunk

Located in an historic building in the heart of Manayunk, Platform Thirty was a train station hub that's been converted into an event space. To make once-in-a-lifetime events like Mitzvahs memorable, Platform Thirty offers two separate cocktail areas with hors d'oeuvres for adults while the kids are entertained upstairs in their own dedicated lounge, complete with music, a staffed soda bar, and finger foods. Food offerings can be tailored to specific wants and needs.

Arts Ballroom — Locust Street

Arts Ballroom Catering and Events is located off the Avenue of the Arts and promises sophistication and classic elegance. Various halls are for rent for Mitzvah celebrations. This site is ideal for larger events, as it can seat 200 to 400 guests, depending on the hall rented. This luxurious venue can accommodate music, a banquet and ceremonies, and special requests.

Franklin Institute — North 21st Street

For a truly unique space, the Franklin Insitute contains many offerings. Depending on the size of the event, possible locations include the Benjamin Franklin Memorial and Jordan Lobby, with its 20-foot statue of Franklin and 82-foot domed ceiling Fels Planetarium, with its night-sky ceiling, Pepper Hall and Patent Library, for more elegant events, Wisdom Hall and Your Brain, with historical and contemporary elements and the option for guests to explore the human brain, or the Rooftop Deck for a beautiful view.

North Bowl — Northern Liberties

Teens who are looking for something different should check out North Bowl, with its cozy yet spacious private event space. There's a 15-guest minimum, and events are full-service, with a buffet and beverage package, along with shoe rentals for the bowling lanes. The downstairs area is larger, with 13 lanes, a full-service bar, arcade games and a cafe area. The upstairs area has four lanes, a full-service bar, lounge seating, two pool tables, and arcade games. 

Spin — Center City

Throw an event that will truly appeal to all ages at Spin, where the event space offers the opportunity to play ping-pong with guests. Booking options include private rooms with a dedicated bar, audio-visual systems, house DJs, and more.

Philadelphia Suburbs

The Saturday Club — Wayne

Located in the heart of the Main Line, the Saturday Club is an elegant, historic venue that can accommodate up to 120 guests for a seated dinner. The Clubhouse boasts a soaring wood-beamed ceiling and maple hardwood floor, and tables and chairs are available for use. All other vendors must be brought in, but the full-service kitchen can be used by caterers.

The Fuge — Warminster

The Fuge can host Bar and Bat Mitzvahs of all sizes, with three venues to choose between. The event coordination team can specialize the event to suit a specific vision, whether it's a Star Wars or Hollywood-style gala, or focusing on other personal interests and hobbies. Packages include the use of the Family Suite, a dedicated event coordinator, inventive cuisine, and a curated list of vendors.

The Warrington — Warrington

Intimate and affordable, the Warrington can be a good choice for a personalized event. Choose from the diverse selection of menus and food options, customized for special needs.Options abound for Mitzvahs, with enough space to include a DJ booth and dance floor or an activity area for guests. 

New Jersey

The Legacy Club — Cherry Hill

For a glitzy, upscale event, check out the Legacy Club in Cherry Hill. Events can be held in the all-new ballroom with customizable themes, unique menu items, and a team dedicated to making the event live up to expectations. The elegant clubhouse is spacious for a wide variety of set-ups to include dining, dancing, and ceremony space, if needed. Maximum capacity is 250, or 300 without a dance floor. For dining, select from buffet options, plated packages, and cocktail reception menus.

eLounge — Cherry Hill

At eLounge, there are two floors of possible rental space, for up to 175 guests for a seated dinner or up to 225 guests if there's no dance floor. Among the amenities are: a huge LED lit-up bar, pipe and drape from ceiling to floor, LED controlled lighting, Wi-Fi, lounge furniture or white Chivari chairs, food display stations, and a stair-lift for accessibility to those with mobility issues. Barry Catering works closely with eLounge to realize hosts' visions.

The Merion — Cinnaminson

Those who are looking for style and elegance should check out The Merion, known for its elaborate interior design. Events ranging from 50 or fewer to as many as 650 can fit in The Merion event space. Event specialists will take dreams and turn them into reality, with food by a renowned culinary team. 

Collingswood Grand Ballroom — Collingswood

With 1920s style decor, a dramatic staircase and polished cherry wood details, the Collingswood Grand Ballroom will add a sense of style to any size event held there. Just 20 minutes from Philadelphia, the ballroom offers optional upgrades such as an espresso bar, monogram pretzel station, photo booth, ambient lighting and more.

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