Sprinkles Cupcakes has a lot of style: Bright candy-colored dots adorn the windows and the motif continues throughout the two-story treat spot, from the seating to the cupcakes. In honor of its L.A. roots, the ground floor features a "walk of fame" with stars emblazoned with popular flavors. The main attractions are the full-size cupcakes, $3.50 each or $39 for a dozen. Minis are also available for $24 per dozen but must be ordered at least a day in advance.

Sprinkles' cupcakes don't have trans fat, and there are vegan and gluten-free options. The flavors change frequently so you can check the weekly online menu to find out when the one you want will be available. And if you're a DIYer, Sprinkles even sells cupcake mixes.

The party room on the second floor is a knockout with pink floors, lots of dots and a large window with a view of busy Lexington Avenue. My preschooler loved it so much she said she never wanted to leave! For our party, fresh batches of cupcakes were laid out on two long tables along with frosting, cute decorations (rainbows, flowers, bows and the ubiquitous dots), sprinkles and crushed candy. The kids were given wooden spatulas, so even a three-year-old could spread with ease. After the decorating was done, my daughter dived into the red velvet and chocolate cupcakes (yes, I let her have two; they're not gigantic) while I was blown away by the vanilla.

The party room's amenities include a separate entrance, a spacious private bathroom and a large flat-screen TV (which was showing the Food Network's Cupcake Wars during our party, of course).

Sprinkles' two-hour cupcake decorating parties cost $500. The package includes 20 seated guests, 10 standing guests (i.e. the parents), four dozen full-size cupcakes or six dozen minis to decorate, a party coordinator, and staff to setup and clean up. Parents can opt to bring their own food and beverages, or order drinks from the bakery for an additional fee. After the kids are finished decorating, there's room to set up traditional party games like "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" or "Musical Chairs." It's a great choice for your kid's first "big" birthday, i.e. the one where you invite lots of children, not just your adult friends. If you're interested in booking a cupcake decorating party, email party@sprinkles.com. Just be warned: You may have to bribe your kids with a dozen cupcakes in order to leave.

Sprinkles Cupcakes is located at 780 Lexington Avenue between 60th and 61st Streets. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 10am-7pm.


For other great places to party, check out our Birthday Party Guide.