Trick candles are the oldest trick in the book. For a real birthday blowout, throw a party at one of these gems. From private restaurant spaces to karaoke hideouts to beauty dens, they’ll leave you (and your guests) feeling reborn.

This Italian restaurant lives in a former candy store, but its sweet spot is the backyard coach house. Follow a cobblestone path to the rustic little building where small groups cluster by candlelight to share plates of carpaccio, bucatini, and the best lasagna this side of Little Italy.

Mia Francesca, 3311 North Clark Street, at Aldine Avenue (773-281-3310 or miafrancesca.com).

Grab the wireless mic and show this dive bar what you’re made of. Karaoke every night means hours of entertainment for you and your uninhibited friends, while cans of Hamm’s and Schlitz limber up those vocal chords.

Louie’s Pub, 1659 West North Avenue, at Paulina Street (773-227-7947).

Tucked behind the restaurant and wine bar, the private brick patio and charming weathered barn look like they belong in the French countryside. Groups of up to 50 can rent the space and wander between wooden cabanas, high-boy tables, and rustic garden banquettes. Treat everyone to shrimp and octopus ceviche shots or artisan cheese plates.

Volo Restaurant Wine Bar, 2008 West Roscoe Street, at Damen Avenue (773-348-4600 or volorestaurant.com).

Want to get dressed up? At this indie salon, stylists host private glam hair and makeup parties. The Hair and Makeup package includes a blowout or updo, makeup application, and false eyelashes.

Strange Beauty Show, 1118 North Ashland Avenue, at Haddon Avenue (773-252-9522 or facebook.com).

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Troy Graves, former chef at Meritage. He and his partners transformed the old Duchamp space into a globally inspired pub with a patio you can rent for the evening. Shaded by trees heavy with lights, it’s a place to down craft beers, soy-cured salmon, and rabbit schnitzel.

Red Door, 2118 North Damen Avenue, at Charleston Street (773-697-7221 or reddoorchicago.com).

When you don’t want to put on your fancy pants, hit this old-school bowling alley that still has wooden lanes and manual scoring. Rent a few lanes or the entire place and let the good times roll. You can take in outside food, but count on the house bar to keep the drinks flowing.

Timber Lanes Bowling Alley, 1851 West Irving Park Road, at Wolcott Avenue (773-549-9770 or timberlanesbowl.com).

When you want to go big, book Volcano Room, the rum bar on the venue’s upper level. A minimum of 100 guests is required to make it private, but your friends (and friends’ friends) will come in droves when they hear about the entertainment options, from DJs to bands.

Bottom Lounge, 1375 West Lake Street, at Ogden Avenue (312-666-6775 or bottomlounge.com).

The Wicker Park boutique will close its stylish doors for you and up to fifteen friends for a night of private shopping. Everyone goes home with a private-label dress, and the owners can arrange for limo pickup to take you to a restaurant or bar after.

1741 West Division Street, between Hermitage Avenue and Wood Street (773-697-9899 or ledresschicago.com).

Happy birthday, dear beer geek. The Belgian gastropub has more than 40 craft brews on draft to enjoy in the upstairs private party room, which overlooks the restaurant from a balcony. Throw mussels and frites in the mix for more Euro-inspired fun.

Hopleaf, 5148 North Clark Street, between Foster Avenue and Winona Street (773-334-9851 or hopleaf.com).

Bieber, Coldplay, and AC/DC are fair game at this North Side gem, where you can let it rip in private rooms outfitted with cushy sofas and flat-screen TVs. Larger rooms hold up to 30 people. Don’t fight for the microphone, kids.

Lincoln Karaoke, 5526 North Lincoln Avenue, at Maplewood Avenue (773-895-2299 or lincolnkaraoke.com).

Laze your birthday away with a private spa party for a small group of relaxation-starved friends. The inviting oasis can customize a night of individual services for guests, ranging from Swedish massages to mini facials to manis and pedis.

Spa Soak, 1733 North Milwaukee Avenue, at Wabansia Avenue (773-395-9000 or spasoakchicago.com).

The neighborhood sporting parlor has plenty of nooks in which to gather, including a denlike front room where a fireplace crackles. Get cozy with a spread by chef Jared Van Camp. Some house-made hot dogs here, some warm pretzel bites there, generous pours of Ommegang Hennepin, and you’ve got yourself a party.

Old Town Social, 455 West North Avenue, at Cleveland Avenue (312-266-2277 or oldtownsocial.com).

The King’s Room at this Andersonville newbie gives groups of eight to twelve the royal treatment. Chef Brian Runge (formerly of Graham Elliot) encourages you to linger over his eight- or ten-course tasting menu with wine pairings. If you rent the room, you also get run of a private balcony patio.

Premise, 5420 North Clark Street, at Rascher Avenue (773-334-9463 or premisechicago.com).

Sunlight streams through the windows of this tranquil upper level of the Lincoln Park bakery and cafe — the ideal setting for groups that would rather do brunch than do damage at the bars. Catch up over quiches, galettes, tartines, croissants, and other flaky delights.

Floriole Cafe & Bakery, 1220 West Webster Avenue, at Magnolia Avenue (773-883-1313 or floriole.com).

Creativity comes naturally at this Logan Square newcomer that hosts art classes and can be rented for parties. Go with the flow in the deco-style space decorated with cast-iron chandeliers, a communal farm table, and white linen curtains.

Beauty & Brawn Art Gallery and Think Space, 3501 West Fullerton Avenue, at Saint Louis Avenue (773-772-9808 or beautyandbrawngallery.com).