Post overview: Where to find great deals during happy hour in FiDi
Okay just because you’re in the Financial District (FiDi) it doesn’t mean everybody you’re rubbing elbows with is a high-flying Wall Street executive. Most folks in the neighborhood are working class, trying to stretch a dollar any way they can.
And that’s why there’s a plethora of worthwhile happy hours in the Financial District. Everyday night around five o’clock the bars, pubs and restaurants swell with locals and visitors alike looking to unwind with a cold beer or stiff, refreshing drink.
The only thing that can stress folks out more than work is blowing all their money on full priced New York drinks. Luckily, happy hour in FiDi is just what the doctor ordered. So if you’re also looking for a fun (budget friendly) afternoon, you’ve come to the right place!
I’m a local who moved to the Financial District right after college, and in those days (and even now, sometimes) happy hours are life savers. I’ll give you a run-down of all the joints you can’t afford to miss, literally.
From bars fit for a party to restaurants pretty enough for an anniversary, there’s a happy hour in FiDi to suit every need. We’ll go over it all in this post, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Happy Hour in FiDi
Before we dive into this guide, please keep in mind prices and specials are subject to change at any time.
The Tuck Room
Happy Hour: Weekdays 3 to 6PM
The Tuck Room boasts all the features you’d expect in a modern restaurant with its plush seating, posh bars and mood-setting lighting. It’s one of the best date-night joints, especially for a happy hour in the Financial District.
And speaking of date-nights, The Tuck Room is a destination for many locals because it shares a space with the IPIC movie theater (it’s on the third floor). This means you can stop by for happy hour drinks in FiDi before stepping into your film.
And unlike other happy hour spots in FiDi that only offer drinks, The Tuck Room also has some small bites. There are chicken wings, truffle fries, and even spicy tuna on crispy rice (yes please!).
The food comes in small portions, but that’s okay because you don’t want to be bloated during your movie. 😉 And as far as drinks are concerned there are cocktails, beer, and wine all for under $10.
After you’re done with your Financial District happy hour you can step outside and keep the romance flowing. You’ll be at the Seaport, one of the most charming piers in NYC (it has stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge!).
Address: 11 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038
Ryan Maguire’s
Happy Hour: Daily 4 to 7PM
A no frills and friendly Irish pub, Ryan Maguire’s is one of the best happy hours in FiDi for an after-work cup of ale. This is the kind of spot where you can loosen your tie and laugh with friends without the need to impress anyone.
Even better, Ryan Maguire’s is one of the best FiDi happy hour spots for cheap booze. You might have thought all happy hours are cheap, but not like this.
The well drinks will only set you back $6, Miller Lite draft can be had for $4 (nobody tell my father in law) and house wines are $7. It’s easy to get carried away with prices like these, so be mindful of that “one more round” mindset. 😉
Address: 28 Cliff St, New York, NY 10038
Mezcali
Happy Hour: Weekdays 3 to 6PM
A mezcal and tequila bar, Mezcali’s claim to fame as one of the best happy hours in FiDi comes by way of their margaritas. The $9 cup of liquid gold is refreshing and strong – making it near impossible to resist a second.
There are also mezcalitas (like a margarita but made with mezcal), paloma spritz, and well drinks available all for under $10. Not to mention if you really want to party, shots of tequila and mezcal are available for a respectable $7 a pop.
But drinks aren’t everything Mezcali is good for, no no. There is a small food menu available at the Financial District happy hour joint, but trust me, no matter what you do don’t walk out the door without trying the elote. It’s Mexican-style street corn topped with tajin, mayo, cheese and cilantro (and only $6 during happy hour!).
Address: 83 Maiden Ln, New York, NY 10038
Harry’s Side Bar
Happy Hour: Daily 4 to 5PM
Harry’s Side Bar looks like it was copy and pasted out of a design magazine. The decor is immaculate, creating an upscale yet casual environment that makes it impossible not to whip out your phone for pictures.
Modeled after European champagne bars there’s an array of bubbly boozy beverages (I feel like Dr. Seuss after that tongue twister) just waiting to be enjoyed.
The FiDi happy hour destination consists of drinks like spritz, cocktails and select wines (red, white and sparkling). There is also the typical small bite shareables like olives, fries and salamis.
Just one thing to note: if you decide to visit Harry’s Side Bar and enjoy one of the best happy hours in FiDi keep an eye on your watch! Harry’s took happy hour literally, only offering it from four to five PM, so be there when they open to maximize your time.
Address: 62 Stone St, New York, NY 10004
Route 66 Smokehouse
Happy Hour: Weekday 3 to 7PM
Now I’m not claiming that Route 66 Smokehouse is as good as true Texas barbecue, but it’s pretty damn good. The brisket, pulled pork and ribs are all tastier than they are messy to eat and the portions are generous.
Unfortunately this FiDi happy hour spot only has drinks on the happy hour menu. But I promise you, after a few rounds of drinks the meat will be much too tempting to pass up, happy hour prices or not.
And speaking of happy hour drinks in FiDi, Route 66 has beer, wine, margaritas and well drinks all for under $10. Visiting with friends? Why not order a bottle of wine for the table, during happy hour they’ll run you $30.
Local’s tip: Route 66 is on Stone Street, one of the best attractions in the neighborhood. When the weather is nice the street is chock-full of tables from the local restaurants and pubs, so try to get outdoor seating if you can.
Address: 46 Stone St, New York, NY 10004
Broadstone Bar & Kitchen
Happy Hour: Weekdays 3 to 6PM
It shouldn’t be a shocker that one of the best brunch restaurants in the Financial District also has one of the best happy hours. Broadstone Bar & Kitchen wears many hats, and it does so well!
The gastropub is an electric spot for happy hour in FiDi thanks to the relentless bustle of both locals and visitors alike. I’ll admit the happy hour menu is limited, only offering a few select drinks, but the ambience makes up for it.
There are TV’s plastered around its three floors (yep, three floors!) playing live sports so you already know the after work crowd is fun. I once visited when the New York Knicks played the New York Nets (dubbed the Battle of the Boroughs) and I was high-fiving strangers in no time.
The best part is that thanks to its three stories they’re able to spread customers around. It makes Broadstone more breathable, and it doesn’t feel overly crowded like some other happy hours in FiDi.
And let me fill you in on the origin of the name, Broadstone is named so because it’s at the corner of Broad and Stone Streets. I only tell you this because it wasn’t until my half-dozenth visit that I realized it!
Address: 88 Broad St, New York, NY 10004
Malt House
Happy Hour: Weekdays 4 to 6PM
Thanks to a chic and industrial aesthetic the Malt House has a relaxed, breathable atmosphere. The tall celings and ample seating make it feel more spacious, and far away from the crowds that plague other FiDi happy hours.
Now that doesn’t mean the place is empty, you’ll enjoy your FiDi happy hour alongside lively chatter from neighboring tables but thankfully you won’t feel you’re on top of each other like at a college frat-house.
As far as food is concerned, Malt House has one of the best happy hours in the Financial District purely based off taste. The Wisconsin cheese curds, buttermilk bites (fried chicken) and parmesan fries are all stand-outs in the star-studded lineup and each cost under $10.
And of course the booze warrant a spot among the best happy hours in FiDi too. You’ll find $6 draft beers alonside a decent selection of house cocktails. If any of you reading this are a fan of smokey drinks, the Den of Thieves is a must try, made with Westward American Whiskey.
Address: 9 Maiden Ln, New York, NY 10038
Clinton Hall
Happy Hour: Daily 4 to 6PM
Clinton Hall’s name is an ode to Castle Clinton on the southern tip of Manhattan. Originally, Castle Clinton was made to protect the people of New York. Today, Clinton Hall protects New Yorkers from “consuming bad beer” by being one of the best happy hours in the Financial District.
The beer hall is great for a chill, easy going hangout thanks to the large communal tables and plethora of board games. And for those who love outdoor seating, there’s plenty at Clinton Hall (and they even have heaters).
The FiDi happy hour booze selection consists of $6 beer and $8 well drinks and house wines. The simple drinks help add to the fun experience, where nobody is worried about walking around with a $20 fancy cocktail in hand.
Also worth noting – Clinton Hall boasts one of the best burgers in NYC. Although it’s not part of the beloved FiDi happy hour, it’s well worth considering.
Address: 90 Washington St, New York, NY 10006
Fraunces Tavern
Happy Hour: Weekdays 4 to 7PM
Fraunces Tavern has been in operation since 1762, effectively making this one of the oldest (but not the oldest) bars in New York City.
This iconic FiDi happy hour spot holds historical significance that can’t be beat, it hosted George Washington on several occasions. Most notably, Washington came here to bid his troops an emotional farewell after the Revolutionary War victory in 1783.
Of course we’re here for booze not history (no matter how patriotic it is) and Fraunces Tavern offers one of the best happy hours in FiDi. So when you arrive to the bar, make sure to tell your host that you’re there for happy hour since it’s only served in certain sections.
The main draw of the Financial District happy hour is $1.50 oysters, but there’s a minimum of six. Every time I visit, I can’t help but wonder – did George Washington shoot his oysters with cocktail sauce?
There’s also a selection of draft beer, wine and cocktails available for $2 off.
Be sure to end your visit with a trip the museum upstairs, which history buffs are sure to appreciate. It’s home to fascinating relics and they even recreated the way the room would have looked when Washington bid farewell to his troops.
Address: 54 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004
Fresh Salt
Happy Hour: Daily 4 to 8PM
Whether you’re swinging by after work for a cold one or making a pit-stop after a show at Pier 17, Fresh Salt warrants a stop. Hell, if I’m ever in the area between the hours of four and eight I’m drawn to it like a magnet.
The bar’s headlining act is one of the best happy hours in FiDi which makes being tipsy that much more affordable. All you have to say is $4 draft beer and I come running!
I will point out that Fresh Salt sees a sizeable afternoon rush right around the time folks get off work. But here’s my belief – don’t punish folks for being popular, they go that way for a reason!
It’s a catch 22 because on one hand you have one of the best happy hour deals in FiDi, but on the other hand everyone wants in on the fun too. So if you’re looking for a fun night and trying to save some coin, you need look no further than Fresh Salt.
Address: 146 Beekman St, New York, NY 10038
The Cauldron
Happy Hour: Wednesday – Thursday 2 to 7PM & Friday 2 to 5PM
If you’re looking for the most be-witching ? happy hours in the Financial District you can’t afford to miss The Cauldron. Stone Street’s very own magical pub will have you feeling like a kid again thanks to a Hogwartz vibe and “potions.”
During the popular FiDi happy hour you’ll have the choice of $1 off well drinks, wine and beer as well as $2 off specialty drinks (which rotate seasonally). You’ll also enjoy $1 off appetizers and $2 off sliders.
If you want a richer experience and have time (and are okay not ordering off the happy hour menu) I encourage you to try “potion making.” To keep things simple, you and your friends will get to choose which drinks you’d like and then have the opportunity to make them.
The drinks are called potions, thus the name potion making. You get to mix them in cauldrons with steam rising and witch hats. Like I mentioned, this isn’t part of the FiDi happy hour but worth considering!
Address: 47 Stone St, New York, NY 10004
White Horse Tavern
Happy Hour: Monday – Saturday 3 to 9PM
The White Horse Tavern is home to one of the best happy hours in the Financial District, steeped in a rich history that dates back to the days before America even existed. The tavern today sits on the same plot of land the Dutch West India Company opened a brewery way back in the 17th century.
Fast forward several generations, the White Horse Tavern is housed in a building constructed around the 1850’s, and you can tell it’s old. If any of you have seen the movie Up (2009), the tavern looks like Carl’s house, aged and surrounded by buildings made of concrete and steel.
Even the interior oozes an atmosphere of an old world. It makes enjoying a drink a richer experience, and luckily White Horse Tavern hosts one of the best happy hours in FiDi.
Beer and well drink can be enjoyed for under $10, so you’ll find it easy to stay a while, especially when you consider this FiDi happy hour runs until 9PM.
There are two notable White Horse Taverns in New York City, one in the Greenwich Village and one in the Financial District. They have no correlation to each other.
Address: 25 Bridge St, New York, NY 10004
Trinity Place
Happy Hour: Weekdays 3 to 5PM
One of the most unique happy hours in the Financial District is Trinity Place Bar & Restaurant. To access the bar you’ll have to walk through a front door made out of an old bank vault that was once owned by Andrew Carnegie (luckily it’s already open, you won’t have to crack it).
Once inside you’ll find a charming restaurant staffed by kind waiters and bartenders. It’s not necessarily a fancy restaurant, but it is a good spot for a casual date.
And if you’re only looking to drink, Trinity Place is one of the best bars in FiDi for happy hour. The selection is small but has enough variety to get you buzzed on a budget. There are sub $10 cocktails, and buckets of beer available too (four beers for $20)!
Address: 115 Broadway, New York, NY 10006
Cowgirl SeaHorse
Happy Hour: Tuesday’s
A hodgepodge of different cuisines, Cowgirl Seahorse blends the flavors of Tex-Mex, Gulf-Coast seafood and southern-styled restaurants.
Although there isn’t any food at this FiDi happy hour joint, there’s plenty of drinks to go around. Frozen margaritas are only $8, so when the weather is nice you know where I’ll be. There’s also $6 wine and beer.
Furthermore, the decorations and charm of the restaurant set the tone from the second you walk in. Call it southern hospitality, but the staff is welcoming and I’ve never had a bad experience at Cowgirl Seahorse (and I’ve visited nearly a dozen times!).
The happy hour destination in FiDi is a great local joint too. There aren’t too many (obvious) visitors, mostly just laid back, neighborhood locals enjoying a casual drink in the Financial District.
Address: 259 Front St, New York, NY 10038
Five & Dime Coffee & Cocktails
Happy Hour: Daily 3 to 6PM
Coffee and cocktails? I volunteer as tribute! As if the drinks weren’t enough, Five & Dime is one of the best happy hours near FiDi thanks to its chic 1920’s decor that oozes old school vibes (I say near because technically it’s in Tribeca).
The aesthetic is attributed to the fact the cafe is located inside the Woolworth Building, an icon of old New York. For those that don’t know, the Woolworth Building was the tallest building in the world from 1913 to 1920, when it was dethroned by the Empire State Building.
There’s plenty of seating, so if you arrive in the morning (when they serve coffee) you’re welcome to work or study. With that said, I know you’re here for what really matters: the best happy hour in FiDi.
Five & Dime offers a generous happy hour daily, with masterfully crafted cocktails starting at $12. You’ll also find beer and wine for $8, in case you choose to keep things simple.
Address: 8 Park Pl, Tribeca, NY 10007
Sky55 bar and grill
Happy Hour: Weekdays 4 to 7PM
I was hesitant to mention Sky55 Bar and Grill as one of the best happy hours in FiDi because in doing so I’m also telling you about one of the best hidden hangouts in NYC, the Elevated Acre, a free park.
The Elevated Acre is a small park tucked away on a rooftop at 55 Waters Street, all you have to do is take the stairs (hard to miss, there’s an escalator too) and you’ll find an oasis in the concrete jungle. The park has plenty of seating, an open lawn and a meandering path through shrubs and trees.
The park is also home to Sky55, an understated joint that makes cold drinks and hot plates. On some days you’ll even find a DJ, which is uncommon for happy hours in FiDi (and perfect for folks like me who love being home by nine).
Happy hour consists mostly of cocktails, but the prices vary so I won’t list them here. And since this place is located within a hidden park, you’ll also get to enjoy it without the chaos of crowds.
Address: 55 Water St, New York, NY 10041
Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina
Happy Hour: Monday – Thursday 2:30 to 6:30PM (at the bar only)
If tequila is your middle name, one of the best happy hours in the Financial District is Mad Dog & Beans. The joint is rarely empty but the staff always does a great job taking care of you.
At Mad Dog you can expect some of the freshest-tasting margaritas in NYC. You’ll have the choice of adding a flavor (and there’s plenty to choose from) like mango, coconut, pomegranate, guava, cucumber and more.
During the popular FiDi happy hour the beloved Mexican cocktail is $8 frozen, and $9 for the signature margarita. You’ll also find $7 house wine and $6 Mexican beer (which is a steal in NYC).
And if you’re really looking to party and you’re not partial to happy hour, this FiDi bar offers one of the largest margaritas you can get your precious little hands on. Served as a margarita tower filled with 100 ounces of the sweet, sweet nectar you’ll need to have a party of at least four to even have a crack at it.
It’s equal to about 10 drinks and flavors can be added too, just like with a regular margarita. It’s only available on the rocks (can you imagine having to blend 100 oz. of margarita?) and will leave you feeling warm & fuzzy inside.
Address: 83 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004
The Full Shilling
Happy Hour: Weekdays 4 to 7PM
Have you ever wanted to drink a pour of Guinness over a 100+ year old bar from Ireland? Because I bet if you didn’t, you do now.
And you’re in luck, because Full Shilling (one of the happy hour spots in the Financial District), imported a 100+ year old bar from Belfast when they opened in 1999.
Now you can enjoy the best happy hour in FiDi with a little piece of history. The $7 beer, $8 wines, and $9 cocktails seem to taste richer, and fuller when you consider that thousands of drinks have been served over the counter’s history.
And I know it isn’t part of the happy hour menu but the Irish cuisine is warm and appetizing. Staple dishes like bangers & mash (sausage and mash potatoes), shepherds pie and Guinness beef stew draw locals in like clockwork. Chef Hector Garzon has also introduced American-bistro fare as well like flatbreads and burgers.
Since the pub neighbors Wall Street you’ll find it’s one of the best happy hour spots in FiDi for working folks. The lunch rush swells with folks on break and after about five or six in the afternoon there’s a second wave of eager locals.
Address: 160 Pearl St #1, New York, NY 10005
Highly Rainforest Rooftop
Happy Hour: Daily Specials
Okay the Highkey Rainforest Rooftop will not be to everyone’s liking, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it as one of the best happy hour spots in FiDi. Found on the roof of the Sheraton Hotel, the joint feels more like an Instagrammers paradise.
There’s fun music, hookah to smoke and photo taking opportunities galore! So I wouldn’t necessarily bring the in-laws to Highkey Rainforest Rooftop, but a girls night or birthday shindig? Save me a table!
And the reason I add it to the list of best happy hours in FiDi is because every day brings a new special. I know I know it isn’t necessarily happy hour, but at the end of the day it’s discounted drinks – do you want in or not?
Taco Tuesdays offer 90 minutes of bottomless margaritas for $35, R&B Wesnesdays has $10 lemondrops and Take Flight Thursdays has $7 shots of Patron. If you’re balling on a budget (like me) just take a look at their website and make a reservation on the day of the deal you want.
Address: 6 Platt St 29th floor, New York, NY 10038
Tacombi
Happy Hour: Weekdays 4 to 7PM
Tacombi has a lot of naysayers, but I will not stand for its slander. The chain restaurant consistently serves unfussy, tasty Mexican food, because sometimes all you want is a burrito and beer (who cares if it’s not Michelin rated?)
Even better Tacombi has one of the best happy hours in FiDi. There’s $9 cocktails, $5 beer and (my favorite) $5 micheladas. And for those of you who’ve never heard of a michelada, it’s a drink made of beer, lime juice, and tomato sauce (and trust me, it tastes better than it sounds).
The vibe is more laid back than any other FiDi happy hour I’ve been to. Hell the interior makes me feel like I’m back in Mexico. It’s easy to hang a while and enjoy a few rounds. Especially since happy hour runs all the way until 7PM!
Address: 74 Broad St, New York, NY 10004
Happy Hour Financial District NYC (Post Summary)
- Tacombi
- Highly Rainforest Rooftop
- Full Shilling
- Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina
- Sky55 bar and grill
- Five & Dime Coffee & Cocktails
- Cowgirl SeaHorse
- Trinity Place
- White Horse Tavern
- The Cauldron
- Fresh Salt
- Fraunces Tavern
- Clinton Hall
- Malt House
- Broadstone Bar & Kitchen
- Route 66 Smokehouse
- Harry’s Side Bar
- Mezcali
- Ryan Maguire’s
- The Tuck Room
Map of Best Financial District Happy Hours
And there you have it! The best spots to grab happy hour in FiDi. Let me know if I missed any of your favorites!
Cheers!
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