The Financial District (FiDi) in New York City is a hub where millions of dollars switch hands daily, and you know the only way to unwind after a stressful day of high-stakes deals? Booze. Lots, and lots of booze.
Now by no means am I saying that every person hitting the bars in the Financial District is a stock-broker or Wall Street tycoon, but you’re sure to rub elbows with a few. 😉
Not to mention the history at FiDi bars is unparalleled. There are centuries-old watering holes that were frequented by presidents (NYC was the country’s capital at one point, you know) and new, modern bars that would blow said presidents’ wigs off.
So if you’re planning a trip to the Financial District and would like to know which bars to visit, I’m here to help. As a local in my 20’s I’ve frequented the best bars looking to upgrade in the marriage department and find rich Wall Street executives (just kidding, honey).
From small dive bars in FiDi to fancy establishments that are elegant enough for a proposal, we’ll cover it all! Are you ready to get into it? Because I am!
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.
Best Financial District (FiDi) Bars
#20. Bill’s Bar & Burger
If you’re looking for one of the more low-key bars in the Financial District, consider swinging by Bills Bar & Burger. It’s a sports bar that serves delicious comfort food, but the burgers and shakes are where they truly shine.
With more than ten different burgers to choose from, there is something for everyone here. My favorites include The Bill’s burger which is a classic and The Big Mamooo which is a cheese burger but topped with mac & cheese and bbq brisket.
Bills Bar & Burger is one of the best bars in the Financial District for groups. Not only is it spacious but it offers a burger tower called Killer B’s, which is made up of five mini burgers (caramelized onion, american cheese, ketchup, mustard, special sauce, pickles) and served with fries and onion rings.
This is one of the few FiDi bars that accommodate large groups in a relaxed, unfussy atmosphere.
Address: 85 West St, New York, NY 10006
#19. Underdog
Located on Stone Street, one of the most charming streets in the Financial District, is a cozy, dimly lit bar called the Underdog.
In a lot of ways the Underdog is an overachiever (that’s how it gets its name). The best bars in FiDi are usually establishments that are either fancy or rooted in history, but the Underdog is just a plain friendly neighborhood bar.
The food is like what you’ll find at most bars in the Financial District, consisting of simple burgers, wings, fries and the such. However, the food is better than at a typical dive, I’d guess due to the fresh, high quality ingredients.
And for any of my fellow (aspiring) whiskey connoisseurs, Underdog has an impressive selection of unique and hard to come by whiskey to help expand your horizons. You’ll also find beer, wine and cocktails if you’d prefer to keep things simple.
Address: 55 Stone St, New York, NY 10004
#18. White Horse Tavern
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.
The White Horse Tavern is one of the best bars 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 surrounded by buildings made of concrete and steel.
Even the interior oozes an atmosphere of an old world. It makes enjoying a beer a richer experience, and luckily there’s a wide selection of brews to choose from. You’ll also find hearty pub food, cocktails and wine.
Address: 25 Bridge St, New York, NY 10004
#17. Stout NYC
Stout NYC was founded in 2005 and has four locations peppered near Manhattan’s major transportation hubs, and luckily they one of them is among the best bars in the Financial District.
The joint feels and looks like an upscale neighborhood bar, laid back and friendly. It’s well suited for after-work drinks or meeting with friends for a casual evening out.
There’s a solid selection of draft beers available, most of which come from New York. Plus the food is a step-up from typical dive bar quality so a growling stomach will find its match at Stour NYC.
If you need to accompany your beer with some entertainment, Stout NYC has plenty of TV’s playing major sports. All this to say, the easygoing atmosphere and easy accessibility make Stout NYC one of the best bars in the Financial District.
Address: 90 John St, New York, NY 10038
#16. Full Shilling
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 we’re in luck, because Full Shilling, one of the best bars in the Financial District imported one from Belfast when they opened in 1999. And the countertop isn’t the only thing authentically Irish at Full Shillling.
The Irish cuisine is warm and appetizing, with staple items like bangers & mash (sausage and mash potatoes), shepherds pie and Guinness beef stew drawing locals in like magnets. 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 bars in the Financial District 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
#15. Stone Street Tavern
If you’ve never visited Stone Street you’re missing out on one of the best things to do in the Financial District. One of New York’s oldest streets, Stone Street dates back to the Dutch colonization of New York!
String lights brightly illuminate the cobblestone path which is lined with restaurants on either side. One of the locales, Stone Street Tavern, is well placed among the best bars in FiDi.
For starters, the ambience is laid back and fun. Even more so when the weather is nice and you’re sitting outside, at a table under the string lights with friends.
Secondly the food is fantastic. The French onion soup is some of the best I’ve had in NYC and the mac & cheese is the best out of all the bars in the Financial District.
You’d be hard pressed to find a better place to visit if you’re looking for a fun-loving atmosphere, whether you’re a local or a tourist. The cold drinks and iconic outdoor dining makes Stone Street Tavern one of the best bars in the Financial District.
Address: 52 Stone St, New York, NY 10004
#14. Trinity Place
One of the most unique bars 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 enough has enough variety to get you buzzed on a budget. There are sub $10 cocktails and buckets of beer available too! Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 – 6PM.
Address: 115 Broadway, New York, NY 10006
#13. Beckett’s Bar & Grill
You wouldn’t immediately assume Beckett’s is one of the best sports bars in the Financial District, but as soon as you step inside you’re bombarded with enough TV’s you might think you stepped into Best Buy.
It’s crazy that the two-story bar is housed in the same building (from the 1600’s) that housed New York City’s first printing press. I guess there’s something about the location that loves being at the forefront of technology!
Monday through Thursday the joint is relaxed and easygoing. It’s one of the best bars in FiDi to catch a casual game. The weekends see larger crowds and if there’s a big game (like March Madness or the Super Bowl) good luck finding a table! That’s why whenever possible I encourage making reservations.
The food is typical pub fare so you’ll have a full belly while cheering on your favorite team. I’m partial to the bbq pork mac & cheese but my wife swears by the fish & chips.
Address: 81 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004
#12. The Malt House
The Malt House is oddly one of the best bars in the Financial District for bottomless brunch. But hey If New York City has taught me anything, it’s that drinking before noon and calling it brunch is socially acceptable — so I’ll take it!
With two locations (Greenwich Village & Financial District) Malt House provides double the opportunity to partake in a fun bottomless NYC brunch. With the purchase of a brunch entree you’ll have access to 90 minutes of bottomless brunch cocktails.
These aren’t your basic drinks either. Sure, there are mimosas and sangrias, but there’s a few unique drinks too. The maltmosa, made with wheat beer, champagne and orange juice is especially memorable.
Keep in mind, since this is one of the best bars in the Financial District, the food won’t be as impressive as the drinks. The dishes do a good job of keeping you from drinking too much too quickly, but ultimately the bottomless drinks are why you’re there.
Address: 9 Maiden Ln, New York, NY 10038
#11. The Irish American Pub
If you’re in search of a good time, and nothing but a good time, The Irish American Pub is the place for you. As one of the best bars in the Financial District the joint knows how to curate an high-spirited atmosphere fueled by alcohol, good food and sports.
Nearly every major sporting event can be found on one of the many TV’s hanging from the walls and the crowd is full of fun-loving, jovial locals. For any fans of football (and I mean real football, some of you may know it as soccer) The Irish American Pub has become a hub for Liverpool games, the atmosphere is electric.
There’s also a pool table, ping pong and karaoke further solidifying The Irish American Pub as one of the best bars in the Financial District.
There’s a generous selection of spirits including a decent array of whiskeys. If you choose to keep things simple though, beer is available (including great pours of Guinness).
Address: 17 John St, New York, NY 10038
#10. Killarney Rose
Killarney Rose is a poster child for the American dream and I’m convinced the history makes the beer taste richer, let me explain.
Frank Moran arrived at Ellis Island from Ireland in 1950, working odd jobs and even serving in our military, eventually opening Killarney Rose in 1962. Even in the present Killarney Rose remains in the family, being run by Frank’s son John.
In a lot of ways Killarney Rose is the quintessential Irish pub, owned and operated by a family of immigrants welcoming their new community with cold beer and hearty meals. It’s one of the best bars in the Financial District and the locals know this to be true, it’s an unfussy joint that satisfies.
And the prices are hard to beat, too. Killarney Rose is one of the best bars in the Financial District for those of us on a budget and every day brings a new special. There’s two-for-one Tuesdays, wine-down Wednesdays, Dew & brew Saturdays and more!
Address: 88 Broad St, New York, NY 10004
#9. O’Hara’s Restaurant & Pub
O’Hara’s Restaurant & Pub is as old-school and classic as Irish pubs in New York City get. Not to mention, the history packed into this one neighborhood bar is worth the visit alone.
Opened in 1983, O’Hara’s has stood the test of time and has proven to be one one the best bars in the Financial District. In its heyday it was a hub for locals to gather, but what once served as a safe-haven was tragically destroyed in the September 11th attacks.
After closing and rebuilding over seven months O’Hara’s reopened, becoming even more of a sanctuary through its resilience. In the present it’s become one of the most iconic bars in the Financial District.
This neighborhood staple has become a hot-spot for firefighters, policemen and folks from all over to get together and share a cold beer and reminisce.
Pro Tip: Ask to see the scrapbook of all the photos, news articles and aftermath clippings of 9/11. O’Hara’s survived the tragedy and pays tribute to those we lost.
Address: 120 Cedar St, New York, NY 10006
#8. Carragher’s
I know I’ve mentioned the English football team Liverpool once already, but Carragher’s is too iconic of a bar in FiDi not to mention.
A gathering place for fans of Liverpool, the whole joint transforms into a blur of red jerseys and shouting fans. For big games the bar swells stuffing folks in like sardines, only parting when someone is squeezing through with a few cold pints.
But even if you’re not a sports fan, Carragher’s is one of the best bars in the Financial District for casual drinkers. The sports bar vibe is a touch more upscale than you’d expect so it can double as a casual date spot or hangout.
The menu revolves around typical pub food, mostly a selection of sandwiches that pair nicely with a cold beer.
Address: Basement Bar, 17 John St, New York, NY 10038
#7. Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina
If tequila is your middle name, one of the best bars in the Financial District for a margarita 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.
And if you’re really looking to party, 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
#6. Jeremy’s Ale House
Okay this is one of the handful of bars in the Financial District you don’t want to bring your parents to, and especially not your in-laws. The reason? Jeremy’s Ale House is adorned with the bras of patrons hanging from the ceiling.
It’s one of the best dive bars in FiDi through and through and the colorful decorations are only the beginning. The ceiling is also tagged with messages from the hundred if not thousands of locals who’ve been bold enough to leave their mark.
Most of the food menu consists of seafood staples like fish and chips, calamari and cajun shrimp. Most of the items are shareable, perfect for a dive bar and are reasonably priced.
Jeremy’s Ale House is also one of the best bars in the Financial District for reasonably priced drinks. Whether it’s a mixed drink or beer, you’ll be able to get two at Jeremy’s for the price of one at other bars in FiDi.
Address: 228 Front St, New York, NY 10038
#5. The Cauldron
If you’re looking for the most be-witching 😉 bars 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” or drinks.
You can make reservations for just food and drinks, which is fun but definitely not the full experience. One of the best bars in the Financial District for a date night, 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 get 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.
And if you’d prefer afternoon tea to potions you can brew those at The Cauldron too. No matter when you decide to visit though, I strongly (emphasis on strongly) recommend booking reservations ahead of time.
Address: 47 Stone St, New York, NY 10004
#4. Clinton Hall
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 bars in the Financial District.
I might add – they’re also doing locals a service by providing what many believe to be the best burger in New York City. Their Double Smashed 19 burger won Insider Edition’s Burger Bash in 2018, rated as not the best burger in New York City, but the country.
But the real reason Clinton Hall has made our list of best bars in the Financial District is simply thanks to the atmosphere. This is a spot where locals and visitors can unwind with a brew in hand while passing time by playing games. Card games, Connect Four and Jenga are just a few of the games available for you to enjoy while sipping on beer.
Not the mention the outdoor patio makes the perfect gathering spot for friends on a nice summer day.
Address: 90 Washington St, New York, NY 10006
#3. Ulysses
Open for an impressive stretch of 7,000+ days in a row Ulysses is a machine churning out delectable pub fare and cold beer. The neighborhood staple doesn’t stop, it’s open year round until 4AM, rain or shine!
The Irish pub is between two of the neighborhood’s most iconic streets, Stone St. and Pearl St. and is well deserving of a spot among the best bars in the Financial District.
There’s live music (some with a cover fee, some without, visit the website for a schedule) that helps enliven the place and before you know it you’ll be tapping your feet too.
The drinks cover the gamut, ranging from classic beer to expensive wine to masterfully crafted cocktails. Safe to assume after a few rounds you’ll be tuned up and enjoying one of the best bars FiDi has to offer.
Locations: 58 Stone Street, 95 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004
#2. Fraunces Tavern
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 bar holds historical significance that can’t be beat, it hosted George Washington on several occasions. Most notable when Washington came here to bid his troops an emotional farewell after the Revolutionary War victory in 1783.
Washington invited soldiers from the Continental Army to join his in the Long Room at Fraunces Tavern and a surviving account of the parting is well documented by Benjamin Tallmadge, who was present:
Whenever I visit I’m always surprised by the lack of tourists, I mean this is one of the most iconic bars in the Financial District for crying out loud!But alas, this seems more like a local joint, which never ceases to amaze me considering the history behind it.
Make sure to visit the museum located 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.
From Memoirs of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge (1830)
“At 12 o’clock the officers repaired to Fraunces Tavern in Pearl Street where General Washington had appointed to meet them and to take his final leave of them. We had been assembled but a few moments when his excellency entered the room. His emotions were too strong to be concealed which seemed to be reciprocated by every officer present. After partaking of a slight refreshment in almost breathless silence the General filled his glass with wine and turning to the officers said, ‘With a heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.”
Address: 54 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004
#1. The Dead Rabbit
Named after an Irish gang that ran rampant in lower Manhattan, the Dead Rabbit was opened in 2013. The founders, Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry hail from Belfast, Ireland and had a simple goal. They wanted to create one of the best upscale bars in the Financial District with the atmosphere of an Irish Pub. And they delivered.
The phenomenal cocktails being crafted at this New York City bar have earned it several awards, most notably #1 bar in the world in 2016. But it’s the hot toddy that steals the show for me.
Few FiDi bars are as impressive as The Dead Rabbit. In fact, I remember when I first moved out to New York City eight years ago, anytime I asked a local for bar recommendations sure enough The Dead Rabbit was first for many folks.
Address: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004
FiDi Bars (Post Summary)
- The Dead Rabbit
- Fraunces Tavern
- Ulysses
- Clinton Hall
- The Cauldron
- Jeremy’s Ale House
- Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina
- Carraagher’s
- O’Hara’s Restaurant & Pub
- Killarney Rose
- The Irish American Pub
- The Malt House
- Beckett’s Bar & Grill
- Trinity Place
- Stone Street Tavern
- Full Shilling
- Stout NYC
- White Horse Tavern
- Underdog
- Bill’s Bar & Burger
Financial District Bars in NYC (Map)
And there you have it my friends, the best bars in FiDi according to yours truly. If you think we missed a spot, leave a comment and we’ll make sure to check it out.
Cheers!
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