4 Best Bars in Financial District, New York City

For exquisite cocktails in a quintessentially old–New York locale, venture to the tip of Manhattan for a night of Irish hospitality in a 19th-century-inspired saloon. The ground-floor taproom serves craft beers and whiskeys of the world, while a warren of upstairs parlor spaces shakes and stirs craft cocktails, many putting Irish whiskey to excellent use. If the drink menu isn't doing the trick, challenge one of the ace bartenders to mix up something special for your palate. The Dead Rabbit is always lively and unpretentious, and isn't hung up on dress codes or door policies typical of some New York cocktail dens—though it's still a good idea to reserve a table. There's also a solid food menu built on Irish faves, guest chefs, and occasional live music.

High up on Floor 64 of the historic 70 Pine tower is this suave splurge-worthy cocktail lounge, where guests come as much for the views and polished service as they do for the high-end, deliciously creative libations. Pass through the fine dining room that is Saga on your way up a flight of stairs, into oval-shape Overstory, which occupies the former A.I.G. board room and whose Art Deco furnishings suit this 1930s-era skyscraper. The wraparound balcony has seating, though lofty winds may limit outdoor time to just long enough for a few marvelous skyline photos. Reservations are highly recommended.

The same year that the Brooklyn Bridge opened (1883), the Temple Court building welcomed its first visitors—though back then it was an office tower, not the lushly restored hotel it became in 2016 (The Beekman). The Bar Room is among the neighborhood's highlights, a splendid ground-floor lounge where libations are priced as much for the landmark setting and elegant furnishings as for their quality. Nevertheless, there's no other hotel bar in New York where you can gaze up a nine-story atrium lined with ornate ironwork while sipping a tipple; just reserve prime seats in advance.

Few bars can rival the harbor views of this festive Seaport spot occupying Pier 15. Watermark is an all-season bar that's open-air most of the year (with pop-up igloos and chalets through winter). Thirsty patrons enjoy breezy weekday happy hours, prix-fixe drinking-dining events, and deals on wine, beer, cocktails, plus daily and seasonal specials like Wine-Down Wednesday and Oktoberfest. A variety of bar food and weekend brunch balances out the robust drinking options.