"The last time you thought about spending your birthday in Times Square, you were probably a child, brainwashed by gigantic M&Ms, or on your way to see Wicked (or all three). But hear us out. The dangling chandeliers, celebrity caricatures, and checkered tablecloths at this family-style Italian spot set the scene for a good time that’s just the right amount of tacky. It all feels like the childhood birthday parties we had at Bucca di Beppo, except the food is actually really good. Come here with six of your friends, order the huge, shareable platters of caesar salad and rigatoni alla vodka, and drink a boat load of wine next to a painting of Mario Lopez. " - bryan kim, neha talreja, kenny yang, sonal shah