Planning an adult birthday in Apex usually means one question: dinner somewhere, then where? Here are the best places to celebrate a birthday in Apex, NC, ranked for groups of six to sixty.
At a glance
- Aqua Vitae – private evenings and group bookings in a cocktail lounge. Best for milestone birthdays.
- Southern Peak Brewery – long tables, pizza, beer. Best for relaxed mixed-age groups.
- The Backyard Bar – bands, pool, food trucks. Best for a loud night.
- Sports & Social Cary – games and screens. Best for very large casual groups.
- Downtown Apex restaurants – dinner first, then move on.
1. Aqua Vitae – private evenings
For a 30th, 40th or 50th that should feel like an occasion, Aqua Vitae takes private evenings and group bookings: a reserved section or the whole lounge, a curated cocktail list for your party, Champagne and sparkling by the glass, whiskey flights, and small plates passed around the room. Live jazz can be arranged. It is the only venue in Apex where a birthday feels dressed-up rather than a bar tab.
See private events or enquire about a date.
2. Southern Peak Brewery Taproom & Pizzeria
Long communal tables, pizzas to share and house beer make it easy for a mixed group with kids or non-drinkers.
3. The Backyard Bar
Weekend bands, a pool table and food trucks – a good fit for a casual, high-energy birthday.
4. Sports & Social Cary
Ten minutes away in Fenton, with games, screens and room for a crowd.
5. Dinner downtown, then drinks
Salem Street has restaurants for the meal; finish with cocktails at Aqua Vitae so the night has a second act.
Tips for booking a birthday in Apex
Book two to three weeks ahead for Friday and Saturday. Ask about a signature cocktail named for the guest of honour. Non-drinkers are covered at Aqua Vitae with a full zero-proof menu. Hours: Monday to Wednesday 4–11 pm, Thursday 4 pm–midnight, Friday and Saturday noon–midnight, Sunday noon–11 pm.
FAQ
Can I book a private bar in Apex for a birthday?
Yes – Aqua Vitae offers reserved sections and full-venue private evenings.
Is there a minimum spend?
It depends on the day and group size; contact the venue for current terms.