Downtown Funk

The Financial District mixes new and vintage like nowhere else in New York. Interspersed with some of the oldest bars and taprooms in the city, fresh arrivals catering to the area’s now-vibrant nightlife scene are carving out a niche of their own on the heels of significant residential development in the neighborhood. Scores of new residents putting down roots in Financial District condos are seeking food and fun after sundown, and the area is adapting accordingly. As a result, plenty of restaurants and other spots for after-work get-togethers or impromptu celebrations now line these storied New York streets. Here are just a few:

Ulysses’ Folk House | 95 Pearl Street

Beloved by locals as a neighborhood gem, Ulysses’ Folk House is a lively destination for drinks or a weekend brunch ‒ and both options can include fresh oysters. Named for James Joyce’s famous novel, Ulysses’ Folk House offers free rounds on Bloomsday (June 16), the annual celebration of the novel’s protagonist, Leopold Bloom. On any day, traditional pub fare like carved turkey sandwiches and French Dip populate a menu that also pays homage to its waterside location with seafood options ranging from rare tuna steaks to lobster cocktail, little neck clams, and its own version of the classic plateau de fruits de mer known as Ulysses’ Tower. With plenty of outdoor space, Ulysses’ Folk House is a great option for a relaxed (but refined) round of drinks and snacks after a busy day at work.

Liquid Assets, Millenium Hilton Hotel | 55 Church Street

Nestled inside the Millenium Hilton Hotel just across from the World Trade Center site, Liquid Assets might be the quintessential Wall Street cocktail lounge. Featuring expert mixologists, it is also blessedly free of pretense. Liquid Assets caters to an always-entertaining mixture of financial mover-shakers looking to unwind, local Financial District residents meeting up with friends, and an array of international visitors staying at the Hilton. Such a combination contributes to an atmosphere as cosmopolitan as it is intriguing, and the ample space and subdued lighting – as well as the gourmet bar food and extensive menu of classic concoctions – make it easy to extend a single cocktail hour into an entire evening.

Fresh Salt | 146 Beekman Street

A weathered, hand-painted sign advertising “fresh, salt and smoked fish” on the front of a brick building on Beekman hearkens back to the days when the South Street Seaport catered primarily to dock workers and sailors. Inside that building today you’ll find Fresh Salt, a low-key, slightly chic, and very comfortable eatery offering an array of unique dishes complemented by craft beers and refreshing cocktails. Owners Sara Williams and Jason Connolly, who also run Mercury Lounge and Bowery Ballroom, have developed a tantalizing menu that ranges from refreshingly healthy options such as quinoa and avocado salads and Greek yogurt with honey to a filling pork and Swiss sandwich with jalapeno relish and Dijon mustard. Classic and creative cocktails on offer include the seaside favorite “Dark and Stormy” and the “Venezuelan Sidecar,” which is made with Diplomatico Reserva rum, Cointreau, and lemon juice.

Harry’s Cafe and Steak | 1 Hanover Square

Underneath the historic India House Club on Hanover Square, a warren of rooms connects the two sides of Harry’s Cafe and Steak: a lively cafe on Stone Street, and a classic steakhouse inside a former wine cellar on Pearl Street. This secluded, mildly eccentric eatery almost looks like a set from Mad Men. It remains a favorite of local financiers who frequent the whiskey bar after hours, while the elegant, ebony-paneled dining room continues to attract power brokers at lunchtime. There is nothing trendy about the menu here: classics like shrimp cocktail, pork chops, rack of lamb, and filet mignon keep regulars returning for the expertly prepared tastes of another era. Harry’s is also known for unapologetically big portions, so skipping a meal prior to dining here might be a savvy move.

Industry Kitchen | 70 South Street

Classic American bistro Industry Kitchen is ideally situated along the water’s edge next to the South Street Seaport, with clear views of the East River and the Brooklyn Skyline. With outdoor seating in nice weather, it’s a lively spot for people watching as the sun goes down, and if you’re planning a large gathering, it also happens to be housed in a 5000-square food space with floor the ceiling windows that can accommodate 300 guests. The chic interior complements Executive Chef Marco Arnold’s updated American fare, which is made seasonally with local ingredients. Known and loved for their wood-oven pizza and grilled meats, Industry Kitchen’s food is flavorful and distinctive. An impressive wine list and craft beers make this a great spot for a satisfying, unpretentious meal in a unique urban setting.