Updated for 2023
Looking for a great bar for a date in the Financial District of Manhattan? Going on a date with someone who works on Wall Street or splitting a 2 bedroom cut into 4 at 2 Gold? Thought that the only thing down here was tall office buildings and The New York Stock Exchange?
Our coaches carefully curated our recommendation list below of the best bars in the Financial District for your next date! From the Seaport to Stone Street, this list has it all.
About the bar & what makes it great: Overstory is located on the 35th floor of 70 Pine Street in the Financial District. It was designed by architect David Rockwell to reflect the Art Deco heritage of the building. The bar is named after its ceiling-height windows that provide stunning city skyline views. The warm colors, leather furnishings, and impressive wood bar create a sophisticated, cozy atmosphere highlighting the stunning interior. However, the true star of this spot is its view. As the sun sets, the skyscrapers illuminate, providing a romantic backdrop for your date.
Our favorite cocktail: "In The Clouds," was a good one and felt appropriate for how high up you are at this bar.
Our favorite bite: Their bar snacks were delicious, with a tasty mix of nuts, olives, and popcorn which was easy to split.
Reservation: Yes, on Resy. One of the best bars with a view on this list!
About the bar & what makes it great: If you're looking for a spot with great views, drinks, and a lively atmosphere, check out Pearl Alley. It is located at Pier 17 in The Seaport area of the Financial District, right by the East River, and boasts stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge. With its mostly open-air concept, Pearl Alley offers a great happy hour and live DJ nights. Furthermore, it is a multi-bar concept with three distinct bars (Waterfront, Pearl, Alley), each with its unique vibe. The Alley Bar stood out to us because of its laid-back atmosphere, which includes indoor food trucks, pool, ping pong, arcade games, and TV screens.
Our favorite cocktail: The Pier Sunrise, which is Pearl's twist on a tequila sunrise, but instead using Bourbon.
Our favorite bite to eat: Had great seafood appetizers/raw bar here, and can't go wrong with the baked clams. They also had a charcuterie board, which was good to split.
Reservation: Yes, on Resy.
About the bar & what makes it great: The Little Shop is a cocktail bar at the back of a local store with a charming ambiance. The Little Shop, situated near South Street Seaport, is a unique spot that offers a vibrant mix of a café, bar, and a general store. During the day, it's a bustling café and shop, but as night falls, it transforms into a charming bar with an inviting atmosphere. The eclectic decor, including vintage fixtures and quirky merchandise, makes for great conversation starters.
Our favorite cocktail: The "Shop Slushie" was tasty and different - it's their take on a boozy slurpee or frozen lemonade.
Our favorite bite to eat: Not much of a food menu here, so don't come hungry or expecting to snack.
Reservation: Yes, on Resy.
About the bar & what makes it great: Dorlan's Tavern is a lively and cozy just steps away from the South Street Seaport. With a laid-back atmosphere and a sports bar-like vibe, it's the ideal spot for a casual date. The tavern is known for its selection of craft beers and an extensive menu that offers comfort food at its best. It's where you can relax, enjoy a good meal, and have a great conversation without the pressure of a formal setting. With its friendly staff and neighborhood feel, Dorlan's Tavern has a charm that's hard to resist.
Our favorite cocktail: As a Tito's fan, the Dorlan's lemonade was refreshing, their take on a vodka soda lemon. Also, has an extensive menu of draft beers on tap.
Our favorite bite to eat: Gotta get their seasonal oysters here since it's an oyster bar! If you and your date are not fans, their buffalo shrimp was a solid second.
Reservation: None. First-come, first-served
About the bar & what makes it great: The Bar Room at The Beekman Hotel is where old-world glamour meets contemporary sophistication. This bar is situated on the ground floor beneath the hotel's breathtaking nine-story Victorian atrium and pyramidal skylight. The setting is simply spectacular, with the stunning architecture adding a layer of elegance to your evening. The Bar Room offers an impressive list of cocktails, an extensive wine selection, and an array of delicious small plates. With its luxurious ambiance and top-notch offerings, this place is an exceptional destination for a memorable date night.
This is one of the best bars in the city, period! The ambiance is a 10/10.
Our favorite cocktail: The espresso martini was one of the best in the city. Get it.
Our favorite bite to eat: Not much of a bar menu here, but we had a cheese plate that was fine to split. You come here more for the ambiance, not the food.
Reservation: Yes, on Resy.
About the bar & what makes it great: A new spot that opened during the pandemic in the financial district does a great job of Mexi-chic vibes.
Our favorite cocktail: We'd recommend their Mezcalita or the Paloma here since they specialize in tequila with a large stock.
Our favorite bite to eat: The Cali-fries were unlike ones we've ever had before - we'd highly recommend getting those, or the incredible tuna bites.
Reservation: Yes, on Resy.
About the bar & what makes it great: Established in 1762, the esteemed Fraunces Tavern Restaurant resides in the heart of the financial district and is one of our favorite historic FiDi bars. Its outstanding offerings include diverse local beers, handcrafted cocktails, and over a thousand spirits.
Right off Stone Street, Fraunces Tavern features seven distinct areas, each with a unique atmosphere. The Dingle Whiskey Bar and The Wine Room offers relaxed ambiances, while the Washington Room caters to formal events. The Independence and Hideout Bars provide ideal settings for informal gatherings. For intimate experiences, The Piano Bar Upstairs is recommended. For those interested in history, the Bissell room features a captivating mural of 18th-century downtown New York.
Our favorite classic cocktails at Fraunces Tavern: The "Presidential Punch" was a good play on the bar's historic charm, as this used to be the watering hole for George Washington. Awesome drink for any Rye fan.
Our favorite bite from the dining room: Loved the crab cake to split, and it had a nice touch to it with drizzled Avocado puree on top of it.
Reservation: Yes, on OpenTable. If the date is going well, feel free to walk over to Stone Street after the date for a nightcap! A lot of live music options here, whether at Fraunces or other parts of Stone Street.
About the bar & what makes it great: Trinity Place is not just a bar, it's an experience. A hidden gem housed inside a century-old bank vault beneath the Financial District, this bar and restaurant truly set a unique stage for a memorable date. As you descend the stairs and pass through the 35-ton vault door, you're transported to an era of old-world charm. The interior stays true to its history, featuring an ornate bar, wood paneling, and intimate lighting that creates an ambiance of elegance and mystique. The equally impressive menu offers a fine selection of wines, spirits, and delectable cuisine. But what truly sets Trinity Place apart is its perfect blend of history, luxury, and intimacy, making it one of the most distinctive bars in Manhattan.
Our favorite drink: The "Sunset on Seaport," was a great twist on the spicy margarita.
Our favorite bite from the dining room: The beef carpaccio was great to split, and the tartare duo came with both salmon and tuna.
Reservation: Yes, on OpenTable.
About the bar & what makes it great: Cedar Local, a recent addition to the Financial District scene, has quickly become popular. The captivating interior sets a brooding ambiance that goes well with the friendly bar staff. They are always ready to help you navigate the extensive cocktail menu and find the perfect drink.
Our favorite drink: Enjoy delicious creations like the Nectar of the Gods, Sweet Talker, or the classic Upper East Side. If you prefer craft beers and ciders, there are plenty of options.
Our favorite bite to eat: We loved the tuna poke taquitos to split, and they had generous portions here it seemed.
Reservation: Yes, on Yelp. This is one of the newest "best bars" we have on our list.
About the bar & what makes it great: Tucked away in the bustling Le District food hall outside the Financial District in Battery Park, it's is a piece of Paris in the heart of Manhattan. The bar's design combines a modern, sleek aesthetic with a distinctly French touch, creating a chic yet comfortable atmosphere perfect for a relaxed date. It's a perfect place to relax and pretend you're in a Parisian bar without leaving the city.
Our favorite drink: They pride themselves on any of their French wines or their spin on a Manhattan.
Our favorite bite to eat: Don't miss out on their Cheese Platter, which features a selection of imported French cheeses. It's the perfect pairing with their fine wines.
Reservation: Yes, on Resy.
About the bar & what makes it great: Set on the cobblestone streets of one of New York's oldest districts, Stone Street Tavern is a quintessential neighborhood bar with a rich history and a welcoming atmosphere. The rustic charm, complete with brick walls and wooden tables, creates a warm and cozy setting perfect for a casual date.
Our favorite drink: Try their "prohibition style cold brew old fashioned," which was awesome and unique.
Our favorite bite to eat: Had some solid calamari here, which was good to split. Solid pub food here.
Reservation: Yes, on their website. Also has an awesome happy hour in an area (Stone Street) that also makes for good after-work drinks when you are not on a date!
Thanks for reading!
We're Vance, a dating enablement platform to help you date more effectively. To learn more, check out How Vance Works or Shoot Us A Message!
Copyright Vance. 2023, All Rights Reserved.
.png){kind=small}
