"Planning an all-out birthday bash and looking for a spot that's as colorful as confetti-filled balloons? Funky Elephant in the Mission is the answer. Start with the aptly named party wings tossed with fiery chili jam. Then, sit back and celebrate in the best way possible: with pink lights and a disco ball, actually spicy food, and more than a few glasses of natural wine to make you forget you’re another year older. And don’t worry, you won’t be serenaded with singing and cymbals here (if you’re into that, get to Farmhouse Kitchen)." - julia chen 1, patrick wong, ricky rodriguez